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Read the following story by Pornchai Sereemongkonpol from Bangkok Post’s Guru magazine. Then, answer the questions that follow.
We reviewed Eats Payao some time ago when it wasstill situated on Chan Road and we certainly enjoyed ourselves. Now that it has been relocated to a more central spot on Nang Linchi Road, and has added some new items to the menu, we decided that it was about time that we go back for a second visit.
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
You may be surprised to learn that the couple who co-own Eats Payao Bistro & Bar — Thai fashion designer Khae and Singaporean graphic designer Gavin — have no formal training in the culinary arts. Their menu is based on recipes from Khae’s grandmother. From where we’re sitting, they’ve certainly done these recipes justice. And now they’ve added some exciting new specials of their own.
WHAT’S NEW?
There are several variations of khao soi on offer, ranging from the traditional version with chicken to a fancier mo-dern version with seafood. We opted for the khao soi with beef (120 baht) and we weren’t disappointed. The lean beef shanks were sliced to just the right thickness. The Chiang Rai egg noodles were nice and chewy and served in a curry that was deliciously aromatic. Our only complaint was that there wasn’t more of it.
Tom zap hed thob (180 baht) is basically a light, spicy and sour soup served with a generous amount of northern mushrooms. Although hed thob is seasonal, Eats Payao offers this dish all year round. The mushrooms made for a really interesting sensation. Their outer shells are crunchy, but immediately after biting through, the sponge-like insides burst with the spicy soup that they’ve absorbed. Our lips actually got a bit swollen, but we still went back for more.
GUILTY PLEASURES
The biggest surprise was the Payao sausage burger (180baht). We like to think of it as a Northern Thai version of the double cheese burger. The patties are made fromsai au sausages — a complicated but delicious concoction of minced pork, herbs, spices and soft bone. These come covered with slices of smoked cheddar cheese. It sounds strange, but it really works.
Feeling indulgent, we allowed ourselves one more item from the menu. Our personal trainers would certainly disapprove, but we treated ourselves to some calorie-heavy gaeng hang lay (150 baht). You may need an hour on the treadmill after enjoying this juicy pork belly soaked in aromatic, spicy curry. But hey, you only live once.
KNOW YOUR CRAFT
By the time this review comes out, Eats Payao will already have introduced a selection of craft beverages. These have been hand-picked to be paired with the northern food. The prices will be on the high side, but are justified by the quality. Nevertheless, the informal setting means that this delightful spot is really only suited to casual dining.
Eats Payao is located on Nang Linchi Road between Soi 3 and 5. For more info, go to www.fb.com/eatspayao. You can also order from Eats Payao via Uber EATS.
SECTION 1
Read through the story and answer the following multiple-choice questions.
1. What is the article about?
a. New menu items at a popular restaurant.
b. The opening of a new restaurant.
c. An old restaurant launching an entirely new menu.
2. Where was the original Eats Payao located?
a. In Phayao.
b. In Chiang Rai.
c. In Bangkok.
3. Which was the most unusual dish sampled by the writer?
a. The khao soi with beef.
b. The tom zap hed thob.
c. The Payao sausage burger.
4. How many varieties of khao soi are available on the menu?
a. Two.
b. Three.
c. The article doesn’t say.
5. According to the article, which of the following is true of the co-owners?
a. They’re married.
b. They’re from Singapore.
c. They’re artists.
6. Why does the author say, “You may need an hour on the treadmill”?
a. He is concerned about the fitness levels of her readers.
b. He’s indicating that one of the dishes has a lot of calories.
c. He’s referring to something that her personal trainer told her.
7. Where is the restaurant now located?
a. On Nang Linchi Road.
b. On Nang Linchi Soi 3.
c. On Nang Linchi Soi 5.
SECTION 2
Match each of the following words used in the story with the correct definitions from the choices given.
| 8. culinary | a. a strange or unusual mixture of things |
| 9. fancy | b. expensive or connected with an expensive way of life |
| 10. absorb | c. to take in a liquid, gas or other substance from the surface or space around |
| 11. swollen | d. allowing somebody to have or do whatever they want |
| 12. concoction | e. larger than normal, especially as a result of a disease or an injury |
| 13. indulgent | f. connected with cooking or food |
SECTION 3
Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
Fashion designer Phoungkhae Sanglar, Eats Payao’s …..14….. owner, always loved cooking, especially recipes …..15….. her home province of Phayao. After setting …..16….. booths at various market events in Bangkok and getting good feedback, she decided to …..17….. a real shop. Eats Payao is a restaurant …..18….. turns Phoungkhae’s old family recipes …..19….. something deliciously modern.
14.
a. origin
b. original
c. originally
15.
a. from
b. for
c. in
16.
a. at
b. up
c. in
17.
a. be
b. find
c. establish
18.
a. what
b. that
c. who
19.
a. into
b. onto
c. unto
SECTION 4
Write down the noun forms of the following words used in the story in the space given.
20. reviewed
…………………..
21. opt
…………………..
22. seasonal
…………………..
23. disapprove
…………………..
24. informal
…………………..
Answers
Section 1
1. a.
2. c.
3. c.
4. c.
5. a.
6. b.
7. a.
Section 2
8. f.
9. b.
10. c.
11. e.
12. a.
13. d.
Section 3
14. b.
15. a.
16. b.
17. c.
18. b.
19. a.
Section 4
20. Review.
21. Option.
22. Season.
23. Disapproval.
24. Informality.
SCORE
21-24: Excellent!
17-20: Good.
13-16: Fair.
12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
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