During a few particularly dark nights in 2025, we lost sleep mourning Kiin Di’s creamy curry crab. And now that the former Thai street-food truck has resurfaced on South Lamar as a brick-and-mortar, we rest peacefully again. All of our favorite dishes are back, like the Dang! Curry and the fiery Killer Noodles, plus well-made classics like khao soi. Kiin Di 2.0 has a longer menu, tasty cocktails, and indoor and outdoor seating. It all amounts to a dining experience that more than earns its ranking among Austin’s best Thai restaurants. In terms of occasion, this is a one-size-fits-all restaurant. Show up in athleisure, or your chicest work attire, and someone in sweatpants will probably slip in to grab a to-go order. So yes, Kiin Di’s walls may be pretty bare compared to their colorful printed menus. But you won’t care after your first bite of scallop crudo served in a potent chili jam dressing or the pork ribs marinated in coconut milk. Dishes arrive quickly without sacrificing taste, which makes this a decent first-date spot in case conversation is lagging. Alternatively, bring your three favorite co-workers to gossip in a lively setting while sipping an Austin Sour, a combination of sake and tamarind garnished with chili gummies.