Bona fide Thai karai

“Oooh, you’d never catch me scoffing down a nice bit of spicy” cry most people in Japan.

“Karaiii!!” (spiceeee, you see)

Still, it might be better to hear that than the habitual “kawai” at times.

Anyway, I’ve found the nicest bit of spicy ever. It comes in the form of Thai food cooked by a bona fide Thai person in the most unassuming of places.

Welcome to Kaen Luang in Sonoda (tel. 06-6491-1186).

Where the hell is Sonoda?

Qood guestion!

Hop on the local Hankyu Line (yes, we’re getting local, honey) bound for Kobe from Umeda, and it’s a couple of stops after Juso.

The eatery in question can be found just outside the station as you exit on the right-hand side. It’s next to an estate agent and (of all things) a goldfish shop.

There’s a couple of set things on the lunch menu, but you so have to try the ‘A curry ranchi’. Yes, ‘ranchi’ rather ridiculously means ‘lunch’ in katakana Engrish.

Why is it worth going to such an obscure place?

Because you won’t get REAL Thai food like this anywhere else in Osaka. Simple.as.that.

Just make sure you have some minty chewing gum afterwards to refresh that curry breath.