Pilin Thai - in search of Thai food

I generally bring my lunch to work, but I'd forgotten to this day. Since the office had relocated from Maryland to Virginia I rarely had to explore local venues for lunch. I had no idea where I was going and decided to drive through a nearby strip mall in hopes that something  catch my eye and I could avoid busy chain restaurants.  The neon 'Thai Food' sign in the window caught my eye. I parked and decided to check out Pilin Thai.

Pilin Thai's décor is simple and colorful. Diners can secure a table before submitting the meal requests at the order station.  A petite, soft spoken women smiled brightly at me and asked what I would like to order. In addition a list of familiar dishes (Massaman curries, pad Thai, and soups) a list of daily specials and lunch box specials were posted near the order station. I told the woman I was torn between the spicy chicken lunch box special and the spicy pork belly special (crispy pork belly pad phrik khing). After a second or two she told me the pork belly was her favorite and recommended it. I selected a beverage, paid the bill and secured a table while I waited for my food.

Crispy pork belly pad phrik khing

A  wiry looking man sat quietly in the back of the room reading a newspaper. He appeared to be absorbed with the newspaper. A bell rang from the kitchen. The man moved quickly from his seat and walked to  an opening in the wall  between dining room and kitchen.  Seconds later he was standing adjacent to my table with my dish in hand and napkin wrapped utensils.

 

I tend to not order pork but this dish was very good! The pork was crisp and  well cooked. The green beans were crisp and crunchy - they tasted fresh, not canned or frozen. This dish was truly spicy. I felt the heat prickling my scalp. I smiled and thank the dining gods for pointing me to Pilin Thai.

 

While I savored my dish and marveled that this restaurant was so close to the office another customer came in and studied the menu closely. After a few minutes he stated loudly to the woman that he was waiting for her.  She replied in the quiet voice that she used when she took my order that she had asked him if he was ready. Angered, the customer told the woman that perhaps she should speak up so that she could be heard.  All the time the woman never stopped smiling and never raised her voice.  There is no doubt in my mind that had the exchange escalated the quiet man in the back would be a force to be reckoned with.

 

After the customer left, the woman looked at me and asked if I liked my dish. I replied affirmatively and told her that I was 'simple'. She smiled again and told me that she has been cooking for 25 years and that Pilin Thai has two locations - one in Vienna, VA;  the other in Falls Church, VA. She said  the restaurant industry is not for everyone.

 

I didn't check the bathroom.

 

The restaurant is very family friendly.

 

When metro's silver line opens Pilin Thai will be within walking distance of the Greensboro metro stop. I think I've found my 'go to' Thai food restaurant near work. I look forward to returning to try more dishes on Pilin Thai's menu.