This Thai bar in Boston is amazing
đč Mahaniyom: Brooklineâs Stylish Thai BistroâStill Impressive After 3 Years First visited when it opened, and this trendy Thai gastropub left a mark. Three years later, itâs still deliveringâcool vibes, bold flavors, and enough standout dishes to make me eager to check out its sister spot, Merai. đ The Hits Salted Pepper Pork Cheek: đ· A nostalgia bomb. Crispy, slightly dried pork cheek with a texture like (Chinese cured pork bits)âtender with a hint of fat and tendon, reminiscent of childhood street food. The seasoning? Spot-on, like a favorite local BBQ jointâs secret blend. Pair it with a drink, and itâs addictiveâchewy, salty, and full of depth. Only letdown: the sticky rice, which was too mushy (needs more bite). Fried Chive Cake: đź Best chive cake Iâve had. Crisp, golden exterior giving way to a chewy, glutinous interior. The chives add a fresh, oniony kick, and the charred edges bring smoky richnessâperfect as a bar snack. Itâs salty, savory, and dangerously easy to polish off with a cocktail. Green Papaya Pad Thai: đ„ Clever, if not what I expected. Tons of recommendations led me to order this, but fair warning: itâs stir-fried green papaya (not rice noodles), cooked âpad thai-styleâ with tamarind, peanuts, and egg. The twist worksâthe papaya stays crisp, the sauce is sweet-savory, and the wok hei (charred flavor) is spot-on. Manage expectations, and youâll love it. Mahaniyom Sazerac: đ„ A Thai twist on the classic: rye infused with Thai tea, bold and boozy. Great for whiskey lovers, but skip it if you prefer sweeter drinksâitâs all about that robust, herbal kick. đ The Miss Beef Panang: đ„ A classic curry that falls flat here. The sauce lacks depth (not rich or fragrant enough), and the beef is just âmehââtender, but unmemorable. Stick to the small plates and cocktails instead. âš The Vibe Chic, low-lit, and livelyâpart bistro, part bar. Itâs perfect for sharing plates, sipping creative drinks, and soaking up that âcool neighborhood spotâ energy. Budget Score: 4/5. At ~$50 per person, itâs a splurge, but worth it for the standout dishes and vibe. Mahaniyom hasnât lost its touch. Itâs not just Thai foodâitâs a fun, flavorful experience that keeps you coming back. đ Mahaniyom 236 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445 #BrooklineEats #ThaiGastropub #BostonFoodie