If you like Thai food, it’s high time you tried Wild Ginger in Littleton . If you love Thai food, you will lose yourself in a reverie over this little jewel’s offerings.
It is a cozy space that doesn’t seems as spacious as it is, with muted tones that soften daylight and lend a romantic air to evening. The presence of Thai art and artifacts enhance an engaging atmosphere.
For a pre-meal taste to tide you over as you peruse the menu, the fish cakes here come close to the best ever. Six to an order ($6.45), they are the perfect level of heat – although you can adjust it to suit your personal preference.
There is a difference of $1 to $2 between lunch and dinner items, but fewer than 10 exceed $10 in price, with most entrees topping out at $7.95.
Vegetarians will happily note that anything that has meat, fish or seafood, can be prepared meat-free or with tofu. A generous portion of rice is served with entrees.
In addition to the usual spring rolls and dumplings there are other options worth sampling, including deep- fried soft shell crab ($6.25), mussels steamed with lemon grass and basil ($5.95), served with a spicy sauce of chopped chiles, rice wine vinegar, a touch of nam pla, a very strong fish sauce, but a luscious touch when blended.
Instead of going for the usual egg rolls, order a side of the Thai sausage ($5.95).
Green papaya salad is another treasure ($5.25 at lunch; $5.95 at dinner), an arrangement of green papaya, sliced tomatoes, chiles, garlic and dried shrimp in a lime dressing. Each of the salads on the menu is enough for two.
And beware – unless you specify mild, medium or hot, your mouth might be in for a big surprise. If you’re bold enough to ask for a dish prepared “the way it’s eaten in Thailand,” bring lots of
tissues.
The most expensive items on the menu are fish/seafood dishes. Heartily recommended is the stir-fried red snapper with celery in a black bean sauce ($11.50).
Green and red curries, including the popular massaman ($5.95; $7.95), are available in varying degrees of heat. This is a mild curry with potatoes,onions and roasted peanuts.
If you’re a sucker for basil, the panang ($5.95; $7.95) is bound to make you smile. Not to worry, however if your system doesn’t agree with peanuts; there are nut-free options.
Try to leave room for dessert. Either mango and sweet rice ($4.75) or green tea ice cream ($2.25), bring a subtle end to a rousing meal.
And keep in mind, the best way to neutralize heat is with a sip of Thai iced tea.
Otherwise, enjoy. Wherever you live in the area, Thai Ginger is worth the drive.
Staff writer Ellen Sweets can be reached at 303-954-1284 or esweets@denverpost.com.
Wild Ginger
Thai|399 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-794-1115|Lunch and dinner options $3.25- $12.50|Major credit cards
Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5 p.m.-9 p.m.. Friday 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday- noon-3 p.m.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Front burner: Delicious, affordable lunch and dinner.
Back burner: Make reservations for Friday or Saturday dinner. Order by number and save time.
