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Baan Thai
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
98 reviews for Baan Thai
Review Highlights
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"We love the panang curry and the chicken cashew." In 10 reviews -
"the mango sticky rice dessert was delicious." In 3 reviews -
"This is one of the Monterey area's best kept secrets." In 14 reviews
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98 reviews in English
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Review from Rajan G.
Fremont, CA
4/13/2012
The food and service at this place was excellent.
Thai Iced tea: Excellent. It was made just the way I like it.
Tom Kha Gai (Vegetarian coconut milk soup): This was really tasty. My mom said it was the best Tom Kha Gai she has ever had.
Pumpkin Curry: Very yummy.
We had some other dishes and we enjoyed everything. The server was very attentive and warm. Also, later I payed my bill and finished up, I locked myself out of my car. Staff came outside and was concerned and helped me out. I think it was getting busy in their restaurant too but they still seemed to care. I felt like I was being treated as family. -
Review from Eddie W.
Round Three, I took my friend Heidi A to Baan Thai. She never had Thai food before, an injustice I had to correct.
We started off with Thai Iced...something she never had!!! The lunch special is well priced so we decided to order a medley of things to try. I stuck to the traditional fares, pad thai and panang curry and for a curve ball we decided to try the Pad Prik Sot over rice (Meat stir-fried with onion, carrots sliced and sliced jalapeno in homemade sauce.)
The pad thai wasn't as flavorful as I hoped it would be but tasted traditional. The panang curry as always was amazing. I had mix feelings about the Pad Prik Sot. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. I hope Heidi overall enjoyed herself, I certainly did.
Overall Thoughts
A great reasonably priced lunch menu offering authentic Thai FoodListed in: Best Restaurants In Monterey…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/9/2012
I ordered the Thai Green Curry w/ beef while my friend ordered my favorite, Panang Curry with… Read more »
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Review from ShuLei T F.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/15/2012
My husband likes this place and we've been there a couple of times together. Having tried some places in Santa Cruz, I have begun appreciating Baan Thai very much.
Their flavors are purely spicy and not very sweet. I don't know much about Tnai food but so many places use excessive sugar in their cooking. They serve red rice which I really enjoy. Its just as close going here as it is to Aptos from here. -
Review from Monica S.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/30/2012
Frankly, I'm frigginobbsessed with Thai food. It's one of my favorite cuisines after having it all over the Thai-saturated Seattle area, growing up and going through college there. As such, I consider myself to have some sense of judgement of this genre of food, something I am don't loosely say as otherwise I'm probably pretty dumb :p In any event, I only ate one dish from this place and had a spoonful of my brother's curry and a wave of relief and renewed sense of hope washed over me. I realized I would indeed be able to have good Thai food in Monterey where I often find myself visiting family. I tried a few other places that teased my palate as that-special-thing-that-makes-food-wonderful was just not there. Baan Thai's got it goin' on. Definitely recommended.
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Review from Bill H.
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
The best Thai food on the peninsula. It's not even close. I've been to 8 or 9 different places. This is head and shoulders above the rest.
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Review from William W.
Marina, CA
Updated - 3/12/2012
The food is the focus here. The distinctive, earthy scent of fresh lemongrass greets you at the entrance. Baan Thai is a wonderful, neighborhood restaurant that serves some of the best Thai food in the Bay area.
My favorites; The Green Curry, The Best Panang Curry (the way I like it, over Brown Rice w/ fried tofu).
And my Top pick; Kai Koar
$ 6.95 Lunch, Flat nootle pan-fried with meat(I sub fried Tofu), onions, bell pepper, bean sprouts, carrot and Thai basil. Awesome!1 Previous Review:
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9/24/2009
The Best Thai on the Monterey Bay. Better than Santa Cruz.
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Review from Nathan W.
Alameda, CA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Thanks, Yelp! This place was a nice find!!!
