Funky Elephant Berkeley menu overview
Nestled in the heart of West Berkeley, Funky Elephant Berkeley offers a tantalizing journey through the vibrant world of Thai cuisine. This modern quick-serve outpost excels at serving classic Thai street fare with a creative flair, blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists that make every dish a memorable experience.
Starters
Begin your meal with an enticing selection of starters that perfectly balance bold spices and fresh ingredients. The Party Wings are a must-try, boasting crispy chicken wings glazed in a lively chili jam with hints of fish sauce and garnished with crunchy pork skin and fermented pork for a deep umami kick. For a refreshing contrast, the Green Papaya Salad bursts with tangy lime, fiery chilies, garlic, and the subtle sweetness of palm sugar, creating a vibrant and invigorating palate cleanser.
Another standout is the Crispy Rice Salad, offering a delightful texture play with crunchy rice combined with savory fermented pork and fresh herbs atop crisp lettuce — a dish that showcases the kitchen's attention to authentic Thai flavor profiles.
Mains
The mains at Funky Elephant Berkeley are crafted to impress, from comforting classics to innovative house specialties. Savor the Pad Thai Old Skool, featuring perfectly cooked rice noodles, succulent shrimp, silky tofu, and egg, all tossed in tamarind sauce and sprinkled with crunchy peanuts for that authentic sweet-and-sour harmony.
For a heartier option, the K.M.G. #2 delivers tender poached chicken thigh atop fragrant garlic ginger rice, accented with soy sauce and a subtle chili heat that lingers pleasantly. If you crave something richly indulgent, the Gang Rawang Beef offers grilled ribeye drenched in a creamy green curry sauce with coconut milk, Thai basil, and peppery watercress, a sublime melding of robust flavors and luxurious textures.
The O's Breakfast Grilled Pork is a bold and savory choice, featuring char-grilled pork steak paired with a fried egg, dusted with rice powder, and served with tangy Nam Jim Jaew sauce and fresh slaw — a dish that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and crisp elements.
Seafood lovers will delight in the Motherland Curry with Wild Rock Cod, where tender fish is bathed in a fragrant curry sauce with vermicelli, cabbage, and fresh herbs for a comforting yet vibrant dish. Don't miss the Hella Drunken Mussels, simmered in chili jam, Thai basil, garlic, and Asian rice wine, providing a spicy, aromatic experience that's both indulgent and addictive.
Desserts
Complete your meal with the beloved Thai classic, Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert pairs sweet, ripe mango with rich coconut milk-soaked sticky rice, delivering a luscious finish that perfectly complements the bold flavors of your meal.
Drinks and Specials
Funky Elephant Berkeley also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages including beer and wine, perfectly suited to complement their flavorful dishes. While the menu embraces a classic Thai street food ethos, the kitchen's creative touches and dedication to quality make this spot a standout in Berkeley's vibrant dining scene.
- Starters Party Wings, Green Papaya Salad, Crispy Rice Salad
- Mains Pad Thai Old Skool, K.M.G. #2, Gang Rawang Beef, O's Breakfast Grilled Pork, Motherland Curry with Wild Rock Cod, Hella Drunken Mussels
- Desserts Mango Sticky Rice
