First Glance: New Pak Pak Branch in Ocean International

For those who found the original branch of Pak Pak Thai Kitchen in Wangjing just that little bit too far, restauranteurs Amy Li and Jonathan Ansfield have now opened a second branch in the Ocean international complex just south of Central Park. 

Like their other award-winning restaurant, Susu, Pak Pak features sleek, modern decor with subtle hints of southeast Asian design here and there: here the main feature is a wall featuring panes of pressed glass in bright Thai colors. 

The menu covers all the Thai classics, with a number of lesser known, regional dishes thrown in for good measure. The classic som tam thai (green papaya salad) (RMB 38) was fiery hot, while a bowl of kaeng phanaeng neua (Panang curry with beef brisket) (RMB 58) was comfortingly creamy with a subtle fragrance. 

Sweets cover everything from traditional khanom chan (steamed layer cake flavored with pandan and coconut) (RMB 38) to more modern takes like chili chocolate cake. 

Let's cut to the chase this is seriously good food. The original Pak Pak in Wangjing showed that Thai food in Beijing could be much better than average and they have certainly captured that here too. Prices are reasonable for the location and portions are substantial. 

They are currently in soft opening, so expect to see tweaks and changes here and there over the weeks to come. One thing I'd love to see is some kind of lunch deal, which bearing in mind the number of offices in the surrounding area would definitely draw in the crowds. 

Pak Pak
Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1/F, Bldg AB, Ocean International, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang District (opposite the east side of The Place) (8590 6956)
朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际AB座1层(世贸天阶东门对面)

More stories by this author here.

Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
Instagram: @gongbaobeijing
Twitter: @gongbaobeijing
Weibo: @宫保北京

Photos: Robynne Tindall