Tucked away in the back of a strip mall, this place has great lunch specials. The ladies working the room are very friendly and efficient, and will accomodate most requests. I recently ordered a tofu and vegetable stir fry (I forget the name), and left full and happy. Just the right amount of heat, to boot...
The prices here rock, as well! I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended... -
Review from Hannah K.
Monterey, CA
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite Thai restaurant! I feel like this place is the most authentic and traditional. I don't feel the fake-touristy atmosphere here-which is a plus since almost every place is like that in monterey bay. The food is really really gooooooooood! I won't name a specific dish because they're pretty much all good.
If the interior deco was better I would've given it a full 5 star review. Other than that they're awesome! -
Review from Min H.
Marina, CA
3/31/2012
BEST Thai food in Monterey other then Lemongrass in Moss Landing
all their food is really good i tried almost all their currys, pad thai, pineapple fried rice, spicy noodle, chicken patay, green papaya, thai tea and their mango sweet rice dessert. All the food is really good and was never disappointed with their food tried other thai places and they dont compare to the food at baan thai been going here for years now. -
Review from Mike G.
Salinas, CA
1/21/2012
There are not very many Thai places on the Monterey Peninsula. Of the three that I know of, (disregarding Yang Tze's Taste of Thai in Salinas which is not authentic Thai but some kind of fusion), I like Baan Thai and the Lemongrass the best. D'Anna Thai is pretty good but seemed a little to pricey for what they serve you.
My wife and I tried Baan Thai for the first time today for lunch. We had the Pumpkin Curry dish and the Massaman Curry, both with chicken. Both dishes were very flavorful and had lots of meat and vegetables. We couldn't choose a favorite, both were very good. We will definitely come back to this restaurant to try more dishes. -
Review from Ray P.
Knoxville, TN
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hole in the wall appearance & tacky decor makes you question your judgement until dinner is served. Tremendous distinct flavors, perfect portions.Believe them when they tell you that the spicy is HOT! Delicious food, friendly service & excellent value!
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Review from Nick K.
Henderson, NV
1/25/2012
After a week of eating nothing but seafood I was in the mood for something different. There weren't many choices for Thai food but this one had a good amount of reviews so I decided to give it a shot.
I ordered the Spicy BBQ Duck and an order of Spring Rolls. The duck was pretty tasty, with a sweet/slightly spicy sauce and had a ton of vegetables. Overall it was a pretty good dish, but not something I would order again. The spring rolls tasted like something you would pick up from Costco and fry yourself at home.
I guess I'm spoiled with all the Thai restaurants in Vegas bc I didn't think it was anything special, but it made a decent meal after eating all the great seafood in Monterey. -
Review from Raul N.
The other night, I was in the mood for dinner off the beaten path, so my friend and I headed over to Seaside to explore the numerous tasty hole-in-the-wall restaurants. We were in the mood for Thai food, so we popped into Baan Thai.
We started dinner with the chicken satay. The curry rub was flavorful, but the chicken was a little chewy for my tastes.
Since it was chilly out, I figured a bowl of pumpkin curry seemed in order. There's nothing quite like a bowl of spicy curry to ward off the brisk weather out, right?
The pumpkin curry at Baan Thai was flavorful, mixing sweet, savory and spicy all together. There was a plentiful serving of vegetables in the curry--large chunks of pumpkin, carrots, red peppers and Thai basil.
The pad Thai was a little too sweet for my tastes--it needed some chilies to spice it up.
Many local foodies swear that Baan Thai serves up the best Thai food in town. I don't know if I'd go that far, but that pumpkin curry was one of the best in town. -
Review from Natalie F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
When it comes to Thai food, there is no joking around. This place is probably the best Thai I have found in the 831. Although I think the flavors can sometimes be lacking (after all, I'm a spiceaholic) but the tofu soup and chicken panang is worth getting.
If you don't mind driving to Seaside, it is worth the trip. Great for medium sized groups.
