The chef, who is like a boss, is the best at cooking duck. The Thai dishes he makes in Japan are the top choice. The sauce for the duck rice is incredibly delicious. The sauces on the table are also unique. Mixing garlic, chili, and vinegar is also tasty. He is very passionate about his cooking. This is a restaurant you definitely must visit.

This is a well-regarded Thai restaurant near Ikebukuro Station West Exit where you can enjoy authentic flavors. The interior is relatively small with table seating and counter seating along the wall. When I visited with a friend, I ordered Thai-style yakisoba and my friend ordered Tom Yum Kung Ramen. The ramen soup had a mild flavor with a hint of spiciness, and the noodles were delicious. The Thai-style yakisoba I had was visually appealing and delicious, with a flavorful soup. During lunchtime, these dishes are quite affordable with a uniform price, and there is also free coffee service, making it a reasonable option.

Thai restaurant in Ikebukuro. They pride themselves on being a certified restaurant by the Thai government, "Thai Select". It's about a 6-7 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, just past the shady zone, but you can also take a longer route. I visited on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant has a typical Thai dining atmosphere. They offer lunch menus on Saturdays, mostly priced around 800-900 yen. I ordered Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Crispy Pork Rice for 800 yen and Chicken Green Curry for 800 yen. The stir-fried dish has a Thai flavor with fish sauce, not too salty, and well-flavored. It includes crispy pork. The dish is stable and has a universal taste. The Green Curry is authentic with aromatic herbs, and the coconut milk is just right. It contains chicken, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, with whole kaffir lime leaves. It tastes just like the Green Curry I had in Thailand, delicious. The spiciness may be a bit mild, probably catering to Japanese taste. I added chili and fish sauce to make it spicier. The combination of Thai rice and spicy Green Curry is delicious. They provide a set of condiments, which is convenient. I usually add chili, so it's a must for me. The soup has a Chinese soup-like taste with chicken skin floating on top. Lunch is affordable and good at this restaurant.

Ikebukuro's Pirabukau ✨ Beef Gapao Rice ♬ I feel like Thai cuisine is the most common when it comes to unexpectedly spicy dishes at deep restaurants without any indication of spiciness. Maybe it's because of the green chili peppers? Chinese cuisine is straightforward, and Indian cuisine is known for its intense spiciness, which is rare. Today's Gapao was spicy and amazing. (๑>◡<๑)

I have been going to this Thai restaurant, which I love second most, for almost 5 years. They have a wide variety of dishes and everything is delicious. The flavors are not catered to Japanese tastes, which I like. I prefer the seasoning from a certain region. We start with the sausages that come out quickly for a toast. They are spicy and delicious. The Pad Prik Khing here is exceptionally tasty. It tasted slightly different this time, but still good. The stir-fried water spinach is full of umami flavor. It goes well with rice. I think this flavor is liked by most Japanese people. The staff is friendly, but they hardly understand Japanese.

There is a shop located away from the bustling area of Ikebukuro. I entered the shop as soon as it opened for lunch, but by 12 o'clock, customers started pouring in and it quickly became full. There is also a takeout option, and customers kept coming for that as well. There were many lunch menu options, and I had a hard time deciding, but I chose the Crispy Pork Chashu Rice for 800 yen. First, I was served with pork with pepper on top, the vegetables underneath were slightly spicy, and the meat was juicy and delicious. When the main dish arrived, the color looked dark and I was worried it might be too strong, but it wasn't as strong as it looked. It was actually quite flavorful, and when I dipped it in the spicy sauce on the side, it made the rice go down smoothly. I should have ordered extra rice. I was satisfied with a delicious lunch for 800 yen.

Specializing in Thai sweets shop "Baang Kanon Thai", the former Thai restaurant has now become "Pirabkau". The storefront features a showcase of bento boxes, side dishes, and sweets, bustling with takeout customers around noon. Today, I decided to dine in! With no lunch menu, I ended up ordering "Khao Man Gai". The fragrant rice had a generous amount of ginger, complemented by the delicious chicken. The chicken was juicy, and the set soup was tasty. The total price was 750 yen including tax, which was revealed at the time of payment. I enjoyed a delicious and affordable Thai lunch! The place was busy with customers both inside and outside, proving its popularity. It would be helpful to have the lunch menu and prices clearly displayed inside the restaurant. Thank you for the meal!

