What do you usually eat when it’s hot? Salad? Cold-pressed juice? European cold soup? Or nothing at all because you just don’t have the appetite and might as well just skip meal and save money?

The other day, I did not feel like cooking or eating anything ‘too American,’ I thought of Rai Lay, a Thai restaurant I’ve heard few weeks ago that opened at South End right next to the Aveda Institute. It was hot, and I was in desperate need to have by Thai food fix, so I proposed while we try to hit some Pokestop at South End, we go try Rai Lay to see how authentic the food is…

When you go to Rai Lay, remember the “supposed to look like front door” is locked.

Instead, you have to enter the restaurant at the corner. I know it’s a bit tricky and a little annoying when you just want you enter for some Thai food… but  just keep that in mind. The food is worth the little twist and turn.

Rai Lay is a small restaurant, but the ambience is great.

We arrived early in the evening when it was still pretty bright out. The bar looked nice, but the tables were arranged a bit crowded. Originally we were a little skeptical wondering why the waitress tried to lead us to the back of the restaurant, but to our surprise, Rai Lay actually has a few nice booths hidden towards the end of the restaurant. Booths are always my first choice, and that made me happy we had a nice and private spot to ourselves to enjoy Thai food.

I have to admit I am indecisive when it comes to trying something new. In the end I stuck to my original plan and ordered Basil Chicken, which according to description sound exactly like what I have been terribly craving for since my last trip to Asia.

I also ordered the special $5 sangria to share. Normally not a big fan of alcoholic beverages, I thought it was quite tasty. The flavor and the arrangement made it seem appropriate to go with the Thai food we were about to have.

Ta-da! Basil chicken!!!

You can also change your level of preference for spiciness at Rai Lay.

I originally wanted to go for a 0 but was recommended by the staff to try level 1. My dinner compantion thought it was the perfect spicy level for him while I think next time I might opt for level 0. If you are a big fan of spicy food, feel free to be adventurous to go up to level 3 or 4. I heard they get pretty spicy.

If you happen to be in South End in the summer, give this place a try. When it’s hot, Thai food will always be a good idea.