This place is usually packed during lunch, and is great if you only have time to grab a quick bite. -
Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
Updated - 3/11/2012 1 photo
They knocked it out of the park the other night. The spicy catfish was better than ever, and even though I misspoke & ordered "Tom Yum" soup instead of our regular "Tom Ka" (I guess I get my "Toms" mixed up--I'm such a larb guy!), the meal was nevertheless delicious. And it doesn't hurt that the chef addressed me by name after my long absence (nothing beats the personal touch!).
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/22/2011
Hadn't been there in quite a while, but the food is still pretty impressive. The squid in the squid… Read more »
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Review from Jon M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good pad thai. Ambience wasn't awesome.
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Review from Andre D.
Cupertino, CA
4/18/2012
Truly a local favorite and off the beaten path. The staff are native Thailanders and the food blends the authentic with the american palate. If you like thai then this is your place.
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Review from Neen M.
Irvine, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Such a hidden gem! Literally! You cannot see the restaurant from the shopping center front parking lot. You have to know where to go and walk (which is basically behind the front shops) But it makes this place feel like secret and it's worth the find because the food is so bomb! Came here for lunch and had the lunch special pad thai w/ beef and a coconut water. Chose the side salad and the dressing is SO delish! It tastes like a light peanut butter dressing! The coconut water is way fresh and they even include slivers of fresh coconut. YUM! Prices, portions, food quality and taste are a total score. Atmosphere is very meh and pretty Ma and Pa....but looks is not what this place is about. Will totally come again.
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Review from kungfupanda l.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/4/2011
Was a family trip to carmel beach and stopped here for dinner.
very average restaurant ..... ordered
crispy shrimp: ok...how wrong can one go with battered deep fried fish. it ought to taste good
tom yum soup: very average
pad thai : way to sweet
cashew dish : very average ...flavor less ....
will not go again . do not recommend -
Review from Stephanie T.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
I usually come to Baan Thai for lunch with co-workers. They have an extensive lunch specials menu. They all are about 7 bucks and you get a choice of soup or salad, your main dish and rice. It is plenty of food for lunch.
I usually order the vegetable green curry with brown rice and the salad. I love the peanut dressing they put on their salad. It is thick and creamy with a little bit of spice. Its the perfect lunch. -
Review from Melody K.
Carmel, CA
4/6/2012
What can I say?! This is my very favorite lunch spot!! I actually crave Thai when I drive anywhere near Seaside. I only order the Chicken Panang Curry (spicey!) and I am satisfied. YUM! The lunch special includes soup or salad and a healthy portion of entree and rice. For $6.95, it is the best deal going.
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Review from Sameen G.
Monterey, CA
Updated - 1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Two words: pumpkin curry. Oh, Baan Thai, you never disappoint me.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/16/2010
Best Thai food in Monterey. The food is very flavorful, but not excessively spicy. Pacific Thai… Read more »
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Updated - 10/21/2011
Solid service and I didn't mind driving 10 minutes to Baan Thai when I could have walked to a couple Thai restaurants nearby... but I was on a mission... to find the best Chicken Pad Thai so I ordered two. I gave my sister one as well as an order of fried spring rolls. She never called to say thank you for the dinner so I'm guessing it wasn't memorable for her.
I've had pleasant experiences here over the years but tonight was not one of them. I dug the Chicken Pad Thai because it had tender pieces of chicken breast through the noodle dish but there was something in the sauce that had me puzzled... it was like an exaggerated flavor of something that I could not pin point... like a forced "umami"... I thought it was some kelp like flavor but I'm wondering if it was fish sauce... I don't mind fish sauce but this didn't taste very fishy... really kelpy... plantlike. Strange and definitely not used to "that" flavor in my pad thai. This mystery flavor also produced a mild scent that wasn't very pleasurable to my senses. My Mom who is a major foodie told me that it was "inedible".... I'm sure most people wouldn't mind it, it is just that if you have a learned palate then you probably would taste this funkiness. I'm hoping something or someone was just off this night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/30/2008
Haven't been here in several years but I remember hitting this place up with my Mom and I know their… Read more »
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Review from michael r.
