To visitors, Hyde Park is known for its proximity to Museum Campus and the University of Chicago. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this south side neighborhood, though, is the outstanding array of food options – specifically my favorite spot in the area, Snail Thai.
I was introduced to this gem by my sister who was studying at the University of Chicago. After she fell in love with Snail Thai and continued to rave about it, I knew it would be worth the commute from my Lincoln Park confines. After my first visit I bought a Metra card, knowing that I would be making the trip southbound far more frequently.
Offering an array of authentic Thai delicacies mixed with traditional favorites, Snail Thai offers a different dining experience every time. While my order varies with each visit, my meal has always started with one of their delectable soups. My favorite was the wonton soup (USD 5.75), while my sister favored the Potak Hot and Sour Soup (USD 6.50) and the Scholar’s Noodle Soup (USD 5.75). As for our main dishes, we usually split one of the fried rice plates and a seafood entrée – always eager to try a new dish every time, yet having a hard time deviating away from our favorites (specifically, the Seafood and Vegetables entrée). Either way, every dish I have tried has exceeded my expectations, thereby ensuring that I remain a devoted regular to this Thai gem.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
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They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
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The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
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There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
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While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
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BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
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