#71: Massaman Curry at Simply Thai

The massaman curry at Simply Thai might look drab, flecks of spice notwithstanding. Truly, though, it is anything but: The sweetness of coconut milk gives way to a melange of spices and the heat of chiles and then, on the finish, a slight, lingering funk of fish sauce.

The meat -- in my case, pork; you can choose beef, chicken, duck or seafood as well as vegetables or tofu -- and potatoes are ballast for this complex, delicious sauce. The onion adds a little bite, and the cashews round out the flavor while providing a welcome change in texture.

You can spoon your massaman curry over rice, but if you love this dish as much as I do, you're just as likely to slurp the sauce directly from the spoon.

Simply Thai
2470 North Highway 67, Florissant
314-921-2179
$8.25 (with pork)

I'm counting down -- in no particular order -- 100 of my favorite dishes in St. Louis. Some are well-known, others obscure. Some are expensive, others dirt cheap. All of them, I guarantee, are delicious. Please do not hesitate to share your own favorites via the comments thread.

Previously:

#72: The lunch buffet at Mayuri
#73: Fried chicken (spicy) at Porter's Fried Chicken
#74: Arancini at Lorenzo's Trattoria
#75: Meat shawarma at The Vine Mediterranean Café & Market
#76: The South Side Smoke at sandwich at Stellina Pasta Café
#77: Falafel at Kabob House
#78: A slice with pepperoni at Feraro's Jersey-Style Pizza
#79: Birria at Pueblo Nuevo
#80: Banh mi dac biet at Phuc Loi

#81: Prosciutto bianca pizza at the Good Pie
#82: Gold Coast Chocolate ice cream at Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream
#83: Hot salami (salam de testa) at Gioia's Deli
#84: Veal parmesan sandwich at Biggie's
#85: Nachos (with jalapeños and extra cheese cup) at Busch Stadium
#86: Lobster bisque at Café Ventana
#87: Calamari fritti at Mangia Italiano
#88: Brisket sandwich at Winslow's Home
#89: Paletas at La Vallesana 2
#90: Spaghetti and meatballs at Sugo's Spaghetteria