After exiting the Davis Square T station and walking on Elm Street for a few blocks, I noticed a bright sign with the title, "Benjapon's." But it was the tagline that drew me in: "Thai food, flavorful, fresh, fast." It sounded like a restaurant full of flavor and nutrition; I had to give it a try.
Upon entering, the pale lime green and red d?©cor gave off a slightly hip ambience, but the large menu board with the friendly cash register employee urging me to come place an order screamed fast-casual restaurant. When I went to order, a quick glance at the menu board revealed plenty of tempting curries, stir fries, salads, and more.
To start my meal, I ordered a cup of the Tom Yum soup with tofu. My cup overflowed with tofu and vegetables submersed in a tangy broth. The broth itself had a nice contrast of flavors with the acidic lime and lemon grass, the spice of the peppers, and an overwhelming sweet flavor. The tofu was fried and a little tough, so chicken might be a better option. On a cold winter day, I might add rice to a bowl of this flavorful soup to turn it into a meal.
I can't go to a Thai restaurant without sampling the curry, so I chose the penang curry from the available list, which also included red, yellow, and green curries. I also opted for brown rice for an extra boost of fiber. Although curries are made with a rich, coconut-based sauce (meaning they are pretty heavy in calories), one can lighten the meal by eating half and taking the rest home. I chose to split my meal with a friend. We both enjoyed the thick chunks of eggplant, and the curry was flavorful, with just the right amount of spice!
I also sampled the Som Tum, a papaya and carrot salad, and the flavor and texture combination was a hit! The piquant lime dressing was refreshing, the peanuts offered a nice crunch, and the shrimp added protein to make this a well-rounded dish.
Although most of the food scored big in flavor and nutrition, a note of caution about the free samples of the Thai tea and Thai coffee: they may tempt you with their rich and creamy flavor, but are made with high-calorie sweetened condensed milk. I would recommend sticking with the samples, because a full serving of one of these beverages will add extra calories and fat to your meal. Opt instead for the (free!) water served in the restaurant.
Although this fresh and flavorful Thai joint does not deliver, they do offer take-out so you can grab and go. For something portable, try one of their convenient new wraps. Prices are reasonable: all dishes are under $10. And make sure to grab a frequent diner card: if you eat here ten times, you get a free meal!
No matter what you choose, this restaurant is sure to offer some quick, fresh foods, with spices to tantalize your taste buds.
