Papaya Salad in Pilsen: Hai Sous Vietnamese Kitchen

Bryce Shufro

Walking into HaiSous on a surprisingly quiet night in Chicago felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem. This place is all about contemporary Vietnamese vibes, complete with a sleek, modern decor that immediately sets the tone for something out of the ordinary. And though they’re big on their price-fixed menu, we decided to go rogue and pick and choose our adventure through the à la carte options.

Right off the bat, the service was stellar. They kicked things off with a complimentary summer roll—think house-marinated beef wrapped up in a snug, flavorful parcel—that was just the teaser for the fantastic meal to come. It was clear: HaiSous wasn’t just going to feed us; it was about to take us on a flavor journey.

I’m a sucker for a good Papaya Salad, and an even bigger sucker for a good Papaya Salad without tomatoes. Hai Sous’ iteration was anything but normal; imagine a mix of fresh, crunchy papaya tossed with either house-made beef jerky or marinated tofu for those leaning towards a plant-based vibe. It's sprinkled with sesame and packed with a punch of chili and lime, which offers a refreshing yet spicy kick that wakes up all your senses. The blend of traditional Vietnamese herbs woven through each bite was like a melody – subtle yet profoundly impactful, setting a high bar for the dishes to follow.

Then came Chef Thai’s famous crispy chicken wings, and let me tell you, they've earned their fame for a reason. Glazed with caramelized fish sauce and just the right amount of chili, these wings were a sticky, sweet, and spicy marvel. The skin was perfectly crispy, creating that satisfying crunch with each bite, while the inside remained juicy and tender. It's the kind of dish that makes you pause after the first bite, just to savor the complexity and balance of flavors. Definitely a game-changer in the world of chicken wings and a must-try for anyone visiting HaiSous.

Moving on to the heartier fare, the Grilled Eggplant was a revelation in simplicity and flavor. Served with a scallion confit and adorned with pickled shallots, this dish took a humble vegetable and elevated it to star-studded status. The eggplant itself, perfectly grilled, had a smoky sweetness that melded beautifully with the mild bite of the scallion confit. The pickled shallots added just the right amount of tang and crunch, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every forkful. It's the kind of dish that reminds you how satisfying and complex vegetable-centric dishes can be, especially when they're crafted with care and an eye for balance.

And then there was the House Fried Rice, a comforting classic with a HaiSous twist. This wasn't your average fried rice; it came alive with puffed rice for an extra crunch, and a perfectly cooked egg nestled within. We added the lump crab for an additional layer of luxury, and it was worth every penny.

The crab was fresh and sweet, pairing wonderfully with the savory depth of the rice, and the crispy puffed rice added an unexpected and delightful texture to each bite. It's a testament to HaiSous' ability to take familiar dishes and infuse them with innovation and flair, making even the most skeptical diner take note of the craftsmanship on display.

At HaiSous, the essence of a memorable dining experience is not just in the individual dishes but in the joy of sharing them. This is a destination best enjoyed with a crowd, where you can sample a wide variety of dishes, and the array of flavors from dishes like the standout Papaya Salad can be fully explored and appreciated.

The seamless service amplifies the entire experience, guiding diners through a culinary landscape with knowledge and care. For those who prefer a guided tour through HaiSous’ offerings, the set menus are a perfect choice, since they eliminate the guesswork and promise a comprehensive taste of what makes this place special. The options for the tasting menu vary, but you get to pick 3 different courses from options like their pork shoulder skewers with peanut sauce or their beef curry with winter squash, for only $40 (or $68 with a wine pairing). Yet, choosing from the à la carte menu is an adventure in its own right, inviting diners to curate their journey through vibrant, meticulously crafted, and outright delicious dishes. Either way, HaiSous delivers not just a meal but a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine, ensuring every visit is as memorable as the flavors on the plate.