Chef Lauren Tells Us What to Eat At Kin Khao Dogpatch

I love my Pool Girlfriend. This inimitable woman, my friend, Lauren Giblon, has earned her title from her affinity for all things aquatic and all the places we’ve gone swimming together. I’m sure you will see her in pools and hot tubs with me in videos and blogs to come as we exit the pandemic. 

Today, I want to bring you along to witness one of her other passions. As it turns out, when Lauren isn’t swimming, she daylights as a sous chef, and a good one at that; Lauren has some impressive locales on her resume, including Nari, Foreign Cinema, Contigo, and the Guild of Cookery.

This past Wednesday, her latest culinary adventure, Kin Khao Dogpatch, located at 690 Indiana Street in San Francisco, reopened with Lauren doing her sous chef thang. I promised her that I wouldn’t come on re-opening day, so I waited a whole two days to bring you.

But first, let’s talk a little about the restaurant:

Kin Khao Dogpatch has Michelin in its Veins

The owner and lead chef, Pim Techamuanvivit, a well-known Thai chef and San Francisco restauranteur, has two Michelin stars under her belt, one at Nahm in Bankok, and the other at Kin Khao Dogpatch’s mother location, Kin Khao.

The Name Literally Means “Eat Rice” in Thai

Like in many Asian cultures, rice holds its place as one of Thailand’s most important staples; due to this distinction, when you say the words, “eat rice,” or “Kin Khao,” it translates to something like, “let’s eat.” 

For you linguaphiles out there, this synecdochical concept of eating rice signifying a greater meal is similar to “chi fan” in Chinese or “ăn cơm” in Vietnamese. 

The Restaurant Aims for a “Fast Casual” Atmosphere

Launched in the mids of the global pandemic, Kin Khao Dogpatch, maintains an abbreviated spread, favoring items from its mother location’s Michelin Star menu that are both delicious and can travel well. This makes it perfect for take out or for dining at its beautiful outdoor patio, with views of nearby Esprit Park.

My Favorites

-Appetizers-

Nam Tok Beans

Chef Lauren suggested these, and they did not disappoint. These little wraps are deceptively delicious. 

-Entrees-

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

I’ve had this sandwich three times so far. It is good there or on the go and flavored to perfection. Ask for extra sriracha aioli on the side.

I also loved the Checken Golek Curry, but I think it’s important to note that Lauren’s favorite is the Khao Soi. Many people ordered this while we were there, and Lauren even ate it on her lunch break. That’s pretty high praise if you ask me. So, while I haven’t tried it yet, I’m going to suggest the Khao Soi.

-Drinks-

While this is currently out of stock, I loved their Thai Iced Tea Slushi from the first time I went in.

They additionally have a selection of wine and beer by the glass or bottle. 

Now, For the Tips

1. For the time being, still bring your mask to be worn while not eating or drinking
2. Don’t be surprised by the contactless temperature check (they’re doing this for your safety) 
3. You will order via QR codes on your phones, which are keyed to your table
4. Make sure to add utensils and water to your order. They make this very easy on your phone.
5. At this time, they are using compostable dining wear, even when dining in. This I hope is only for the pandemic, as I would have liked metal, but this doesn’t take away from the amazing food.
6. Know your spice level. I love spice, so the dishes were PERFECT for me; Cory likes more mild spice, so he thought the food was delicious, albeit hot. 
7. If there’s a red-haired woman inside, wave, that’s probably Lauren.
8. Enjoy your meal.