Thaiger Den - Refined Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Malden

Unexpected delight with in downtown Malden…

In the former Spicy World space, a new classy and chique spot offers a small but comprehensive menu that entices rather than overwhelms those dining. Having been to SW, I can’t get over how transformed and contemporary and elegant the decor is. It is like you’re sitting in the resort, beach side of Thailand in the inside warmth during the chilling fall of New England. Soft rattan seats, wooden tables, and a gorgeous well organized open bar — for those who like eye catching OCD with their cocktails. There is even a rotating door in the middle of the bar that shows a glimpse to the other side of the restaurant.

While usually not notable, the bathrooms are points of interest — hear me out!! They are not just clean they are very well designed and considered for Asians and hypochondriacs! There is seat cleaner perfectly placed next to the toilet with a stylish and modern bidet, complete with heated water and bum dryer. I would come back just for the potty experience — not to mention the trash bin is touch free!

On to what should have been the first point of interest… the food. There are numerous options for the vegetarian and vegan minded consumer, so no need to hang out without your crunchy vegan friend with the homemade deodorant — all are welcome here. First we had two small plates: ma-hor pineapple and vegan calamari. The pineapple was recommended to eat in one bite. My tiny mouth couldn’t do it, but luckily for this review (and me 💋🤣) my wife’s mouth went the extra mile. I halved the portions in two bites but at the end of the day, the pineapple slice should be eaten with the peanut roasted ball on top. It was a great combination of slightly savory, sweet, and tart in one mouthful. The vegan calamari is a breaded slice of young fresh coconut covered in a dry mix of chili and garlic fried crunchy seasoning. It had a hint of spice and a surprising amount of flavor. Do not go into this thinking it tastes ir feels line real calamari… it does not. It is a fun starter but not for the friend who is repulsed by softer but not chewy textures… they can stay home.

We both decided to get pad Thai for our entrées. Mine of course was the tofu steak pad Thai and my wife got the shrimp and prawn on her pad Thai. The tofu Patty had a different sauce that was lighter than the shrimp pad Thai. I can tell you from the tofu pad Thai that it was, lightly sweet little bit of umami and had huge squares of tofu. The portions were large enough that we have dinner for this evening. The shrimp pad Thai was delicious although my wife said the king shrimp/prawn was slightly undercooked for her preference. The sauce had a delicate tamarind flavor that mixed well with the prawn and shrimp.

We also had a basil cocktail and a sticky rice mocktail. The basil cocktail had a thin slice of cucumber as a garnish and overall was very light and refreshing. I felt almost healthy with my sake drink at dinner. The mocktail was as sweet as it is assumed to be but surprisingly refreshing.

To drop off the incredible dining experience, the staff was so accommodating. We had our four month old baby with us who was fussy and tired and in a big giant stroller. The staff placed us in a space where we felt comfortable, but also out-of-the-way. They were also so sweet when we had to walk the baby around the restaurant to calm her down. While I wouldn’t say this is a baby friendly space or the best place to take a baby in the evening or if it’s crowded, I will say the staff were generous with their willingness to accommodate and help us. Overall, a really great new spot in modern and I recommend everyone in modern and surrounding area and beyond to come and eat there… and don’t forget to check out...

Thaiger Den – Malden’s New Must-Visit Thai Spot

📍 Thaiger Den – 157 Pleasant St, Malden, MA 02148

Malden just got a serious upgrade in the Thai food scene with Thaiger Den, a modern and inviting restaurant offering elevated Thai cuisine with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. From sizzling lava stones to beautifully plated classics, the experience here is just as exciting as the food itself.

Starters

🧑‍🍳 Sous Vide Beef Tongue (8/10) This dish is all about texture—tender, smoky, and perfectly grilled after an 18-hour sous vide process. While the beef tongue itself was excellent, I wasn’t as much of a fan of the accompanying Jaew sauce and tomato relish—I wish I had saved some of these pieces to pair with the Wagyu sauces instead. Still, a well-executed dish that’s worth trying.

🍖 Golden Fried Pork Belly (GF) (9/10) Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—this was an easy 9/10. The pork belly was fried to perfection and paired with a sweet chili sauce that complemented it beautifully. A fantastic shareable appetizer that’s indulgent yet balanced.

Main Dishes

🔥 A5 Wagyu Steak (8/10) Cooking A5 Miyazaki Wagyu on a sizzling lava stone is an experience in itself! The homemade Thai chimichurri was the standout here—bright, herby, and packed with umami. However, the vegetables were undercooked and felt like an afterthought. The dish could also use more sides to justify the $45 price tag. While the Wagyu was delicious, I’ve had better, so while this is fun for the experience, I wouldn’t say it’s the best Wagyu around.

🍜 Khao Soi (SS) (GF) (V) (10/10) This is the dish I would come back for. The creamy coconut curry broth was rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. The sous vide chicken was hands down the juiciest chicken I’ve had. For $21, this is a super filling meal and a must-try for Thai food lovers.

🥢 Flat Iron Steak Pad Thai (GF) (9/10) I actually preferred the flat iron steak over the Wagyu—juicy, well-seasoned, and the perfect pairing for the wok-fried Pad Thai noodles. The balance of tamarind, shrimp tomalley, and palm sugar created a bold yet comforting dish. A well-executed take on a Thai classic!

Dessert

🥭 Mango Sticky Rice (V) (GF) (9/10) A beautiful take on the traditional mango sticky rice! The butterfly pea flower-infused rice made for a stunning presentation, and the coconut milk and ice cream took it to the next level. A perfect way to end the meal!

Final Thoughts

✨ Food: 9/10 – Every dish had something unique to offer, and the flavors were bold, authentic, and well-executed. The Khao Soi and Flat Iron Steak Pad Thai were the biggest standouts.* 🏡 Ambiance: 7/10 – The wooden decor and warm, inviting atmosphere made for a great dining experience. 💰 Affordability: 6/10 – On the pricier side, but for certain dishes (like the Khao Soi and Pad Thai), well worth it. The Wagyu felt a bit steep given the portion and undercooked vegetables.

🌟 Overall: 9/10 – Thaiger Den is a must-visit for Thai food lovers looking for high-quality, flavorful dishes in Malden. Whether you’re here for a fun interactive meal or a comforting bowl of noodles, this...

We dined at Thaiger Den to celebrate a birthday, and from the moment we walked in, the experience was exceptional. We had made our reservation through the Toast app, and it was definitely worth it—there was zero wait time when we arrived, which made the start of the evening even smoother. Despite our waiter still being in training and learning how to use the Palm Pilot, the service was seamless. It was a non-issue, as they quickly accommodated dietary allergies and answered all of our questions about the dishes with confidence.

The food was nothing short of spectacular. Every dish was served at the perfect temperature, and the flavors were spot-on. A standout was the Wagyu, which several members of my party raved about—tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. However, it’s hard to choose a favorite dish because everything we tried was equally impressive—authentic, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The presentation of each dish was also just beautiful—vibrant colors, thoughtful plating, and attention to detail that elevated the entire dining experience.

I’m often picky about Pad Thai, as I find many versions can be overly sweet. But here, they got it just right. The balance of flavors was perfect, and the spice level was genuinely spicy, with the Thai chilies adding the heat I’ve been craving. It’s rare to find Pad Thai that delivers on both flavor and heat like this!

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having a date night, or just enjoying drinks with friends, I’d highly recommend this spot. It’s perfect for any occasion. Parking was relatively easy, with on-street parking and public lots nearby, which is always a plus.

In short, we look forward to trying more dishes from the menu. Highly recommended for anyone looking to...