It's been a while since I visited Ikebukuro, and this time I came to the northern area to have some Thai food. I had been to this restaurant before, but I don't remember much about it, except that it had a deep atmosphere and felt like a place you would find in Thailand. The restaurant is certified by the Thai government as a Thai Select restaurant, so the taste is guaranteed to be authentic. It took about 7 minutes to walk from Ikebukuro North Exit to Pilabuca. The area has become quite clean, but still has a unique and foreign feel to it, similar to Kabukicho at night. The stools in the restaurant really give off a Thai vibe. I went with three other people, one of whom was Thai, so we were excited to try a variety of dishes. Unfortunately, they didn't serve alcohol during the day, so I ordered a non-alcoholic beer to set the mood. Thai food just goes so well with beer, right? - Name Salad: I love Nam Yam, and it's not often you find a place that serves it, so I had to order it. It's a dish that goes perfectly with beer. - Sausage Platter (Sai Ua & Nam): It was nice to have both Nam and Sai Ua after a long time, and even though I was only having a non-alcoholic beer, it felt like the real deal. I prefer Nam over Sai Ua. - Spicy Papaya Salad: Som Tam had a tamarind flavor, giving it a sweet taste. I personally prefer the standard version. - Thai-style Braised Duck: The braised duck had a strong Chinese influence and was quite intense in flavor, almost not like Thai cuisine. It came with a separate sauce and had a rich taste. The duck meat was refreshing and easy to eat. - Spicy Duck Mince Salad: This Larb, made with duck, tasted like something you would eat in Thailand. It was the most delicious dish of the day for me. It was full of spices and herbs, with kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. The crispy texture from frying the herbs added a nice touch, and it had been a while since I had such an authentic Larb. I definitely want to try Larb Moo (pork) and Larb Gai (chicken) next time! - Seafood Homok: Seafood cooked in red curry paste, probably Homok, was quite spicy but had a gentle flavor. It was like a steamed egg custard, a unique dish that I think many people would find interesting. If you can handle spicy food, give it a try! (It's quite spicy.) - Spicy Seafood Fried Rice: The seafood fried rice we had was listed as spicy on the menu but was not spicy at all, more like a mysterious Thai-style fried rice. The winter melon soup was served as a complimentary dish and had a strong flavor. Overall, I felt that the flavors at this restaurant were on the intense side, maybe because of the Chinese influence. We were a group of four, so we were able to try a variety of dishes and were very satisfied. It was nice to have some authentic Thai food after a long time. The Larb was especially delicious, so I would definitely like to come back for that! The staff had a nice local vibe, and they also accept PayPay. Thank you for the delicious meal! ♥

I sometimes visit a small shop where an elderly Thai couple works hard to serve authentic Thai cuisine. The flavors remind me of street food or rural Thai dishes. Many Thai customers also frequent the shop. Although not listed on the menu, they can make Som Tam if requested. They also sell affordable bento boxes with delicious Thai flavors. If this shop were nearby, I would definitely be a regular customer for their bento boxes.

The green curry with rice had a nice aroma and perfect deliciousness. The stir-fried greens and crispy pork had a strong garlic flavor and was tasty. The flavors were quite strong, so I felt like pouring it over the rice. The staff at the restaurant were friendly, and the rice was delicious too. I am curious about trying their takeout.

