On the weekends, Dakzen has a longer line than the Dunkin’ near your office at 8:55am on a Monday. Deservedly so, because it’s the best spot in the neighborhood for Thai food before heading to some speakeasy in Davis Square. The line moves fast, though, and so does service once you’re inside.

Somerville’s Dakzen is one of the more authentic Thai joints around. The focus is on street-style noodles prepared fresh and fast, just like in Thailand. Flavors are bold and often fiery, with funky ingredients you might otherwise overlook on other menus.

If you take a short walk or a T ride even further north to Davis Square at the edge of Cambridge, you’d come across Dakzen, which is technically not in Cambridge — but an inch away in Somerville. It is too good not to mention though, and before I ate there, I constantly heard my two other Thai-born-and-raised class of 2023 buddies rave about its authentic dishes. For a price as low as $8.95, you can get “a homely pad kaprao ผัดกะเพรา that tastes like your mom’s cooking,” a classic, stir-fried meat and holy basil dish with garlic and chili.

A post shared by DAKZEN (@dakzens) on Jun 1, 2020 at 10:15am PDT. Dakzen is one of Blumenthal's favorite Thai restaurants in "Boston’s increasingly excellent Thai food scene." She writes:. "Every dish is a hit, especially the khao soi — one of the best in town, but these days I find myself most frequently ordering the ba mee moo dang, which includes so many different components: barbecue pork, crispy pork belly, pork and shrimp dumplings, noodles, and more. And a lime iced tea on the side, always.

It’s all about the interplay of tastes in this Northern Thai curry noodle soup: Sour-bitter mustard greens, pungent fresh red onions, and an acidic squeeze of lime pop against a sweet, mildly spicy broth. The richness of your choice of protein complements the rest. (Our favorite, ultra-crispy pork belly, is nontraditional but so tasty; chicken is the more classic pick.) Egg noodles prepared two ways—boiled and served in the soup, and a crispy fried bundle as garnish—bring it all together.

From the moment Dakzen introduced itself to Davis Square, the Thai noodle house has been a crowd favorite. With some of the best Thai food in the area, Dakzen takes on classic takeout dishes like Pad Thai and spicy, basil-scented Khao Grapow with big, bold flavors. We can’t get enough of their steaming soups, like the spicy Tom Yum Noodles and Khao Soi, a tangy, creamy, sweet, and savory version of the traditional Northern Thai curry dish.

In the bustling city of Somerville, MA, DAKZEN, a Thai restaurant, stands out for its diverse offerings and trendy atmosphere. With a focus on vegan options and a commitment to inclusivity, DAKZEN provides a unique dining experience for all. From casual lunches to intimate dinners, their menu is sure to impress with authentic Thai flavors and creative dishes.

Because once you’ve had the one at fast-ish casual-ish restaurant DakZen you’ll be doing the same. Two friends who both longed for the flavors they grew up with in Thailand opened the restaurant in Somerville’s Davis Square, and now they’ve got us craving the flavors too. Especially the khao soi.

In that case, head to Dakzen, which offers authentic Thai street noodles better than the real things (so we say, anyway). You should deftly check out the pad khee mao and pad see ew – both are savory and unforgettable. Or go on the spicier side by trying Dakzen’s tom yum noodle soup.

DakZen, a gem tucked away in Somerville, provides a refreshing and innovative approach to Thai cuisine, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The restaurant’s interior is minimalist and chic, creating a relaxed and sophisticated dining atmosphere.

Opening Timings: Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 09:00 PM; Saturday & sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Somerville’s Davis Square is home to Dakzen, a buzzing Thai restaurant known for its authentic street food-style dishes. It’s compact, busy, and full of flavor.

On the topic of Khao Soi, Dakzen in Somerville’s Davis Square is immensely popular for the dish. The coconut curry soup is thick and flavorful, and the dry noodles on top slowly dissolve into the dish as you eat. The soup comes with veggies and your choice of protein.

Dakzen is undeniably one of the best places to satisfy your cravings for Thai cuisine in Cambridge. This hidden gem offers a delightful culinary journey that will leave you wanting more. One dish that truly stood out was their Flavorful Khao Soi Curry Noodles.

Info: Thai food lovers rejoice, Dakzen offers a robust menu of Thai street food favorites with a heavy emphasis on noodles. Many of the ingredients are imported directly from Thailand, and you can tell.

Or it could be that you dine on quesadillas and homemade Mexican eats from Angela’s Cafe in East Boston. Wherever you get your meal from, tell us about it here.