Interior of Khong River House Restaurant in Miami Beach, FL
When dining out I prefer authentic establishments that highlight regional flavors and fresh ingredients. I love Raku in Las Vegas which features authentic Japanese cuisine and I’m a huge fan of Tony Hu’s Chinese restaurants in Chicago widely known for their regional authenticity. I love that food has the power to transport you to other places—moules marinières always takes me to France where Corey and I spent our honeymoon and whenever I eat kimchi-bokkeumbap I always imagine eating in a snack-food restaurant in Korea.
The Food at Khong River House
The food at Khong River House is a confluence of cultures and flavors inspired by the countries the Mekong River flows through: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This results in an exotic journey in South East Asian Cuisine.
Vietnamese Iced Tea and Tamarind Mint Iced Tea at Khong River House
Our flavorful journey began with a deliciously sweet Vietnamese iced tea and a refreshing mint and tamarind iced tea. Corey and I had just come from the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. We hadn’t quite adjusted from the Chicago winter to the Florida heat and we were in dire need of refreshment. These served us well.
The waiter recommended that we order two small plates and two mains to share. Though in all honesty, I think we would have been fine ordering one small plate and two entrees. But, I’m not complaining, the appetizers were wonderful. We started off with the Spicy Isan Waterfall Salad with Fried Snapper. The lightly-fried fish tasted fresh and paired nicely with the lime juice, fish sauce, salad greens, and mint. Sorry there is no picture . . . it was just so good, and we were so hungry from walking.
Pork Summer Rolls with a Spicy Dipping Sauce at Khong River House
I’m a huge fan of spring rolls. They’re so much fun to make and the fillings are endless. I typically make mango and chicken or shrimp and mint, so these pork summer rolls were a fun alternative to my usual fair. The lettuce and carrots were nice and crisp; the spicy dipping sauce adding some heat to the fresh rolls.
Northern Vegetarian Pad Thai at Khong River House
Corey chose the vegetarian pad Thai served in a tangy tamarind sauce with mung bean sprouts, julienned carrots, scallions, scrambled eggs, and spinach. Chopped peanuts, a fresh lime slice, and spicy red chilies accompanied the dish to add to your liking. The freshness of the ingredients were apparent and appreciated. The dish was full of flavor—tangy, salty, spicy, and sweet. The vegetables shined and we didn’t miss not having meat.
Thai Coconut Chicken Curry Soup with White Rice
Whenever there is a coconut curry dish on a menu, I almost always have to order it. Corey jokes that I’ll read the whole menu, even though I know I’m going to order that dish. Well more often than not, he’s right. I can’t resist the rich and utterly decadent slightly sweet and spicy coconut broth. It’s amazing and Khong River House’s version does not disappoint. It’s much heartier compared to most other restaurants I’ve been to, with tons of chicken and vegetables. I highly recommend this dish, though I might be a tad bit biased given my inclination for coconut curry.
The Venue at Khong River House
The Extensive Bar at Khong River House
The atmosphere at Khong River House is warm and inviting. Empty bird cages hang from high ceilings interspersed with bare light bulbs, but my favorite part of the restaurant is the extensive bar stocked with fresh herbs and copious amounts of liquor, wine, simple syrups, and spices. The bar has a rolling wall ladder and trust me, it needs it. We did not try any cocktails this time around, but we’ll be back. And if you’ve been there let me know which one/s I should try.
Khong River House Store Front
Khong River House brings South East Asian cuisine to Miami Beach. If you get a chance, check it out and let me know what you think!
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