- Green Curry ¥750 including tax * Menu and prices seem to be different. It seems there is a lunch price. This is a Thai restaurant located a little over 5 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line Ikebukuro Station North Exit. It is situated in a slightly deep area west of Ikebukuro, in an old building. There is a display in front of the store like a butcher shop, so it looks like a takeout only place, but you can also eat inside. However, the interior is not very spacious, and the atmosphere is a bit unclear, with staff or customers all looking similar, creating an unfamiliar feeling. This suggests that you may be able to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine made on-site. By the way, while I was eating inside, takeout was being sold outside multiple times. Office ladies working nearby came to buy, indicating its popularity. As for the lunch menu, I couldn't find any set lunch options, only a selection of appetizer-like dishes. Of course, there was also something like Gapao Rice. In the end, I wanted a proper meal, so I chose the Green Curry. [Green Curry] This is not your typical green curry. Common green curries often have the oil and curry paste separated, with a strong liquid feel, but this one is different. The coconut milk and paste are well mixed, creating a thick curry sauce. It is sweet, savory, and spicy. The spiciness from green chili peppers is moderate, making it easy to eat. The ingredients include tender chicken, soft eggplant, and lightly cooked bell peppers. The herbs not only add fragrance but also include some crunchy leaves. Unlike many Thai green curries that include shredded bamboo shoots, this one does not. This freshness, along with the curry sauce and Thai rice, makes it enjoyable. The fried egg with a runny yolk, seemingly quickly fried at high heat, was also delicious. I savored the curry while taking a short break with the vegetable soup with fried garlic. This unique green curry was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

Around 2:00 pm on a regular day, there was one group of customers before me and one group after me. There were also two takeout customers. I decided to visit this ethnic restaurant for lunch at the end of the year, thinking that the locals might be running their usual business. It turned out they were open! It seems that Baan Kaoken has relocated and changed its name. It's about a 6-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station West Exit. It's not exactly a bustling area, but there are a few shops scattered around the street. It's easy to spot as it's located on the corner. There is a showcase outside with pre-packed side dishes and even Thai hot pot sets. This restaurant has been certified by the Thai government as "Thai Select." Interestingly, the cash register is located outside. When you enter, you will be greeted by Thai staff. There were no intimidating attitudes from the staff, which is reassuring when dining at a Thai restaurant. However, the cashier was a bit reserved. The interior of the restaurant is smaller than expected, so it's recommended for small groups. I sat at the counter. On the table, there was a set of condiments and a clear file menu. So many tempting items on the menu... but I decided to go with the Seafood Pappong Curry for 750 yen. There are no acrylic barriers for COVID-19 measures, so please use your own discretion. I was quickly served with a glass of water. Refills are available with a pot placed on the table. Soon, I could hear the appetizing sizzling sound from the kitchen. Shortly after, a melamine bowl of soup arrived - a chicken-based Gang Jued soup with daikon, wood ear mushrooms, chicken, and green onions. The whole wood ear mushroom was a wild touch. It seemed to contain dried garlic, so be cautious if you have plans later. It could have been a bit hotter, but it was gentle yet flavorful and delicious. Then, the main dish arrived. I was given a spoon and fork. The rice was the familiar chrysanthemum-shaped rice with Pappong Curry on top - celery, onions, bell peppers, squid, shrimp, and scallops. The Pappong Curry was delicious! It reminded me of the Poo Pong Curry I had in Bangkok years ago. Even without the crab flavor, it was still amazing! The crunchy vegetables and rich, creamy egg were delightful! It was my first time having it served on rice, but it worked well! I think anything you order at this restaurant will be delicious. Thank you for the meal!

The shop has significantly downsized. It is narrow with fewer seats. There is a refrigerated showcase at the storefront, indicating a shift towards takeout and delivery. Uber drivers were constantly coming and going. Despite this, there were still many fans, with solo customers coming in even past 3 o'clock. I ordered the roast duck rice, which was delicious. The pork trotter rice is also really good. The duck, unlike Chinese style, had crispy skin but the focus was on the meat, which was tender without being dry. The sauce had a savory soy flavor. Mixing in the spicy fresh chili peppers on the table with the duck, sauce, and rice was delicious. The plate of rice may seem simple, but it was of high quality. The pickles, boiled egg, and soup all complemented the roast duck well, creating a balanced meal.

