We need to meet.
I have been living on and off in Medellin for 2 years now, and still have not met, in person, David Lee from MedellinLiving and GoBackpacking (I mean seriously, what is wrong with me?).
So Diego and I headed down to Poblado and Parque LLeras, a place I have yet to go (because I don’t live near it and it’s known as a place for clubbing, and I so love clubbing….) But during the day this cute little park is surprisingly calm, surrounded by restaurants and cafes – including the one Dave has brought me to today: Royal Thai.
A Thai place? In Medellin? Dave has assured me this is real Thai food, so my curiosity is peaked. We walk up to Juan Valdez coffee, hang a right, and at the corner of the next block is Royal Thai.
It sticks out. Asian influence is not a common thing down here. It was started by a Thai lady who lives in Medellin with her Colombian husband, and she makes authentic Thai with the Colombian food she has available. It is delicious! They also have quite an extensive wine list.
We all sat on the patio and started off with some crispy, fresh spring rolls served with a sweet chili sauce. We drank some beer, chatted, I met Dave’s friend who is a steward, and we enjoyed the always gorgeous Medellin air as we devoured this amazing for anywhere appetizer.

I had the Curry Panang Gai – a traditional curry dish with coconut crème, chicken, and rice.
It was slightly spicy, creamy, and full of amazing flavour! And came with just the perfect proportions of extra sauce-to-light and fluffy rice. I actually ate the whole thing, even though I probably shouldn’t have. I could barely walk down the hill to the metro.
If you are in Medellin, and craving something other than the traditional high fat, greasy, and calorie-fill fare, I totally recommend a trip down to Parque Lleras and Royal Thai.
For more on Royal Thai, check out Dave’s post on Medellin Living: Royal Thai
and check out the Royal Thai website (available in English and Spanish).
About Dani Blanchette
I am a freelance travel and music photographer and creator of GoingNomadic.com.
I love music, food, and exploring cities without guidebooks. I’ve flown a helicopter, hitchhiked down the east coast USA, and once snuck into the back of a zoo (in Serbia) and pet a lion.
I am always up for an adventure, and sometimes I videotape them.