Newport, RI
3/22/2011
I simply can not comprehend some of the other reviews. (However, I do agree with almost everyone on one point - Baan Thai's leaves much to be desired).
I've been to several Thai restaurants in the local area over the past year or so, in hopes of finding authentic Phat Khaprao (which in American-English seems to translate as "Spicy Thai Basil"); alas, my search continues. Let me start from the beginning, though.
The "ambiance." Everything...and I mean everything...was a color somewhere between faded khaki and a dingy yellow. Perhaps it was the poor lighting, or perhaps it was the decades of smoke residue that likely covered the place before Baan Thai was ever even there, but the "ambiance" should have been my first clue that something was greatly amiss. I did enjoy the muzak..at least for the first thirty-seconds or so.
The "appetizer." I immediately lost most of my appetite when the appetizer arrived. Having chosen from the lunch menu, I opted for the soup. When it arrived a few moments later, I was instantly shocked and moderately disgusted. It was a very clear (read tranparent), and very oderous, brothe of unknown origin, with random bits of diced tomotoe tops and celery ends. Judging from the smell, I decided against even a sip of the questionable liquid and pushed it to the opposite end of the table.
The "food." As I mentioned earlier, I was looking for Phat (or Phad) Khaprao. What I found was the same dish I've found in EVERY OTHER THAI RESTAURANT in California. It always looks the same, and for the most part even tastes the same. Baan Thai's was really no different, but I did have to raise an eyebrow when the asked me if I wanted white rice of fried rice with the entree; not a very common question for most Thai places.
The service was fine. (Period). -
Review from Hanee K.
Pacific Grove, CA
8/7/2011
I've been a regular customer since 2007
one of my favorite thai restaurants!
I usually come here during lunch time
I always get pad thai and soup!
I've had yellow curry, spicy basil, egg rolls, spring rolls, Tom Yum soup!
they all are so tasty!!
I love the servers here, they are so friendly and nice~ -
Review from Lawrence L.
Millbrae, CA
Was in Monterey (Seaside) and was in the mood for something other than the standard Monterey tourist trap fare... Thai food sounded good, and I was surprised that there were so many choices in the area. After reading all the reviews, I decided to take the safe route - since Baan Thai was rated 2010 Best Thai Food Restaurant by the Carmel Pine Cone.
One thing to gain from this experience is if it says spicy, they mean spicy... Unless it's the papaya salad, where even medium is spicy, as they use fresh chili (refreshing). I like spicy foods, so this hit the spot!
We started with the steamed green mussels (nice tangy and sweet chili sauce). For the main entrees we had the spicy chili basil with pork (the basil, bamboo shoots, and onions added a nice flavor), the pumpkin curry with chicken had a nice kick that crept up on you (pumpkin added a nice sweetness and texture to the curry), pad see ew was sweet and tasty but noodles were clumpy small chunks (although the kids liked it).
Ended up the meal with coconut ice cream (pretty standard). Overall, good experience, and a very friendly staff. Come early, as it fills up even on weeknights. -
Review from Stefanie L.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2011
Whenever I go to any other Thai restaurant, I end up comparing it to Baan Thai. I think to myself, Why can't the Pad Thai here have that perfect peanut-to-noodle ratio like Baan Thai's? Why can't the Kow Mok Kai here come with cucumber relish like Baan Thai's? Why can't the Tom Kah Kai soup here have more mushrooms like Baan Thai's? Baan Thai is the highest standard, and all other restaurants just don't quite meet it. Simple.
Plus, the owners, chefs, and servers are the nicest people. They treat everyone so nicely, and they always remember regular customers. This is one of the Monterey area's best kept secrets. Whoops, cat's out of the bag.Listed in: Thai One On
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Review from E L.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2011
The server was very nice and frienly. I ordered the Cashew Chicken. I was a little bit disappointed because there was nothing like "Thai" food. i believe if you go to some random Chinese restaurant, you can find it there too.