On a regular day at 11:00, there were no customers at first. I had garlic stir-fried sausages, duck salad, spicy seafood salad, sour sausages, and a Singha beer for 1 euro. I also had 4 or 5 oolong highballs and 4 or 5 juices. When the restaurant moved, the menu was limited at first, but it feels like it's back to normal now. It was nice to see my dad after a long time, and even after 3:00, they said, "Take your time and enjoy your drink." The new girl at the restaurant was cute and very friendly, making it a place I really like. There were some new customers coming in, but it didn't get as crowded as before. I hope this place stays open for a long time. After that, I had curry stir-fry (pork) and green papaya salad for lunch, and bought 1 bento box. The total bill was about 13,000 yen. Thank you for the delicious meal!

I used to check out this restaurant with a friend before heading to the park. The exterior seems to have been cleaned up a bit? Tagayasan... Since it was my first time here, I was scanning the menu when a familiar name caught my eye. I don't know anyone named Tagaya-san, so in my mind, I converted it to Koya-san... haha, that's the title. Tagayasan is actually a high-quality wood known for being very heavy and hard. Its leaves can also be eaten, apparently (not my cup of tea). The taste is... oh, it's bitter! The leaves seem to be pickled in salt, maybe? And they have a somewhat unpleasant texture in the mouth. But this unique taste is something you don't come across often! It's not spicy, but it has a thick, lingering flavor. It may not sound delicious when described like this, but that's exactly how it is. Today's lunch was a fun plate where you choose 3 items from 8 side dishes. It's not on the lunch menu, but the cheerful lady at the counter kindly accommodated my request. As for the other items... Pig's trotters: tender texture, deep flavor, hints of spices in the distance... Enjoy it on top of rice! Just be careful of the bones! By the way, I added a sunny-side-up egg for ¥100 this time, but if you choose the pig's trotters, they'll give you a half-boiled egg as well, so they overlap haha. Paneang curry: Whoa! This one is rich and flavorful! It's more creamy than coconut milk-based, giving off a creamy vibe. It's similar to Massaman curry, but the sketch is different, like a color variation...? I'm not sure if this is authentic to the region, but it's likely to appeal to Japanese taste buds. Delicious! Unusual! And some items may appeal to Japanese customers too! Looks like I may have found another great restaurant. The lunch menu is quite affordable, so if the taste matches up, it's a win-win situation.

Since moving, I've been wanting to go there but couldn't because of the shortened business hours due to COVID-19. When I called, I found out that the food is available until 10 pm and drinks until 11 pm. I had a bit of trouble making a reservation because my Japanese wasn't very good, but I managed to secure a reservation for around 8:30 to 9 pm. Eventually, due to difficulty in contacting my friend, we ended up visiting around 9:30 pm, but the owner warmly welcomed us, asking, "Are you the reservation for [Name]?" Everyone else there was a local. Wasn't this place a Thai restaurant before? We toasted with a highball and enjoyed the following dishes: - Komuyan (Thai-style grilled pork belly): The sauce had a balance of sourness, spiciness, and sweetness, with a hint of richness. It made eating vegetables enjoyable, and the meat was juicy. - Spicy stir-fried wild boar: Quite spicy (even though I asked for it to be less spicy), it had a local taste. It seemed to have kaffir lime leaves and basil. The wild boar was tender but had a satisfying chewiness. - Ankake vermicelli: The vermicelli had a firm texture, which was nice, and the seafood was soft and bouncy. The ankake sauce itself had a gentle flavor, but the seafood broth infused in it made it delicious. - Grilled duck: It had a taste similar to roasted peanuts. It might be refreshing to dip it in a black vinegar-like sauce. My friend enjoyed it, finding it juicy and delicious, but for me, the sauce was a bit heavy. - Green curry: It was full of ingredients and delicious! I didn't eat much because I was already full, so I want to go back for a rematch! My friend ordered the ankake vermicelli, so I couldn't have my favorite bamii hen. Either way, I need to go back for a rematch, especially because the ankake vermicelli turned out to be unexpectedly delicious. It was a satisfying meal!

