In today’s climate, health and safety are paramount, and Zaap Kitchen clearly takes this seriously. Upon entering, masks are mandatory and a temperature check is conducted, ensuring a responsible dining environment. For those prioritizing convenience, Zaap excels in online ordering. Their user-friendly app and website, powered by ChowNow, make digital transactions seamless. Delivery is efficiently handled through Grubhub and Caviar, catering to those who prefer to enjoy their Lao and Thai favorites at home.
During my visit, I opted for the “mild” spice level across the board, aiming to make the dishes accessible for my less spice-tolerant companion. However, even at this level, the flavors packed a punch, leading me to seriously question who dares to venture into the realm of “level 5 Zaap Spicy.” It evokes memories of Thai restaurants hesitant to unleash their maximum spice levels, a culinary gatekeeping reminiscent of the famous duck scene from L’Idiot. Zaap Spicy must be an experience reserved for the truly daring. For the spice-averse, Zaap thoughtfully offers a “level zero,” ensuring there’s something enjoyable for every palate, even the most sensitive.
The Lao-style papaya salad sparked varied opinions at our table. Distinct from its Thai counterpart, this version incorporates a robust crab paste, which the restaurant proudly states is a nod to the original Lao recipe that journeyed to Thailand and beyond. For my taste, the crab paste introduced a welcome savory depth, a pleasant deviation that resonated with familiar umami notes. However, others found it leaning towards bitterness. The accompanying raw cabbage shreds were universally disliked, proving to be an unwelcome textural element.
On a significantly brighter note, the pad woon sen glass noodles were exceptional. Bathed in a dynamic sauce built upon oyster, soy, and assertive fish sauces, the dish was simply dynamite. The expertly stir-fried vegetables boasted a quality that would not be out of place in a high-end, chef-driven Pan-Asian restaurant. Discovering such culinary finesse in a fast-casual setting was a genuine and delightful surprise.
Zaap Kitchen Red CurryThe red curry mirrored this high standard of execution. There’s an undeniable allure to bamboo shoots for me, and I consistently find myself drawn to dishes featuring them. The curry sauce achieved a perfect creaminess, melding beautifully with the Lao staple of sticky rice. Even with my less-than-perfect chopstick skills, it was effortlessly enjoyable. The fact that I couldn’t definitively distinguish between this Lao curry and a Thai curry was inconsequential given its deliciousness. However, the true revelation was the “Heavenly” beef jerky. Sharing this with a self-proclaimed Texas food connoisseur, we both concurred that the name was no exaggeration. Zaap utilizes thinly sliced beef, seasoned with a captivating blend that hinted at sweetened soy and chilies. It was, in a word, delightful.
Zaap Kitchen’s extensive menu is brimming with enticing soups and entrees, guaranteeing return visits for me, even if I remain a level 5 spice-level novice.
Zaap Kitchen Lao & Thai Street Eats, 2325 N. Fitzhugh Ave., No. 105 (East Dallas). Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
