Best of Boston

2016 Best Thai Restaurant

Cha Yen Thai Cookery

With a degree from Johnson & Wales and training under Todd English, Manita Bunnagitkarn could very well have gravitated toward fine dining. Lucky for us, the skilled chef set up shop in a former Watertown wing spot to concentrate on MSG-free, made-to-order Thai food. Start with an order of coconut-marinated satay and tom kha gai, move on to the pleasantly peppery panang duck curry, and leave room for dense house-made ice creams in unique flavors like spicy chocolate and Thai iced tea.

613 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, 617-393-0031, chayenthaicookery.com