Another chain? No way. This new restaurant is ‘a great addition’ to Meridian
When a new restaurant materializes in Meridian, it’s customary to sigh and wonder: Which freakin’ national chain now?
(Pssst. Raising Cane’s opens Nov. 18 on Eagle Road.)
Consequently, when an actual local restaurant debuts, it’s, like, front-page news for discerning diners.
(And if it’s not a burger or pizza joint? Stop the presses!)
So take heed. Newcomer Kiin Kiin Thai started welcoming customers days ago at 2032 E. Overland Road, #115.
The Asian restaurant joins what has become an increasingly attractive section of Meridian for grabbing food. Options in the same strip mall include Mexican newbie El Molcajete and Idaho veteran Boise Fry Company. Within a 30-second drive? Smashingly well-reviewed Red Fort Cuisine of India (a regional chain), Happy Teriyaki (ditto) — and, of course, the power trio of Subway, Sonic and Domino’s Pizza. This is Meridian.
With an inviting, warm interior, Kiin Kiin Thai dishes up traditional dishes delivering “authentic Thai flavors,” as it promises on social media. If you want takeout, online ordering already is available. Even if you’re not hungry this moment, it’s an opportunity to browse Kiin Kiin Thai’s sizable menu of appetizers, soups, salads, curries, noodles, fried rice — and entrees such as holy basil-powered Kra Pow ($15.99), Broccoli Chicken ($15.99) and Pad Prik King ($16.99).
Kiin Kiin (stylized as “KiiN KiiN”) also cooks up eight specials, including Khao Soi ($18.99, braised beef or chicken drumstick with egg noodles in curry sauce, served with shallot, red onion, pickled cabbage, crispy noodles, chili oil and cilantro.) Or, at $25.99, the most expensive item on the menu, Crying Tiger, which Kiin Kiin describes as a “premium” marinated rib-eye. It comes with sticky rice, grilled asparagus, cherry tomato, carrots and spicy nam jim jaew dipping sauce.
Like most Thai restaurants, there are lots of vegan options, such as green papaya salad (Som Tume Jae, $10.99), meatless Spicy Eggplant ($15.99, with bell pepper, stir fried with hot chili, garlic and basil) and Drunken Noodle Jae ($15.99, thin rice noodles stir fried with mixed vegetables and crushed peanuts).
To be clear, Kiin Kiin isn’t the only Thai restaurant in Meridian. Other options include Sa-Wad-Dee and Thai Basil. But in that part of the city? Customers already are singing mouthwatering praises.
“It was all so fresh and delicious!” wrote a Google reviewer, one of a handful rewarding Kiin Kiin Thai with an overall perfect 5-star rating. “Such a great addition to this area!”
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 4:00 AM.