Phrik Thai, Beijing

This is not the most up-scale Thai restaurant around, but reasonable prices and quality dishes keep it popular with young expats and Chinese. The two small rooms, served by a central kitchen, are bright and simply decorated, and the food is not overly adjusted to suit local tastes. For starters try the Sour Mango Salad (CNY28) or Minced Pork with Mint Leaf (CNY22), followed by Thai Curry (various colors and contents, CNY25-65), or Tom Yam Kung soup (CNY28). Wash all this down with beer, or a lime or coconut shake (CNY15). Note: Different management from Phrik Thai on Ya Bao Road.