Gai-Ja Chicken Rice Opens in Fairfield with Khao Man Gai +

Sometimes when it comes to food, simple is smart. Doing one thing and doing it well defines the menu at Gai-Ja Chicken Rice in Fairfield CT. Owner, Putthabut Rungsri, said he opened Gai-Ja Chicken Rice because he realized that no one in Connecticut was serving the type of Thai street food he grew up with in his birthplace of Thailand. His Thai style chicken rice, or,“ Khao Man Gai “ (ข้าวมันไก่), for which the restaurant is named, is quite simply, the ultimate comfort food. The dish consists of poached, grilled or fried chicken, resting on top of steamed jasmine rice, cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with ginger, garlic, and chicken oil. The dish is served with a ginger soybean sauce and clear chicken broth on the side. It’s a little slice of street food heaven, and priced at $12 Gai-Ja has become a fixture in our weekly dinner rotation.

This version of chicken rice originated in Hainan, China, and spread while being perfected in places like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Khao man gai is the Thai take on Hainanese chicken rice.

Gai-Ja offers five versions of Khao Man Gai, including the “classic” simply poached chicken, fried chicken, hot chicken and grilled…essentially teriyaki chicken. Rungsri uses chicken thighs for superior flavor but Khao Man Gai is not the only thing guests will find on this menu. Diners can also enjoy a small menu of appetizers including: Gai wings, Gai Pop (boneless wings), Steamed chicken bun, Scallion pancake (a decadent flaky version, verging on pastry-like), Fried chicken Skin, and Chicken dumplings. These are all solid.

On a wintery day, you may prefer Gai-Ja’s Chicken Dumpling Noodle Soup or plain Chicken Noodle Soup. It will cure what ails you, and has beautifully seasoned deeply flavorful broth.

We were also thrilled to find fried chicken skins on the appetizer menu. Honestly, everyone should sell this dish, which tends to be hard to come by, and is straight up delicious. We also are huge fans of the Roti Bread with sweetened condensed milk for dessert, a decadent, sweet treat.

If you are looking for a quick delicious bite, or an easy dinner solution, Gai-Ja is worth a visit. Customers can choose to dine in at one of the 6 or so tables inside this small restaurant, or take-out, as this menu travels well. They also offer local delivery. Enjoy!

Gai-Ja Chicken Rice

@gaijachickenrice

246 Post Road, Fairfield

(475) 999-8887

Tuesday - Sunday 11AM - 9 PM

Monday Closed