Thai Asia - Helsinki, Finland

Rating:  7 / 10

​Welcomed by a friendly but exceedingly shy owner, we were show a small table peering out at trams and hoodlums. Green & Red curry were ordered under the auspicious photographs of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and stomachs began to rumble.

Minutes later as the aching hue of existence began to wane, two plates were summoned to our sightlines and we partook of holy sacraments. Spoonfuls entered our bodies and sins were washed away.

Curries were explored in clockwork formations, sipping the sauce, biting into chicken, then vegetables. My instructions had been to make it spicy, these words remained unheeded. Nevertheless, for being a fast food take-away by the side of the tram tracks, it was not disposable fodder. There were some true flavours hiding there beneath. 

Had the chicken all been pre-cooked and had a slight wobbly texture? Sure.
Was the curry just a flash in the pan of coconut milk with standard pastes added in flurries of routine? Sure.
Were some of the vegetables an odd choice? Sure.

However, it still tasted a step above the regular tosh you'd get in many Thai places bearing similar signage. This lady at least knew how to balance flavours and create something you'd happily eat as a local take-out if you lived nearby and were craving some Eastern flair. However, you would need to thoughtfully convince her over time that you can handle your chillies so that she bit-by-bit, amped up the levels to where you truly were comfortable residing. 

These recommendations are just personal opinions based on my palate, things change, chefs get fired or replaced, places open-close, relocate, so take it all with a pinch of MSG  and discover your own gems too. But please do try a few of these, they have been researched exhaustively.