Pestle Rock, a popular Thai restaurant in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, offers a delicious and authentic culinary experience. This review focuses on their standout dish, Guay Tiow Tom Yum, a flavorful and spicy noodle soup that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine.
This particular tom yum variation sets itself apart with the addition of thin rice vermicelli noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. “Guay Tiow,” meaning flat noodles, is a common term throughout Southeast Asia, with variations like the famous Char Guay Teow found in Singapore and Malaysia. However, this version utilizes a delicate rice noodle that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the broth.
The foundation of Guay Tiow Tom Yum lies in its vibrant and aromatic soup base. Lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce, chiles, and sugar harmonize to create a complex flavor profile that is both spicy and tangy. While sweetness in savory dishes can be divisive, the generous amount of lime juice provides a perfect counterpoint, preventing the soup from being overly sweet. A common practice in Thailand is to include roasted dried chile flakes for added heat. Pestle Rock thoughtfully provides a jar of these flakes alongside other traditional Thai condiments, allowing diners to customize their spice level. Even without the extra spice, the soup delivers a satisfying kick, enough to clear sinuses and induce a cough or two.
Pestle Rock prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, and this commitment is evident in the Guay Tiow Tom Yum. Tender morsels of ground Carlton Farms pork add a savory depth to the dish. Fresh vegetables, including bean sprouts, sliced scallions, and perfectly cooked green beans, provide a refreshing crunch. While cilantro is mentioned on the menu, it was notably absent in this particular bowl. The highlight, however, was the intriguing addition of “rendered pork belly garlic.” While the exact nature of this ingredient remains somewhat mysterious, the dish included crispy fried pork pieces, or chicharrones, that were incredibly flavorful and added a delightful textural contrast. These crunchy bits, generously sprinkled on top, retained their deliciousness even after absorbing some of the broth. Topped with crushed roasted peanuts for an extra layer of crunch, this Guay Tiow Tom Yum was truly exceptional.
Guay Tiow Tom Yum at Pestle Rock
Pestle Rock is located at 2305 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107. Their phone number is 206.466.6671. Based on this experience, their Guay Tiow Tom Yum is highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful Thai soup. It’s a dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors. This bowl of soup earned a well-deserved 3.5 out of 4 stars.