The Cashew Chicken was OK. I also ordered a Thai Iced coffee, It was good too. -
Review from glenn m.
Pacific Grove, CA
9/22/2011
I eat here frequently and have seldom had a disappointing meal.
I have lived in Thailand years ago and find this to be true Thai Food.
The properitors are very diligent in their effort to bring the freshest ingredients to the plate.
I laugh when people ask for it "real hot", many people say they like hot food but when the chips are down they really haven't got a clue as to what hot really is.
Heat is not the only thing and sometimes one can overspice their plates which results in not being able to taste and savor the dish.
I like their stir frys, from the chili basil to the mixed vegetable, the garlic vege, the soups when it is cold and drizzeling out are not to be missed.
The salad rolls are real good too.
The curries are a real highlight, red, green yellow & Panang.
In the evening they offer dinner specials, not regularly on printed the menu.
I hope everyone gives this a try.
I am confused by some of the comments with less than glowing reports. -
Review from J J.
Monterey, CA
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Curry is awesome, and if you ask for very spicy-it will be fire hot! Love it!! Portions can be small on curry for the price, that's my only complaint.
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Review from Daina M.
Temecula, CA
11/19/2011
I've gone to Baan Thai several times and have never had a single problem. The employees always will do their best to serve their customers and the food is always superb! Last week I took my friend out to eat there for the first time and we ordered our food, "as spicy as you can make it." and BOY WAS THAT HOT! We were sweating the entire time, but my friend said he had never had a restaurant make such delicious food. It's a must if you like Thai food or feel a bit adventurous.
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Review from Michelle A.
Monterey, CA
2/20/2009 3 photos
Although it's located in a dumpy strip mall, and the back walls are covered with assorted chotchke for sale, the people are very nice and the food is delicious!
I HIGHLY recommend the spicy catfish and the peanut chicken with spinach.
And as an aside, said dumpy strip mall has some of my favorite Seaside restaurants in it. Try Nifty Fifty Cafe for breakfast and Harumi, the new sushi place. -
Review from Harry K.
Monterey, CA
6/3/2010
I work with some Thais, and this is where they come. I've always enjoyed their food--except for their pad thai, which is blah. Good selection of condiments, tasty curries, good service, good deserts.
But I still think that Krua Thai has the best Thai food on the peninsula.Listed in: Ornamentation
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Review from Bryan A.
8/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great service. Buy 10 get 1 free lunch special!
I waltzed in here in an effort to get some good thai. However, there are those times that decent thai can be made better because of the environment and the service. This was one of those times.
Okay, maybe it's because they let me charge my dead phone while I ate. But they were SUPER nice about it. :P -
Review from Jennifer T.
Mountain View, CA
8/13/2010
Went there for dinner on a Thursday. The food was mediocre. Pad See Ew was moderately good, the red curry was delicious, and the Pad Thai was very disappointing and bland. The chicken was extremely dry. The brown rice was purple.
The servers were attentive and friendly. -
Review from Bella B.
Monterey, CA
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best Thai food in Monterey!
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Review from Dish M.
Middletown, RI
5/31/2008 3 Check-ins Here
This is my FAVORITE Thai place in Monterey. The location pretty bad, and every time I've brought a friend or date here they look at me a little strange before we walk in, but its always worth it. The food is very fresh and I love their vegetarian Pad Thai. My dad and I would drive from Salinas to pick up take out here. It's that good. I mean, there aren't that many places that warrant driving to Seaside to eat, but this place is defiantly worth any time spent finding it and any gas used on getting there. The prices are very good, last time I went I got a lunch special for $6.59 and my dish came with a little salad with the greatest peanut sauce... TASTY!!!
