I used to frequent Aroy Dee ALL the time during my 'study' periods and lunch breaks in my last year of high school (ahh, the freedom of being able to leave school grounds in Year 13!). After over a year of not coming here, a group of us returned recently in a bid to reminisce those good ol' high school days.
We always go for their $10 lunch special which, especially when compared with other establishments in the area, makes for a totally affordable meal! Steering away from my usual red and green curries, I went a little healthier this time with an order of gang pa gai ($10). Otherwise known as jungle curry, gang pa (with 'gai' meaning chicken) is a dish popular in the forested parts of northern Thailand where coconuts are not naturally found, hence the name and its exclusion of coconut milk. Others in the clan went for their classic stir fried noodle and curry dishes.
My gang pa gai arrived promptly, with a bowl with vegetables and chicken submerged in a clear broth sitting alongside a mound of white rice. It may lack the creaminess that we're familiar with in traditional Thai curries, but what you're rewarded with is an intensely hot and pungent affair - perfect for a spice-lover like me. Why had I never ordered this dish before?! The meals the others got were as successful, clearly visible with their empty plates and satisfied faces.
The spacious interior of Aroy Dee is adorned with Buddhist ornaments, and there is plenty of seating available for groups of diners. Service was also friendly and attentive - our water was refilled regularly and they came over to ask if everything was okay.
Delicious food and polite service all at a great price... no wonder we were such regulars at Aroy Dee! read more