The story
Kiin Kiin Tok Tok, on Vesterbrogade in Copenhagen, is the project of Henrik Ydei — a man with serious depth of knowledge in Thai cuisine. The premise is straightforward and generous: you can drop in for a quick, hearty soup, or commit to a full family-style round trip for 335 kr. that moves through the regional cooking of Thailand with genuine fidelity.
The White Guide, which awarded Kiin Kiin Tok Tok a "Very Fine Level" distinction, describes the experience well: it begins in the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand, where a particularly spicy pork sausage arrives with sliced fresh ginger and shredded cabbage. From there the route passes through Yasothon province — close to the Laotian border — and a laab ped khao niaw that the guide calls a "fantastic dish": coarsely chopped spiced duck with mint, cabbage, cucumber, and sticky rice served in a classic woven basket. The Laotian influence is unmistakable and deliberate.
The Bangkok stop brings somtam kaiyang — a chili-marinated grilled half chicken alongside a papaya salad, seasoned sweet-sour. The kitchen's measured hand with chili means you can linger in whichever province suits you. Pad pak boong — water spinach stir-fried with garlic and chili, a reference to Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown — is a constant. The southern province of Chumpon contributes a green curry with fish balls and fresh Thai basil, faithful to the layered perfume that distinguishes southern Thai cooking from the red-curry north.
The drink list is unpretentious but well-considered: cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, ciders, beer, and wines chosen to hold up against bold flavours — at prices that don't punish you for eating adventurously. The round trip closes with a pandan dessert with red beans, a quiet and fitting end to Copenhagen's most thorough tour of regional Thai cuisine.
Recognition
Ambience
Location