Tom Yum District

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Recognized throughout the Washington, D.C. region for their modern take on Thai cuisine, Chef Aulie Bunyaratapan and Restaurateur Mel Oursinsiri are proud to announce the opening of Tom Yum District on June 27, 2013.  Tom Yum District will elevate fresh casual dining in the Nation's Capital with a menu featuring customizable, made-to-order rice and noodle bowls rooted in authentic and traditional Thai flavors that are served in a modern way. Closest Metro is Rosslyn.

Authenticity, customization and modern influences are the cornerstones of the Tom Yum District experience with an emphasis on quickness, convenience and simplicity. Influenced by her years of innovation in the kitchen and a highly tuned attention to detail, Chef Aulie has carefully curated the customizable and accessible menu to emphasize traditional Thai flavors, techniques and spices while also opening diners minds to new possibilities.

"Tom Yum District is the continuation of our dream to bring Thai cuisine to the Washington area in innovative yet approachable ways," said Aulie. "I am thrilled to bring fresh and authentic Thai flavors to a more casual dining experience that allows guests an easy and quick way to enjoy Thai food."

Guests will choose from 4 bases, 4 grilled proteins, 5 sauces, and 10 toppings designed to be mixed and matched to create countless menu combinations. Highlights of the menu include their signature Tom Yum chili paste as well as other house made marinades and sauces including their exclusive green Sriracha sauce. The sauces are truly the stars of Tom Yum District.  The open design of the kitchen will allow guests to see their meal being cooked in a traditional stir-fry wok or on a plancha (flat top grill), which cooks proteins faster and more evenly then an open flame grill creating a perfectly moist meal.  Prices for the bowls range from $6.75 - $7.95.

We were invited to an opening preview party and I tried the Pad Thai Rice Noodles with Grilled Chicken and topped with grilled mixed vegetables, bean sprouts, egg, and lemongrass-ginger sauce.  The portion was generous and the ingredients super fresh.  I really enjoyed the bright lemongrass-ginger sauce.  Keith ordered  Pad Thai Noodles with Grilled Steak and topped with grilled mixed vegetables, bean sprouts, egg, mixed herbs, chili peppers, fried garlic, crushed peanuts, and Drunken sauce with extra Green Sriracha.  The Drunken sauce is the spiciest, but was not overpowering and had good flavor.

Pad Thai Noodles with Grilled Chicken

Pad Thai Noodles with Grilled Steak

A specially curated beverage menu includes roasted coconut juice typically found exclusively in Asian markets, toasted rice flavored green tea, as well as Thai tea in bottles, Thai beers as well as fountain drinks.  I tried the Thai tea and it was delicious.  Keith enjoyed a Chang beer, which was similar to a light American lager.  The other beer they carry is Singha.

The restaurant is designed to immerse diners in the culture of Thailand in a fresh and high energy, modern setting while going beyond the typical casual dining experience. Modern influences of dark and light colored woods, exposed drop lighting, cast concrete and raw metal are playfully set off by accents of magenta and yellow, two colors prominent in Thai culture. A geometric mural of black and white original photos depicting iconic Thai imagery and textured architectural elements inspired by a popular Thai carving are just a sampling of the East meets West influences evident throughout the restaurant. The restaurant will seat 49 people via individual tables and high-top communal seating. Environmentally-friendly materials include renowned designer Philippe Starck’s Emeco chairs made of recycled Coke bottles and WaterSense certified water faucets designed to reduce water usage.

Tom Yum District will be open daily from 11am to 9pm.  Check them out for Asian fast-casual fare with a modern twist!