Kiin Thai Eatery

Kiin Thai Eatery Restaurant Review:

From the folks who brought you Somtum Der, the Isan-inspired Thai eatery in the East Village (and one of the best in Manhattan), comes Kiin. The word for “eat” in Thai, Kiin eschews the regionalism of its brethren restaurant and broadens its menu, focusing on central Thailand where the cuisine is less spicy and influenced by the Chinese. The results are not as show-stopping as they are at Somtum Der and even at times --- dare we say it --- disappointingly bland, as is the green papaya salad, its ingredients limp. Grandma’s Grilled Pork was just patties of ground pork served with sticky rice. And the crispy pork belly with Brussels sprouts failed to raise any eyebrows (or palates). In the end, Kiin turns out to be just like every other mediocre Thai restaurant in Manhattan --- except for its sibling, of course.