The punchy flavors of Isan cooking — spicy, sour, salty, deep umami — from northeastern Thailand and the Japanese izakaya tradition of grilled meats link arms at Kinzuu Izakaya, a newish restaurant in southwest Las Vegas. The name Kinzuu draws inspiration from a Thai phrase meaning “let’s eat together.”
Kinzuu Izakaya is the latest project from Sasi Phothidokmai, founder-owner of the Weera Thai Group of six Vegas restaurants, including the new spot.
“Our family has proudly operated Thai restaurants in Las Vegas for nearly 20 years, and Kinzuu represents an exciting new chapter for us,” Phothidokmai said in a Monday announcement. “Being from Northeastern Thailand, I wanted to share the authentic flavors I grew up with while combining them with my love for Japanese izakaya culture.”
Although Kinzuu quietly opened about two months ago, the restaurant is holding a grand opening celebration at noon Monday at 7395 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 120. The event features a ribbon-cutting, remarks by community figures, traditional Thai and Japanese dances, food and drink specials and a meet-and-greet with the owners.
On the menu
Signature dishes lead the menu.
For salmon dong, the fish bathes in a Thai-style marinade of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, jalapeño, honey and water. Fatty, roasty grilled pork jowl, an izakaya classic, is dusted with spicy Isan powder or arranged atop a heap of wok-fried rice. The latter dish is served with jaew, a traditional northeastern Thai dipping sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, fish sauce, roasted rice powder and culantro, the more pungent cousin of cilantro.
Kushi grilled skewers, an izakaya mainstay, are presented yakitori style (shoyu, mirin, sake, sugar marinade), Isan style (rubbed with larb powder) and in more than a dozen others styles, with jaew and seafood dipping sauces.
The menu also offers special rolls, including one made with Isan tuna tartare seasoned with spices used for larb salad, as well as nigiri and sashimi, hand rolls, cold dishes and carpaccio, ramen, rice and noodle dishes, fried dishes and desserts. Visit kinzuulasvegas.com.
Contact Johnathan L. Wright at [email protected]. Follow @JLWTaste on Instagram.