Bangkok Wok, Having a Great Thai -- By Diane White McNaughton, Photography by Jadrian Klinger

Posted @ Jan. 05 2012 06:18AM by Timmy - in-print

I have never been to Bangkok – or even watched The Bridge over the River Kwai, but I imagine Thailand to be a tropical paradise of dense green jungles, roaring waterfalls, expansive beaches and azure oceans.

A land of pointy-roofed Buddhist temples, ornate architecture and delicate blossoms quivering in the wind. I envision a kingdom of culture and courtesy, with a touch of the opulent and the exotic. 
These quintessential elements pervade Bangkok Wok, an unassuming Thai restaurant in the Gateway Square Shopping Center in Mechanicsburg.  This popular restaurant, by TJ Maxx, Carrabba’s and the Navy Depot, is the favorite of my many Thai-food-fanatic friends. 

 Even before you step inside, a collection of lush, leafy green foliage stands sentinel-like outside the door, wedged incongruously between a nail salon and a financial-services firm.  Enter, and Thai time continues.

Little thatched roofs line the upper walls, softly-lit umbrellas dangle from the ceiling, vases with majestic floral branches adorn every table and strings of twinkling white lights illuminate the dim interior.  The immersion is so complete that nearby diners with their Nike ball caps, football jerseys and glowing cell phones inject an incongruous jolt of Americana into an authentic Asian enclave.
The wooden double doors leading to the kitchen swing open and shut incessantly, like a crazed cuckoo clock.  With each swing, an apron-clad server emerges, bearing steaming plates of aromatic, authentic delicacies to warm the body and soul.

Anxious to see why Bangkok Wok is hailed as the home of the best Thai food in central Pennsylvania, we contemplated the pineapple fried rice, Tom Yum Goong soup, green curry chicken and Bangkok’s signature dish, pad Thai (thin rice noodles sautéed with scallions, bean sprouts and a hint of egg, crowned with crushed peanuts.).  The choices were vast.  Beef, pork, seafood, chicken, soups, vegetarian – the offerings in each category featured a medley of flavorful ingredients that beckoned.

For starters, we opted for summer rolls and steamed sea dumplings, lured by the delicious seafood scent that greeted us upon entering.  Our appetizers emerged delicate and light-bodied, with deep bowls of peanut chili sauce and tangy ginger sauce for sinking in forkfuls of freshness.

Despite my fear that Thai food would be far spicier than Chinese, the cuisine was flavorful, grease-free and light-bodied, without being five-alarm hot.  The menu informs guests that spice levels can be adjusted to suit.  The chefs use no MSG and employ all-natural ingredients, including steamed shrimp, asparagus, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, vermicelli noodles, limes, red and green peppers and crisp romaine lettuce. 

I ordered the sweet and sour chicken, which arrived with a dainty magenta orchid perched artfully atop and a perfectly shaped cone of snowy white Jasmine rice. The portion size was ample enough for two. The melt-in-your-mouth chicken was bathed in tender pineapple chunks, zucchini, peppers and onions.  My companion’s pineapple curry was swimming in coconut milk and equally plentiful and flavorful. 
Our server was as warm as our spiced tea and as purposeful as the fish that darted around the luminescent tank at the front of the restaurant.  She was quick to sweep up our emptied plates and bowls, always with a smile and a thank you.

For a more romantic meal, remember the Riesling or Chenin Blanc – it’s BYOB.  And leave the American Express at home – it’s not accepted, although Visa and other major credit I have never been to Bangkok – or even watched The Bridge over the River Kwai, but I imagine Thailand to be a tropical paradise of dense green jungles, roaring waterfalls, expansive beaches and azure oceans. cards are. 
Our dinner cost only $45, and we had cartons of leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.  Gift certificates, take-out and catering are also available.

Nearly every booth was full by the time we departed. We stepped back out of the humid jungles of Asia into the chilly West Shore air and the bustling Carlisle Pike, home to big-box buildings serving up classic American comfort foods and brash consumerism.   

Bangkok Wok is a golden place to break out of a food rut and escape the frosty Pennsylvania winters for some international flavor and a great “Thai-m.”