Sukhothaï, the best Thai restaurant in the Buttes-aux-Cailles area of Paris 13th arrondissement

Located at 12 rue du Père Guérin in the 13th arrondissement, in the Buttes-aux-Cailles district, Sukhothaï is a Thai restaurant that has been attracting a loyal clientele for several years. The typical decor, with carved wooden elements, creates a warm, exotic atmosphere. The modestly sized dining room is often busy, especially in the evenings, and an outdoor terrace awaits you in fine weather.

The cuisine on offer is predominantly Thai, with occasional forays into Chinese gastronomy. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, offering balanced, authentic flavors. Referenced by the Michelin Guide, this place may scare off those in search of affordable dining, but prices are quite accessible.

On our visit, we start with the shrimp salad with green mango. The still-firm fruit brings a well-balanced acidity, enhanced by the freshness of the herbs and the liveliness of the chili pepper. The shrimp are cooked just right, neither rubbery nor bland, and the whole thing works beautifully.

We continue with a Thai-style beef salad. The finely sliced meat is a little overcooked for our taste. However, the balance between acidity, spiciness and the natural sweetness of the beef is mastered.

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For the main course, pad thai remains true to its fundamentals: supple noodles, controlled cooking, a lightly sweetened sauce, peanuts for crunch and a dash of lime to spice things up. A simple, generous dish, executed with care.

Thai stir-fried rice arrives piping hot, with chunks of egg, crunchy vegetables and a pleasant wok aroma. It goes very well with seafood in coconut milk. The latter, served in a creamy, mild white sauce, plays on aromas of galanga, lemongrass and kaffir leaves. Shrimp, squid and mussels retain their texture, without being overcooked.

For dessert, we chose two revisited classics. The Thai flan, made with coconut milk and egg, is dense yet melt-in-the-mouth, delicately perfumed. As for the mango sticky rice, it is served here with a touch of pandan, which adds an original vegetal note to this soft, sweet dessert.

The lunchtime menu, available Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, includes a starter, main course and dessert or beverage for around €15. In the evening, the menu offers a varied choice, with dishes ranging from €15 to €20, so you can compose a meal to suit your tastes.

Service, though sometimes perceived as rushed, remains efficient. Reservations are advisable, especially on weekends, due to the overcrowding. Sukhothaï doesn't claim to revolutionize Thai cuisine, but it does offer an honest and exotic culinary experience, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner with friends.