We're just a couple months into 2016 but the years big food trend seems to have been established. We've already seen a handful of Southeast Asian spots open and more are coming. I didn't want this mom and pop spot on Chicago avenue in Ukrainian Village to be left out so I'm giving it's LTH introduction.
Newly Opened on Chicago avenue
JJ Thai Street Food sits in the old Yuzu space. Its name is a salute to the Jatujak Market in Bangkok, sometimes called JJ Market. The owner, Chef Jina, is a former cook at Yuzu who used to make her family recipe Thai meals for the staff over there. When Yuzu decided to move down the block the people behind it convinced Chef Jina she needed to open her own place and the old Yuzu location was the perfect spot to do so. So far, so good.
a peek inside
All the cooking is done in an open air kitchen which gives the slight feel of eating at a shophouse or food stall. On each of my visits in there were big pots simmering away while making the restaurant smell like a busy food block in Bangkok. The menu is a collection of her favorite recipes some of which aren't all that common around town. Though due to the recent influx of Thai spots opening up, as well as the regulars, stuff like Isaan sausage is becoming much easier to find. I thought JJ's version was missing a tad bit of snap though so are most others around town. But the flavors were right there.
Thai Style Isan Sausage
Unfortunately there are no fish options under the salads, those being my favorite, however the grilled pork salad is another dish I was really happy with. Nice hints of fish sauce mixed with tender slices of pork and plenty of fresh red onion slices with snap. It's rec'd you accompany it with a nice bowl of sticky rice on the side.
Grilled Pork Salad with Sticky Rice
Khao Man Gai is a dish popping up regularly at these newly opened Thai spots. It's basically Thailand's take on the popular Chinese dish Hainanese Chicken. It's poached chicken served atop rice. Usually there's a potent cup of broth on the side but I didn't get one at JJ. The chicken was still pretty good but poached chicken can only go so far. Luckily the ginger rice and spicy dipping sauce on the side were there because they only enhanced it.
Khao Man Gai
My favorite item thus far is the Khao Kha Moo. This is a dish somewhat similar to Khao Man Gai except it's pork thats simmered until tender. Pork Shank is cooked in a broth with plenty of Chinese 5 Spice powder. Once tender it's served atop a mountain of rice. It comes with a hard boiled egg on the side and also some greens, mushrooms, and a gnarly cup of red chile sauce. This is a popular street dish in Thailand and said to be the favorite of former Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who was also a celebrity chef. I think he'd be happy with this version. I know I was.
Khao Kha Moo
JJ Thai Street Food
1715 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 929-4435