Kin Khao - Thai Eatery

The story

Kin Khao in Ghent: A Modern Thai Eatery with Daily Made Pastes

The kitchen and founding vision

Kin Khao brings its modern Thai kitchen to the heart of Ghent along the historic Donkersteeg. Santisuk Pakwan and Dominique Rongé opened the doors in the spring of 2018, grounding their menu in the everyday phrase kin khao, which simply means eating. All curry pastes, sauces, and relishes are prepared fresh each morning using imported spices and locally sourced vegetables, ensuring the team can prioritize speed while keeping the cooking grounded in classic Thai techniques.

Dishes and the sharing format

Guests navigate a fixed three course menu designed for sharing rather than individual ordering. Wok fried selections, aromatic curries, crisp salads, and light soups arrive together at the center of the table to reflect the street food heritage common across Thai cuisine. House ground spices and bright herbs replace heavy commercial bases, allowing vegan adaptations to sit quietly alongside the standard plates without disrupting the flow.

Room and recognition

The dining room sits comfortably inside the bustling shopping quarter yet maintains a quiet pace. Low wooden tables encourage conversation between courses while staff manage timed dinner shifts to keep service moving smoothly. This steady environment helped the eatery secure a thirteen score from Gault Millau and consistent praise from local diners who value the reliable flavor balance.