Earlier this year, when Tysons Tower construction really started to pick up, I got worried that one of my favorite restaurants in Tysons would close up because of construction activity. In fact, Neisha Thai was preparing for a move in advance of the eventual close of their original mall location, and getting ready to move to Fairfax Square.
They welcomed back Tysons to their restaurant with the grand opening this past Sunday which included some of my favorites like their spring rolls and Larb Gai. The location is on the side of the Nordstrom Rack building, directly next to some free for customers structured parking. The space is slightly larger than their previous location near the Lord & Taylor entrance of the mall, and like the previous location includes traditional Thai water features with modern decor.
The food is really what matters, and that is what Neisha Thai has always been known for; that and the hottest Crying Tiger steak you will ever eat in your life. If you are a spice-aholic I advise you to try it.
I started a recent meal there with a very delicate salmon roll which was a fusion of japanese and thai flavors. The very light salmon roe flavors of course compliment the seaweed wrap but I was amazed by the subtle flavor of the seaweed in balance with the thin outer spring roll.
I then had some of the Mussamun curry, which unlike other panang and red curries involves a long reduction process of the coconut milk, peppers, and spices to create a much more thick and fulfilling base. Once you’ve had it you’ll find other Thai restaurant curries to be too watered down. What am I talking about, why would you want to go to another Thai restaurant once you have had Neisha?
I had never heard of the last item I tried, a pineapple fried rice which steeps the rice, shrimp, and roasted cashews in the juices of pineapple and is served out of half of a pineapple carved as a bowl.
“My home town of Prachaup Khiri Khan is known as the pineapple land, pineapple is central in many foods and currys. The pineapple juices soften up the fried rice and provide a nice sweetness, and the presentation is fun.” says Owner Rick Kitchrayotin.
I agreed completely, the flavor between the roasted cashews, seasoned fried rice, and pineapple was in great balance.
What would Rick suggest? “Well my favorite dish in all Thai cuisine is the grilled salmon in banana leaves. The salmon is seasoned, marinated with herbs for many hours in advance, and then it is wrapped and cooked inside of the banana leaf. This brings out all of the aromatics and flavors just like a smoked salmon.”
— — — —
Neisha Thai is really a Tysons success story. In a location with many of the biggest restaurant chains in the world like Cheesecake Factory, Tuesdays, and Clyde’s they have been able to not only survive but excel. Neisha Thai has been in Tysons for over 12 years now.
“Tysons is like my home. I have been doing business in this area since 1993. The changes happening will mean more opportunities for businesses with a new population with good incomes that is moving in. Something big is happening and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. This has the right ingredients for a successful restaurant” says Mr. Kitchrayotin.
Neisha Thai will also be adding catering for small clientele to large corporations that are headquartered all over Tysons. “Part of the job now is to go out and build partnerships with companies and to let them know about what Neisha Thai can offer as a different kind of catering option.” With Tysons growing residentially and bringing in more companies every day, the opportunities to gain both a corporate partnership and a loyal customer base are quite high.
The new location provides some more space to encourage private parties, including live music and folk performing arts on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as provide a comfortable and elegant dinner setting.
“To us it is more than just back and forth and providing food for money; it’s about service and giving back also.”
If you haven’t had a chance to try Neisha Thai yet, or haven’t been to their new location, I would advise you head there soon and try it out because they really are the best in Thai food. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.