Berlin’s food culture has been given new nourishment by Khao Taan, an authentic Thai restaurant that opened in February 2019. Nestled in a quiet street in Friedrichshain, it resembles a dining room and your experience there is akin to a laid-back dinner with a Thai grandmother. After several stints at food markets like Bite club and Markthalle Neun, Gaan, a lawyer turned cook, decided to open up his own restaurant. The concept is based on successive courses, including dishes you select from categories including canapés and relishes. Each guest takes samples from plates and no one gets their own individual portion; everything is shared. Don’t expect to see Pad Thai on the menu, rather be ready for novel items such as guinea fowl, young green chilli and Chinese plum. Expect succulent flavours that will dazzle you while you converse with friends and family over hand-picked wine. Khao Taan merges contrasting flavours that turn complementary, and implements distinct textures that stimulate your taste buds, showcasing the extent of Thai cuisine. The abundance of love is evident, and with Gaan’s family style offering, you are guaranteed a complete culinary journey. (Text: Marwan Fakhereddin / Photos: Khao Taan)