🍽️ Best Dish of the Week: Basil Tofu Eggplant at Nicky’s Thai Kitchen
Written by Zhenru Yan
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. A downtown lunch worth lingering over.
-Photo by Zhenru Yan-
If you’re looking for a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and beautifully balanced, look no further than Nicky’s Thai Kitchen on Liberty Avenue. A longtime favorite among downtown regulars, Nicky’s delivers on both authenticity and comfort—and their Basil Tofu Eggplant lunch special is a standout.
Part of their Chef Specials Lunch Menu, this dish features crispy tofu stir-fried with tender eggplant, garlic, basil leaves, and bell peppers, all coated in a rich and spicy basil sauce. It’s a well-executed mix of textures and bold, herbal flavors—the kind of dish that tastes both nourishing and indulgent at the same time.
Lunch specials come with your choice of soup of the day or house salad. I chose the salad, which came dressed in a sweet pineapple vinaigrette that added a bright, tropical note to the meal. It was a refreshing contrast to the spice of the main dish, making the entire plate feel complete and well thought out.
And don’t skip the Thai iced tea. Creamy, cooling, and just the right level of sweetness, it’s the perfect pairing for a meal with heat and heart.
One more reason to visit? Their outdoor dining space, right in front of the restaurant along the sidewalk. It’s not your typical curbside setup—Nicky’s has turned it into a lush little oasis, with tropical plants, warm lighting, and thoughtful touches that transport you. For a moment, you forget you’re in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh. It’s the kind of spot that invites you to linger just a little longer, sip your iced tea slowly, and take it all in.
Nicky’s continues to be a gem in the downtown dining scene—welcoming, consistent, and always full of flavor. Whether you’re grabbing a quick solo lunch or meeting a friend for a midday break, this dish is a great reason to step out and enjoy a moment of calm and spice in the middle of your day.
📍 Nicky’s Thai Kitchen – (Downtown) 903 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Explore their menu here
