Located in the vibrant West Town neighborhood of Chicago, JJ Thai Street Food offers a genuine taste of Thailand’s bustling street markets and culinary traditions. This intimate, BYOB establishment distinguishes itself from typical Thai restaurants by focusing on authentic recipes crafted by Chef and owner Jiranya Thosatheppitak, steering clear of Americanized or Chinese-influenced dishes. My quest for the perfect neighborhood Thai eatery led me to seek recommendations from my Instagram community, and Jj Thai Street Food emerged as the resounding favorite. Despite its location outside my immediate area, the passionate endorsements convinced me to make it a priority. One visit was all it took to become a devoted fan, happily traveling across town to savor their exceptional cuisine time and time again.
A vibrant and flavorful plate of Peek Gai Tod, crispy Thai chicken wings, served at JJ Thai Street Food in Chicago.
Must-Try Dishes at JJ Thai Street Food
JJ Thai Street Food boasts a menu brimming with flavorful and authentic Thai dishes, but a few standouts have become personal favorites and highly recommended must-tries.
Peek Gai Tod: Irresistible Thai Fried Chicken Wings
The Peek Gai Tod, or Thai fried chicken wings, are a perpetual order for my partner Mario and consistently rank as one of his preferred renditions of this classic dish. Unlike some Thai offerings known for intense spiciness, these wings deliver a powerful flavor profile without excessive heat. They are wonderfully light and crispy, perfectly balancing sweet, salty, and umami notes in each bite. In fact, the inherent flavor is so robust, you might find yourself enjoying them without even reaching for the accompanying house-made spicy sauce.
A close-up shot of perfectly grilled Pla Muk Yang, Thai grilled squid, drizzled with a vibrant spicy seafood sauce at JJ Thai Street Food restaurant.
Pla Muk Yang: Smokey Grilled Squid with Zesty Seafood Sauce
Speaking of must-order items, the Pla Muk Yang, or grilled squid, at JJ Thai Street Food, holds a special place as one of my all-time favorites. The squid is expertly grilled, achieving a delightful smoky char while maintaining a perfectly tender texture – soft, yielding, and never rubbery. The accompanying Thai spicy seafood sauce is a revelation, bursting with zingy, salty, and fiery notes from fresh red chilies and fragrant herbs. This dish is an absolute delight for grilled squid enthusiasts and an excellent introduction for those new to this culinary adventure.
Delicious skewers of Look Shin Gai Ping, Thai grilled chicken meatballs, served with a side of sweet tamarind dipping sauce at JJ Thai Street Food.
Look Shin Gai Ping: Addictive Grilled Chicken Meatballs on Skewers
Look Shin Gai Ping, homemade grilled chicken meatballs on skewers, are famously Chef Jina’s personal favorite and a consistent crowd-pleaser at local Thai food festivals. These meatballs are incredibly flavorful, juicy, and undeniably addictive. Beyond my love for food served on a stick (it simply enhances the enjoyment!), I am particularly drawn to the signature sweet, tart, and tangy tamarind sauce that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
A comforting bowl of Khao Panaeng Neua, traditional Thai Panang beef curry, served over fragrant jasmine rice at JJ Thai Street Food.
Khao Panaeng Neua: Aromatic and Hearty Panang Beef Curry
The Khao Panaeng Neua, a traditional stewed Panang beef curry served over fragrant Thai jasmine rice, may not be the most visually striking dish, but its flavor profile is undeniably captivating. This intensely aromatic and hearty red curry strikes a harmonious balance between salty and sweet, enriched with a delightful nutty undertone, a gentle warmth, and a medley of fragrant herbs. It is the epitome of comfort food, an utterly irresistible dish that you will find yourself unable to stop eating.
A plate of Khao Lard Ka Praw Gai, flavorful Thai stir-fried ground chicken with basil and chili peppers, served with jasmine rice at JJ Thai Street Food.
Khao Lard Ka Praw Gai: Classic Stir-Fried Chicken Basil, Perfectly Executed
While Khao Lard Ka Praw Gai, stir-fried ground chicken with basil, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and Thai chili peppers, is a staple at virtually every Thai restaurant, JJ Thai Street Food’s rendition is particularly noteworthy. The savory, sweet, and spicy elements are expertly balanced, creating a dish that is flavorful without being greasy. Moreover, as each dish is prepared to order, you have the flexibility to customize the spice level to your preference. I typically opt for the regular spice level, but be warned, their “extra spicy” truly lives up to its name!
Experience these delectable dishes and more at JJ’s Thai Street Food, located at 1715 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL.
JJ’s Thai Street Food is proudly Thai SELECT Certified, a distinction awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand. This certification recognizes restaurants that maintain a menu with at least 60% authentic Thai dishes, utilize traditional Thai cooking methods, and often import ingredients directly from Thailand. Currently, over 500 restaurants in the U.S. hold this prestigious certification. For further details, please visit Thai SELECT.
