Stavenger has got to be the Thai food capital of Europe. Honestly, there are at least 10 Thai places within the city center. I was sort of freaking out as I walked past one after another. This for me is a perfect storm of food choices - all Thai.
I had spotted Naree Thai on my way out to take pictures. By appearances, it was very inviting. I noted that they closed at 10PM so I figured I needed to be back no later than 9:30. I think its offensive when someone walks into a restaurant close to closing and I try not to do it. At exactly 9:24 I entered and went straight to the order counter at the back. The first person who greeted me told me they were closed. The second person told me I could order from the take away menu - so I did.
The plates I saw walking looked so delicious I figured I must try some, even if I could not be seated. After 15 minutes I had my to go order in hand - crispy rolls and gang dang (chicken red curry bamboo shoots) - and headed off to my picnic. I ended up across the street on a bench on the bay in front of a 69 meter sailing yacht - the WinWin - which was staggeringly beautiful.
The food was delightful, especially the curry. I've rarely had better.
Perhaps if I had been seated I'd have a better sense of the service at Naree Thai. I was somewhat put off by the fact that they refused to seat me when I arrived more than 30 minutes before closing. To each their own I suppose. As it happened, my picnic was quite nice - maybe better than dining alone in an empty restaurant. If there weren't so many Thai choices in this town, I'd probably go back tonight - only earlier and try another of their dishes - it was that good.
1 order of curry chicken and 2 crispy rolls = 190NOK = $30USD = €22.5EUR read more