Duangrat's Thai Tapas Brunch Menu - D.C.

Duangrat's innovative Thai dishes have drawn diners to Bailey's Crossroads for 25 years. But now there's a reason to arrive early on weekends.

The restaurant has launched brunch, serving tapas-style tastes of traditional and modern dishes.  

Rich slices of duck ($7) are brazenly spiced with chiles and garlic, then crisped with generous fistfuls of Thai basil. In a different preparation, the poultry gets a potpie treatment, when breast meat is fried, sauced with scallions and hoisin, then tucked into thick, buttery roti dough ($7).

The kitchen is also adept with seafood. Creamy coconut, lemongrass and ginger-galangal sauce cool spicy salmon ($7). The lump chile crabcake ($7) is Duangrat's homage to the regional favorite. Though it arrives as a sandwich, the dish is best when garnished with tart cucumber, onion and red pepper relish, and eaten with a fork.

Taking note of the wings craze sweeping the country, the restaurant has started to offer a special of crisp, fried wings ($13) glazed with caramelized fish sauce and palm sugar, and served with papaya slaw. They're the perfect blend of old and new traditions.   

Duangrat's, 5878 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-820-5775 or duangrats.com