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Royal Thai Garden

Digest Step Up to the Plate

September 14, 2014

Story By: Nicole Monton | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK,S HOUSE SPECIAL: LARB ($9.99)

Traditional cuisine meets local flair at Royal Thai Garden in Ewa Beach. Emphasizing freshness and flavor is all part of the game for co-owner Irma Sayavong, and it isn’t hard to see why the establishment has been a hit with customers since it opened earlier this year. Royal Thai Garden consistently serves up tasty dishes like the ever-popular Larb, and now offers lunch plates on the menu (served 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.).

According to Sayavong, the toasted rice, which is cooked until golden brown, is ground up to add an extra heap of texture to the dish. Once blended in the Larb, it exudes a wonderful nutty flavor.

Freshness abounds in Royal Thai Garden’s Larb, and you can take your pick of minced chicken, beef, pork or tofu as a protein. The savory concoction is mixed to taste and houses a number of unique ingredients. “When I serve it to my customers and let them try it, they love it,” says Sayavong.

Lettuce and cabbage are served alongside the ground beef mix, which is blended until the perfect texture is achieved. Scoop the mixture into a piece of cabbage or lettuce, then wrap and dig in!

Cilantro lovers rejoice, as a hearty amount is mixed in to the blend of ground beef, fish sauce and lime juice. The refreshing herb’s flavor permeates each bite and pairs well with just the right amount of mint.

Mint, while added as a garnish, can be thrown into the mix for an extra dose of lively seasoning. Did you know that while mint is known to freshen your breath, it can also aid in digestion?

Larb caters to those who enjoy a spicy meal, as well as those who prefer milder dishes. Red chili pepper powder is added to the ground beef mixture, so make sure you specify whether you want it mild, medium or hot!

Royal Thai Garden

Ewa Point Marketplace
91-1001 Kaimalie St. Ewa Beach
689-5105
Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Ewa Beach Shopping Center, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

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