Reviews

Commercial Center adds the fresh, intriguing Arawan Thai Bistro

Image
Arawan Thai Bistro’s crispy lemongrass catfish.
Photo: Christopher DeVargas

It might seem odd for a new Thai restaurant to open in Commercial Center, where the legendary Lotus of Siam resides, along with vegetarian-oriented Thai stalwart Komol. But the new kid on the block, Arawan, is very different from those two, and its food showcases fresh, vibrant flavors that should help it compete in a very strong Thai restaurant city.

Its soft music, blond wood flooring and breezy decor set a relaxed tone rare in this part of the Valley. Extra attention is also paid to the presentation of the plates, most of which stand apart from the typical piled-high platters of noodles, rice and stir-fry or heaping bowls of curry found in most neighborhood Thai eateries. It’s clear Arawan is about refinement, certainly evident in its beautiful, must-eat-each-bite desserts. Vanilla bean crème brûlée ($9) is topped with a spherical cage of crunchy sugar, and the standard sweet sticky rice with mango ($9) is served with coconut and mango sauces and an eye-dropper of sweetened fresh coconut juice. They taste as good as they look.

Apologies for starting with dessert, though that’s not a bad idea. Actual appetizers include chicken satay ($7) in bite-sized pieces, fresh rolls ($7) filled with shrimp and vegetables, and egg som tam ($12), a salad of papaya, tomato, green beans, pork sausage and rinds and salted egg in a spicy-sweet chili-lime dressing.

Yellow curry with beef shortrib.

The showcase dishes at Arawan are mostly seafood, like whole fried catfish ($27) with lemongrass, mint, garlic and cashews or whole sea bass over a bed of spicy chili-garlic-lime sauce. Lobster is battered and sauteéd with red curry paste, basil and lime leaves ($24). A softshell crab special was dressed in that chili-lime elixir and topped with eggs scrambled with yellow curry. A non-fish favorite is crispy ribeye basil ($19), tender meat with basil, mushrooms, bell peppers and Thai chili.

As flashy and tasty as those dishes can be, ordering your favorite Thai standbys at Arawan is the way to go. There’s a bright, popping freshness to the curries that I haven’t encountered in a while, and I eat a lot of local Thai food. Arawan’s version of drunken noodles ($19) involves squid-ink spaghetti and plenty of shrimp, squid, cod, scallops and mussels. Pad Thai ($14) has extra-thin noodles and two giant fried prawns on top.

For a new restaurant, Arawan seems to have a strong vision. It will have to continue that way to be mentioned alongside its Commercial Center neighbors and our city’s other top Thai restaurants, but it’s on the right path.

Arawan Thai Bistro & Dessert 953 E. Sahara Ave. #E14, 702-734-7799. Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tags: Dining, Food
Share
Photo of Brock Radke

Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of editor-at-large at Las Vegas Weekly magazine. ...

Get more Brock Radke
  • Stellar as the entertainment onstage can be, the menu is just as well-thought-out, featuring American steakhouse classics sprinkled with surprises.

  • Most dishes on the belt cost $2.50, which means you can share a sizable 10-plate meal with a companion for $12 each (beer, tax and ...

  • My favorite bite? The behemoth Firebird sandwich. The giant, spicy fried-chicken thigh is the crispiest, crunchiest fried chicken I’ve tasted, yet it maintains the perfect ...

  • Get More Reviews Stories
Top of Story