If you come out of the west exit of Ebisu Station and stay off the main road, you’ll discover a network of backstreets offering an array of restaurants serving different cuisines. It can be a difficult choice if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for. But should a craving for Thai food hit you, you’re in luck. Gapao Shokudo, which also has branches in Shibuya and Omotesando, beckons from the first floor on one street corner with its bright red signage and colourful window lights. Inside, it’s just as festive, with white-washed tabletops, tropical looking plants dotted around, and friendly staff ready to seat you. We visited on a week night and it was busy enough to feel vibey but we didn’t have to queue to get a counter spot. If you prefer a table, you might need to reserve.
The menu features a wealth of Thai dishes and you can choose the spice level. For those who prefer no chilli at all, we’d recommend the Gana Massaman Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk (¥980, pictured above), ordered with a side of rice. The flavouring was actually on the sweet side (delicious!) and although the portion size looks small, it was packed with filling chicken, potato and veggies and we ended up struggling to finish it. For those who love the burn, go for the Gang Ped Gung Red Curry Prawn with Coconut (¥1.080). This is probably not the best Thai food you'll have in Tokyo, but the prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is fun and casual, and it'll still hit the spot.