Since moving, I had been curious about this place and finally went with a friend. I can't try various dishes by myself, so I invited a friend who loves Thai cuisine. The new location is smaller than before. I had never been to a Thai dessert shop, but it seems like it was a Thai dessert shop. I quite liked the atmosphere of the previous location, which was like a small hut, but this place also has a cozy dining atmosphere. It was a hot day, so we started with a toast with draft beer to quench our thirst. Here are the dishes we ordered: Crispy pork and bitter melon stir-fry - Instead of bitter melon, it came with water spinach, but the crispy and salty pork with water spinach was delicious. Northern Thai style grilled sausage - The homemade sausage was a perfect match with beer, with a nice herbal taste. Khao Kha Moo - Pork belly with garlic sauce - The oil-covered pork with a garlic-rich sauce was irresistible. Thai seafood curry steamed in banana leaf - The curry with lots of coconut milk and seafood was perfect. Pla Kapong Neung Manao - Steamed sea bass with herb sauce - The sea bass with plenty of peppercorns and spicy herb sauce was enjoyable. Khao Niao Mamuang - Sticky rice with coconut milk and mango - I saw this menu on the wall and knew I had to try it, and it was pure happiness. All the dishes were delicious and satisfying. They also sold takeout bento boxes for around 550 yen, which seemed like a great deal. During our meal, there were many Uber Eats orders coming in.

I had something to do nearby but there was no food, so I decided to check out a restaurant for takeout. The place was almost closing, but the friendly lady opened the door for me. I thought they only had what was left in the display case, but she said they could make something fresh for me. I was delighted. I ordered the Thai-style grilled chicken called Gai Yang and Thai sausage. It took a while as they made it from scratch, but when it was ready, it was packed hot and fresh! When I tried it later, the Gai Yang was bone-in with a sweet and spicy sauce that was generous and delicious. It had a refreshing hint of lemongrass. The Thai sausage was different from the sour one I was looking for, but it was flavorful with strong herbs. I was very satisfied. Thank you for the meal.

Ikebukuro Thai restaurant "Pirabukau". It seems that the popular restaurant in Ikebukuro, which has a lot of Thai cuisine, has once closed and reopened. The location is about a 5-6 minute walk north from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station. The restaurant is smaller than expected, and they also sell bento boxes at the storefront. The interior is dim even during the day, with 4 counter seats and 4 tables. It has a nice atmosphere like a rural Thai dining place on the outskirts of the bustling area. There are 12 lunch menu options ranging from 600 to 700 yen, which is reasonable. I was torn between "Green Curry" and "Basil Fried Rice", but I asked the staff for a recommendation and went with the "Basil Fried Rice" for 700 yen. It came as a one-plate dish with basil stir-fry and rice, topped with a fried egg. Soup is also included. The basil stir-fry is made with chunks of chicken, not minced meat like "Gapao". It is labeled as the spiciest option for lunch, but it has a mild spicy flavor. The seasoning is gentle and refined, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. It tastes great when mixed with the sauce and rice. The egg is fried properly, with a runny yolk. The soup has a strong chicken broth flavor and is delicious. It may not have bold flavors, but that's what makes it good in Thai cuisine. It's not overly reliant on strong flavors or spices, which is nice. They have a variety of options for dinner as well, so it seems like a fun place to drink in this atmosphere. The bento boxes were also reasonably priced at around 550 yen.

In Ikebukuro North Exit, there are many authentic and atmospheric Thai restaurants that offer a taste of the local cuisine. Among them, my favorite was Pilabukao. The restaurant had a rustic charm, serving authentic yet original Thai dishes that were delicious and reasonably priced. However, Pilabukao closed down, leaving only the sweets shop section. But to my delight, the sweets shop transformed into the new Pilabukao, essentially combining the two establishments into one. I was happy to see the return of Pilabukao and decided to try their special plate with a choice of 3 dishes. I selected the green curry chicken, beef paneer curry, and Taga Yasan leaf curry, along with their famous roasted duck. The green curry had a different twist compared to the old Pilabukao version, but it was still delicious with a street food vibe. The beef paneer curry was rich and flavorful, with generous portions of beef. The Taga Yasan leaf curry was a rare find, with a unique bitter taste that complemented the dish well. The roasted duck was as tasty as ever, maybe a bit richer in flavor. Overall, the new Pilabukao maintained its deliciousness and affordability, with some interesting new menu items added. It's definitely a must-visit restaurant!