Chabaa Thai returns in Manayunk, and adds a market
The long-awaited move steps up chef Moon Krapugthong's business, as she will expand her catering.
Chef Moon Krapugthong's Manayunk Thai favorite Chabaa Thai - which closed in 2014 anticipating a move down the street - returns to Main Street Aug. 23.
It's now at the corner of Main and Grape Streets (4343 Main St., 215-483-1931) - and it's not only larger but equipped with an Asian market/cafe next door called Binto (4345 Main St., 267-297-8764). The previous occupant was the short-lived Main Street Market.
The move steps up Krapugthong's business, as she will also use the accompanying larger kitchen (designed by Judy Spielman of Space by Spielman) for catering. Krapugthong also owns the Japanese BYOB Yanako a block away.
On the Chabaa Thai side, Re:Vision Architecture has installed an interior trellis and a cool ceiling canopy resembling sails. United Makers Building Company, whose office is two doors from Chabaa Thai's original location, did the work.
Chabaa Thai's menu is here. Opening hours will be dinner (from 5 p.m.) daily, as well as lunch Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch will be added in a few weeks.
Binto, which has a few tables, is set up for speed and convenience, with a menu including maki, spring rolls, noodles, and the like, plus grocery items such as pad Thai sauce, curry paste, salad dressings, hot sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, galangal and kaffir limes, as well as kitchen tools. There also will be prepped meals packaged for people to cook at home.
The lower level will become a community space for cooking classes, demonstrations, and private parties.
As part of the first week's festivities at Chabaa Thai, all diners will receive a comp coconut ice cream or mango sticky rice with their meal.