Eat: Funky Elephant
Hainanese chicken and rice is something I’ve been trying to perfect forever. When I tasted the Thai version, Khao Man Gai (KMG), at Funky Elephant, I thought “Forget it, I’ll just come here to eat their chicken and rice for the rest of my life”. They have literally perfected KMG and every time I eat chicken and rice I compare it to Funky Elephant.
The chef and owner was a chef de cuisine under James Syhabout (who is famously known for Hawker Fare and Michelin starred Commis). They keep the menu generally small to focus on bringing in the freshest ingredients and most authentic Thai flavors possible.
The chicken is so moist and juicy that I feel like they must pump it with liquid to get it that way. I’ve tried emulating this so many times and I cannot figure out their secret. The broth that’s served on the side is so flavorful and salty and I wish I could drink a million bowls with each meal.
Ok, so you get it, try the KMG. But, their other stuff is crazy good too! I took my family there when they came to visit and we devoured the pad thai, crispy pork fried rice, and of course our own servings of KMG before heading off to dinner.
I cannot recommend this place enough!
Location: 1313 Ninth Street, Suit 120, Berkeley, CA
