Kan Kiin: Daly City's Newest Michelin-Recognized Thai Comfort Food Spot
Interview with co-owner of Kan Kiin, Navin.
Kan Kiin is making waves in Daly City with its unique blend of Thai comfort food and American brunch, a combination that recently earned it a coveted spot in the 2024 Michelin Guide. For co-owner Navin, this recognition has brought in a new crowd of food enthusiasts, eager to experience his creative spin on traditional flavors.
Thai Comfort Food Meets American Brunch
Navin’s passion for brunch shines in every dish, a meal he cherishes as a rare moment of relaxation in the restaurant industry. Kan Kiin’s brunch menu celebrates that sense of comfort, taking traditional Thai dishes and weaving them into familiar American brunch staples. Jok, a rice porridge served with crispy pork belly and inspired by his grandmother’s recipe, brings an authentic taste of Thailand’s morning markets. Another favorite, the Golden Pork, features tender, five-spice braised pork served over crispy brussels sprouts and potatoes, topped with a fried egg and sourdough bread. This hearty dish has quickly become a crowd-pleaser, merging Thai flavors with American brunch elements in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
Traditional Thai Dinners with a Modern Twist
After 5 p.m., Kan Kiin transforms into a haven for Thai dinner enthusiasts, offering a dinner menu that balances traditional flavors with a modern presentation. Standout dishes include the Spicy Catfish—fried and stir-fried with curry paste, spicy coconut, and Thai basil—and the Massaman Curry Beef. Slow-roasted for 10 hours, the beef is fall-apart tender, served with flaky roti bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful curry. Navin’s attention to detail shines in these dishes, as he puts his own spin on familiar Thai flavors, ensuring each plate feels distinct and memorable.
Constantly Evolving Through Customer Feedback
Kan Kiin’s menu isn’t static; it evolves with customer feedback and inspiration drawn from Navin’s experiences in the community. “I get a lot of feedback from our regulars,” Navin explains. “They ask for certain dishes or twists, and I love finding ways to bring those ideas to life.” Every six months, Navin refines the menu to incorporate new ideas, considering reintroducing specials to keep regulars excited.
Michelin Buzz
Since Kan Kiin’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant has seen a surge in business, with up to 100 guests a day on weekends. “It’s crazy for only 20 tables,” Navin says, noting how the recognition has brought a younger, diverse crowd along with the neighborhood regulars. “We’ve had more people come in to take photos before they even try the food,” he says, laughing.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Navin is focused on enhancing the dinner menu for 2025, aiming to make Kan Kiin a standout destination for Thai food in the Bay Area. “We want to be the Thai restaurant that people seek out—not just another place in the city,” he explains.
For locals and visitors alike, Kan Kiin offers a dining experience that’s as warm and welcoming as it is innovative. With Navin’s passion and vision leading the way, Kan Kiin proves that comfort food and culinary creativity can thrive side by side, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Thai comfort with a touch of Michelin-approved flair.