It's no frills and all feast at Thai One On, where the focus is on indigenous Thai spices—they're the only ones used here—and contemporary ambiance, with the spot's cafe-like decor, simple wooden furniture, and booths for sitting. Save for appetizers—like the chicken satay smothered in traditional peanut sauce—all of the dishes are plated in individual portions, so there's no need for diners to share a bite of that sweet and salty pineapple fried rice.

Some of the classic dishes and drinks at this spot include:

• Pad thai with traditional, sweet tamarind sauce and fried egg, garnished with green onion and the alluring scent of garlic, and finally topped off with pieces of crunchy roasted peanuts.

• Thai red curry with a spicy-sweet taste—derived from a harmonious blend of paprika, lemongrass, and cumin—and a mix of minty tartness from the added basil leaf.

• Singha Thai beer, a pale ale straight from Thailand that's full-bodied with a mild sweetness and a light golden color.