The best thing, besides the food, was and still is the service. The waitresses here are so sweet and they refill drinks, clean tables, move plates and bring the check FAST. The walls are a really present light green color, the menu is organized an easy to read (easy to find Vegetarian friendly foods) and the music is soothing and authentic.
One warning, if you want spicy ask for it. She made our dishes mild by default. Ooo, and the taffy they bring with the check looks cheap and probably is, but they're really tasty.
Overall, Baan Thai is awesome and more people should eat here. -
Review from L.C. C.
Marina, CA
10/4/2009
I have finally experienced the thai restaurant marvel known as Baan Thai and it met my expectations. to a degree.
I will be remembered for many things when I die. My unequaled love of Thai food will undoubtedly be in the top 10 and my saying "Thai food makes everything better". That said, I am a Thai Food Snob and this place was good. Not Great. just good.
I ordered the Mussuman curry with beef and it had more potatoes than beef in it. The sauce was very good though with the right amount of coconut milk in it. I also liked that there were pieces of peanuts in it to give it texture. My friend had the traditional noodle dish of Pad Thai with chicken and it was a little bit dry and not enough "oomph" of flavor in it. Still good, but it still doesnt beat Thai Bistro. Their Thai iced tea was a little too sweet for me as well
I was going to give it a four star rating but i had to knock it down one because they did not have the sticky rice with mangoes.
Luckily for Baan Thai, i am an optimist and that said, I still haven't found that one dish that will make my blood flow hot and my pupils dilate. I'll come back and order something else on the menu and I'll let you know when and if that magic happens.
Yelpers of Baan , any dish suggestions that make you could eat every day for the rest of your life that keeps you coming back for more? let me know. -
Review from Jen M.
Buckeye, AZ
10/22/2009
I am not huge on Thai food and he won't touch it so I had to wait for a day that he was busy and go with the coworkers. It was actually very surprisingly good.
I started with the soup (instead of salad). Sorry but I asked her to repeat herself twice and I couldn't understand what she was calling it, something with the words sour and tofu. The coworkers didn't like it because they said it was too vinegary but I liked it. Might be because I actually love vinegar, enough to drink the balsamic vinegar right out of the bottle when no one is looking but I digress.
My lunch was the Kai Koar which I got because it had a cool name and because one of the coworkers said "only newbies get Pad Thai." When she first put it in front of me I was like oh no, that looks... interesting... but I took a courageous bite and it was delicious! The noodles are these wide, flat, short noodles that are awesome. I got it medium spiciness and it was perfect, just enough to require water without kicking my ass.
Coworker talked me into ordering a Thai Tea, which was big for me because I am not a tea fan. However, this tea was pretty good. Watching Top Chef, they always go on and on about flavor progressions, well this was a flavor progression. I was trying different ways of drinking the tea just so I could see how many different ways it would taste.
I hovered between a 4 and a 5 and decided on a 5 because in my minimal Thai experience, this was the best by far. I will go back for sure and update you on my trek to Thai mastery.
Side note: the street sign says Barn Thai. I can just picture how that happened:
~Thai guy calls red neck sign guy and says "I need a sign to say Baan Thai."
~Red neck says "you mean Barn Thai."
~"No, B-A-A-N, Baan Thai."
~Red neck thinks to himself, crazy Thai guy doesn't know how to spell barn, I'll just fix it for him. -
Review from judy s.
Oceanside, CA
8/13/2011
pretty good. I don't think we have anything to complain about except they couldn't 'find' a scarf that was left on the chair right after we left.... but nothing fancy, plain restaurant w/ no frills but the food is good. I thought I was interesting that there were carrots and baby corn in our panang curry but it was tasty. tom yum was good but it was missing onions that I'm used to having. I guess a few things are different from what I'm used to but it was still good. Party of 6 felt that it was a mixed 3 & 4 stars. oh and it's loud... you know how we Asian roll, there was a group behind us that thought they were in their house I think! LOL
