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Voted "Best Thai" in our 2007 Reader Restaurant Awards, Purple Haze
has always enjoyed a high standing in the capital, and their
popularity is set to grow with the arrival of Purple Haze Bistro.
The swanky yet comfortable environment feels more New York than
Beijing, as live jazz (Wednesday nights) accompanies the exciting
Southeast Asian fare on the menu. A bowl of Vietnamese chicken
salad– composed of vermicelli, slivers of onion, cucumber, carrots,
crushed peanuts and shredded chicken dressed in lime and mint
vinaigrette – was certainly a great way to begin the meal. As the
meal went on, things got even better: The lime chicken curry came
with delicate chunks of chicken bathed in a mouth-puckering sauce,
while the seafood in pumpkin sauce– a sweet stew-like dish made
with coconut milk – added a creamy texture without overpowering the
flavors of the fresh seafood. The Filipino paella was also superb,
but it couldn't outshine the previous two dishes. Service was
friendly and drinks are reasonably priced.
(that's Beijing December 27, 2007)