The story
Kin Khao brings authentic Thai cooking to the historic center of Gent, where Santisuk Pakwan and Dominique Rongé opened their doors in spring 2018. The name translates to eating or letting us share a meal, reflecting an approach that treats rice and street food as cultural anchors rather than museum pieces. Every curry paste, dipping sauce, and relish is prepared fresh in the kitchen each morning using imported Thai herbs alongside seasonal European produce. This dedication to house-made foundations ensures the Thai kitchen retains its regional integrity while remaining accessible to local diners.
Guests navigate a fixed three course selection designed for sharing rather than ordering individual plates. The evening offering features generous portions like hand rolled chicken satay served with crushed peanuts and crisp cucumber, or golden pork and prawn fritters paired with a bright vinegar glaze. A slow simmered red curry combines salmon with makrut lime leaves and toasted coconut, followed by a rich black angus stir fry finished with fermented soy. Vegetarian travelers can follow the same structure through dedicated plant based alternatives.
Forest green ceramic tiles meet raw Mortex walls above simple wooden tables. Wicker pendants illuminate vintage photographs and stacked metal rice pots along the service bar. This layout supports the casual sharing format preferred by the owners. The restaurant recently earned a spot on the Le Fooding roster following years of steady acclaim, including a Gault Millau prize for best Thai establishment in Belgium. Such recognition confirms that honest Thai cuisine thrives when ingredients speak for themselves.
Recognition
Ambience
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