There’s a lot of discourse on what counts as authentic cuisine. The rise of globalization and the glocalization of flavors have made it a bit more difficult to judge what counts as truly authentic or not. But for Thai food stall Samyan, the authenticity of its food is not up for debate.
The Grid’s Thai food concept helmed by chef Thitid “Tonn” Tassanakajohn has been recognized by the Thai government for serving up Thai food that actually lives up to the dishes you can find in Thailand.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Government of Thailand will award the restaurant with the Thai Select certification, that “guarantees the authentic Thai taste of Thai food products and Thai restaurants in Thailand and overseas.”
The specific award Samyan will be receiving is the Thai Select Casual award, which is given to “Thai restaurants overseas that offer good quality, authentic Thai food with more casual and simpler dining set-ups like fast-food restaurants, food outlets at a food court, restaurants with limited or no seating, food trucks, and food stalls,” according to the awarding body.
Aside from Samyan’s Thai Select Casual award, other achievements under Tassanakajohn’s belt are a Bib Gourmand and a Michelin Star for his restaurants in Thailand.
Samyan serves classic Thai fare like crispy pork strips (P225), creamy shrimp tom yum soup (P355+), chicken krapao (P250), tom yum fried rice (P355) and massaman beef curry (P360) just to name a few.
Samyan is located at Stall #16 at The Grid Food Market in Power Plant Mall and online via The Grid’s website.