Summer is a great time for Thai food. Here’s how we visited Rai Lay

Summer is a great time for Thai food. Here’s how we visited Rai Lay
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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…

rai-lay-thai

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.

inside-ray-lai

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.

rai-lay-menu

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.

strawberry sangria rai lay

Ta-da! Basil chicken!!!

rai-lay-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.

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