HAVE YOU TRIED

Red Dragon Roll at Jao Thai in Melbourne makes tummies happy with something for everyone

Maria Sonnenberg
For FLORIDA TODAY
The Red Dragon Roll at Jao Thai in Melbourne features escolar, salmon, krab, avocado, cucumber, roe and spicy sauce topped with red tuna.

The undulating Red Dragon Roll at Jao Thai Kitchen is cool to look at, but it’s not going to stay on your plate for long, because this dragon, wings and all, belongs in your belly.

One of Jao Thai’s Super Rolls, the Red Dragon ($12.95) features escolar, salmon, krab, avocado, cucumber, roe and spicy sauce topped with red tuna.

“It’s got something for everyone,” said Jao Thai’s Noi Udomsataya.

Although the New Haven Avenue restaurant has earned a reputation for authentic Thai cuisine in its three years of existence, Jao is also about sushi, with an extensive selection of rolls, plus teriyaki dinners, to boot.

Jao Thai adds sushi to its menu

“We take pride in the quality of our sushi,” said Udomsataya.

With the Fourth of July around the corner, Udomsataya suggests patrons celebrate freedom by enjoying Jao’s Red, White and Tuna Roll, also $12.95. Consider it your patriotic duty to check out this combination of tuna, escolar, krab, avocado, cucumber and flakes topped with tuna and escolar.  

Tuna lovers’ heads will turn for the Tuna Tower Roll ($13.95), piled high with tuna, avocado, cream cheese on a roll that is deep fried and topped with spicy tuna and flakes.

Of course, given that we live in Brevard, the Brevard Roll ($12.95) should be on the must-try lists: shrimp tempura, tuna, krab, avocado, cucumber and flakes topped with tuna, salmon and escolar.  

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Among the temaki cone-shaped hand rolls are the Spider Temaki ($5.45) soft shell crab, asparagus, avocado, roe and sesame seeds with a special sauce and the Spicy Conch Temaki, also $5.45, with tuna and sesame seeds.

A wide variety of Makimono Rolls, priced from $5.45 to $11.95, can make choosing a delicious dilemma, but do consider the Melbourne Roll, with tuna, salmon, hamachi, asparagus and avocado for $11.95. Since hurricane season is upon us, there is no better time to try the Hurricane Roll, another Makimono Roll that is $11.95. The roll blends seaweed salad with salmon, krab, avocado, cucumber and roe and tops it all with shrimp.

As far as sushi is concerned, Jao Thai Kitchen is definitely on a roll.

Have you tried

What: Red Dragon Roll

How much: $12.95

Where: Jao Thai Kitchen, 914 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

Info: 321-914-0708 or visit jaothaikitchen.com

Also: Parking is plentiful in the lot that adjoins the restaurant’s strip mall location.

Email toastofthecoastfloridatoday@gmail.com.