Historia Thai Cuisine: Hip Southeast Asian

There never seems to be enough Thai food in this city to satisfy our cravings, but the addition of Historia Thai Cuisine in 798 may fix that, and is easily coupled with a visit to the art district. 

Located in a building off Originality Square, the restaurant is laid out like a Thai living room, with cats roaming freely throughout. 

The menu, presented via an irritating iPad contraption with no English-language function, is not solely based around Thai cuisine: there are Vietnamese and Malaysian items available too. The chicken satay (RMB 28) for example, does not feel very Thai but was tender and full of classic satay flavor from the fantastic peanut sauce.

The Vietnamese spring rolls (RMB 38) were a little bit bizarre as they were filled with a curry-flavored filling, not in true Vietnamese style. Thankfully this assault on authenticity did not take away from their taste. The light beef curry (RMB 78) also hit the spot, although the price-to-dish-size ratio was rather misjudged. 

Avoid the coconut stir-fried vegetables (RMB 48), the coconut sauce congealing while the vegetables cooled down, making for a sickly sight and flavor. It didn’t really help that there were two cats meowing aggressively under the table either, but apparently hungry animals in restaurants are no big deal in China.

Historia Thai’s pleasant environment and abundance of cats could make for a relaxing snack or coffee break (there’s a café downstairs, serving up genuine Italian coffee) after a stroll in 798. Unless, of course, you’re allergic to cats. 

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos: Margaux Schreurs