Through facebook (where else?), I found out about a new Thai restaurant, Baan Baan, which opened in Bishkek three days ago. As a professed lover of Pad Thai, I was excited to give it a shot. Furthermore, it was located next to Save the Ales (worthy of its own post), which I also needed to try. So after a long day of Russian classes and research, my friend/tutor/translator extraordinaire and I gave it a shot.
We showed up a bit early, but were allowed to have a drink in the courtyard while they opened up their restaurant. They only have two beers (none on tap), but again, they just opened. It appears to be a dual-ownership–the cook from Thailand and the main host. The host explained to us that the menu is still in flux as they figure out what customers want. As a whole, the service was excellent and the staff was friendly. It is very English friendly, if that matters to you. The restaurant itself is very cute (I think it would be an excellent date location). It has a nice patio, however, the heat was too much today, so we escaped inside for the air conditioning.
We got both the Chicken and the Shrimp Pad Thai, and picked their “so-so” spice. I normally like my food hot, however my worst food experience was death heat Thai food in East Lansing (another great reason why the only good moment in East Lansing is the moment that you leave to return to Ann Arbor), so I play it safe. The Pad Thai came out a little bit dry for my taste, but with a little soy and extra spice, it came out perfect. I will definitely be back and I do recommend.
Name: Baan Baan
Location: 193a Tynystanova (right next to save the Ales, between Московской и Токтогула)
Website: To my knowledge, not yet
Phone: +996 778 886 644
Transportation: It is downtown, so unlimited.
