This eclectic yet friendly Thai eatery is the latest venture of Amy Li, manageress of Stone Boat Cafe.

It has a friendly feel to it, with walls painted in yellow and red, wait staff dressed in colorful Thai garb, and a menu singing with lemongrass, curry and tamarind. The tom yum goong soup (RMB 48 small, RMB 68 medium) was filled with straw mushrooms, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, galangal and lemongrass, and tasted very authentic with a nice hint of coconut milk.

The yellow curry crab (RMB 88) is impressed – a full plate of crab dressed in silky stir-fried eggs, similar to the Thai version of saipanxie. Although the pineapple rice (RMB 38 small, RMB 58 medium) was beautifully presented with shrimp and cashews, it was a bit of a let-down – the sticky rice was just a tad overcooked. However, with reasonable prices, great service and a homey atmosphere, this place is definitely a welcome newcomer.

Location: 88 Jianguo Lu (on the west side of Soho New Town, next to Annieís) Chaoyang District
Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm
Tel: 010-8580-0568

(That's Beijing by Jessica Wang January 11, 2008)