Ghin Khao

The story

Ghin Khao Chicago – Authentic Thai Cuisine, Bib Gourmand 2026

Every plate achieves that cuisine-defining balance of sweet, salty, bitter, spicy and sour.

That line, from the restaurant’s own description, sums up the cooking at Ghin Khao. Siblings Nova and Kami Sasi grew up in their family’s Edgewater Thai restaurant, Lanna Thai, and have spent years refining their vision of what Thai food should be. After repeated trips back to Thailand, Nova opened Ghin Khao in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood to bring the flavors he craved home without the plane ticket.

The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and dishes that aren’t toned down for Western palates. As Steve Dolinsky of ABC 7 Chicago put it, “When nothing is toned down for tourists and the chilies, fish sauce and lime juice are turned up to full volume, that’s when things start to get interesting.” That approach earned Ghin Khao a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, recognizing good quality, good value cooking.

Order a few dishes to share.

Start with Som Tum Thai – shredded green papaya tossed with garlic, chilies, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, and a tamarind dressing. Nam Tok brings grilled beef or pork shoulder with shallots, scallions, cilantro, mint, toasted chilies, toasted rice powder, and lime. Larb Gai is ground chicken brightened with lime, herbs, and toasted rice powder.

The dish that keeps getting mentioned is Grandma’s Pork Belly. Thin slices are marinated, breaded, and fried until golden, then served with homemade Jaew sauce. The Chicago Tribune’s Grace Wong described it as having “a delicate, fried crust that crunches irresistibly before giving way to the soft and fatty interior.” Also look for Grilled Pork Shoulder with the same Jaew sauce, Crab Fried Rice made with real crab, and Krapow Gai – ground chicken stir-fried with Thai chilies, garlic, green beans, and Thai basil.

Chef and owner Nova Sasi keeps it personal.

He and his sister Kami run the kitchen. Kami’s cooking reflects her thoughtfulness – “I love to cook because I like to make people happy,” she says. The space is casual, with outdoor seating in warmer months, and the menu is designed for sharing. Ghin Khao is open Wednesday through Saturday, 4pm to 9pm, at 2128 West Cermak Road.