Tenacious chef Moon Krapugthong skillfully combines plate presentations in an enchanting ambience of exquisiteness with a come-hither grocery/grab-and-go market that further propels Chabaa Thai Bistro and Binto Market & Cafe into the universe of five-star glory.
Chabaa Thai Bistro has not only reopened in a prime corner spot at the intersection of Grape and Main in Manayunk, but chef Moon has also blossomed into the ethnic market arena with Binto Market & Cafe a mere one door away.
Binto is a petite, well-stocked upscale boutique of Asian goodies and trinkets with workable woks, tempting tea pots, bottles of rice wines and spiced sauces lining shelves along one side of the market—all available for purchase. Baskets of untypical produce, international treats (think nori, rolled seaweed snacks) and candies taunt the fingers at every turn.
Looking for a quick lunchtime grab-and-go meal? Look no further, as cases of prepared salads, sushis, soups and sides are ready to be plucked from cold cases to get you through the afternoon. Light bites including Bangkok wings ($6.75), curry chicken puffs ($5.75), pork gyoza ($5.50) and shumai (with a choice of tofu, crab or shrimp at $5.75) are hot, flavorful and full of texture. Binto’s menu rounds out with Asian sausages, sushi, stir fry dishes and enough curry powder, vegetables and tofu to keep our vegetarian friends content.
Moon’s fine-dining vision remains true to her heritage with the larger-spaced BYOB restaurant experience that takes the palate up a notch or two. “I’m very proud of what we offer at Chabaa Thai,” said Moon. “I love seeing the faces of customers light up when dishes arrive at the table. I enjoy making our plates come alive.”
The original menu remains intact (why tamper with success?), but chef Moon pulls out the stops with seasonal specials like Chabaa Fall Roll (seriously the flakiest, tastiest set of twin delights ever at $8), Rad Nar Seafood (loaded with prawns, mussels, scallops and calamari at $23) and our favorite (if we had to pick), Jungle Garden Black Sea Bass (lightly breaded atop green mango, shallots and lemongrass with a chile lime sauce for $24). We had to stop ourselves from mouthing ”‘wow” at every bite.
As if the food wasn’t outstanding enough, the atmosphere is mystically enchanting as well. A focal point back wall of geometrically placed candles frame a captivating wood-carved Buddha altar. A suspended canopy of triangular pumpkin- and cream-colored umbrellas magically hover overhead in this zen-like oasis. Intimate dining booths lay protected under a custom-built arbor-like structure. A must-see traditional “House of Spirits” welcomes guests at the front entrance as powerfully subdued ethnic art and lotus-themed sculptures dot walls and tables. The space is perfect for date night, a social gathering or a girls’ night out—leave distracting phones home to experience this sexy, sophisticated spot.
With 13 years in the Manayunk community, the charismatic chef Moon relishes in this latest venture and loves the personal interaction that Binto and Chabaa Thai both provide. “People want to know how to prepare authentic Asian recipes at home, and with the ingredients and my experience in the same place, it’s a win-win situation for all of us.”
And a win-win it is, at this BYOB restaurant and market with stellar attentive and knowledgable service. Weekend reservations are a must for Chabaa Thai. Look for convenient parking along Grape Street as well as inexpensive on-street and off-street parking throughout Manayunk.
Catering and private chef dinners are available.
Find Chabaa Thai and Binto at 4343 Main St. in Manayunk; phone: (215) 483-1931.
- Photos: Ed Williams
