Shrimp Blankets, Photos by Mark Taylor

2:22pm | A very rough and simplified translation of Panvimarn is a journey to paradise.  Panvimarn is an apt description for the affect the food and ambience have on me whenever I dine here.

The interior of the restaurant has a modern Zen feel and is dominated by large and impressive pieces of Asian art.  I feel transported far away from East Long Beach every time I walk in the door and am greeted by their friendly staff.

But the real star of Panvimarn is the menu.  It is a huge conglomeration of traditional Thai favorites with innovative and modern Thai inspired creations from the mind of Chef and part owner Joseph Khemsap, who was born and trained in Thailand before coming to Long Beach.

Every section of his menu has amazing selections.  The Moneybags, chopped chicken and shrimp wrapped in wonton skin which is then tied to look like a bag of money before being deep-fried, and the Shrimp Blankets are wonderful examples of traditional flavors served in a fresh and modern way.

Parnvimarn’s soups and curry selections also feature many amazing dishes.  The soft shell crab soup features a spicy sweet and sour broth with flavors of coconut, lemongrass, lime juice, fresh chili, and copious amounts of crispy fired soft shell crab.  It is a delight for your senses.  The Emerald Green curry, a peppery sauce with heavy basil flavor and eggplant, quail eggs, squash, and a coconut base, is delicious with chicken or shrimp.  

The menu – did I mention that it’s extensive? – also has Thai barbeque, a long list of noodle dishes, a number of vegetarian choices, and a section called “Main Events,” which is a list of more of Chef Joseph’s specialties.  Here a standout is called: A ?????, which combines chicken and asparagus in a rich, spicy sauce. [Editor’s note: that’s not a misprint; that’s the name of the dish.]

While I hope I’ve been able to whet your appetite, I really have not even begun to scratch the surface of the wonderful dishes available here.  Come find your own little taste of paradise  – they are open seven days a week for lunch or dinner.

Panvimarn Thai Cuisine
4101 Bellflower Blvd, Suite C
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 425-2601
www.panvimarn.com