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This is our go to Thai place now. Went back recently and tried one of the places we liked before and thought why did we do that?!? Cha Ba Thai is the best in the NE. Good quality ingredients and consistently good.
There are many good Thai restaurants in Portland but Cha Ba Thai does outshine them all.
Some friends from out of town were hungry for Thai food, so I decided to see what Yelp thought was "the best Thai in Portland." There didn't seem to be much consensus, but signs pointed us here.
The food was of outstanding quality, and the selection is about what you'd expect from an average american Thai restaurant, but pretty extensive at that. Some reviews complain about portion size-- you must be joking or talking about the Lunch menu, I could barely finish half of my curry and the same was true for everyone in our party. Our entrees were excellent, very tasty and not too greasy. We ordered the coconut tofu and eggroll appetizers, they were OK but not spectacular. The menu talks about how they use traditional spices including fish sauce, so I asked if they used fish sauce in the curry, they said no. I ordered it spicy and it was perfect for me, and I definitely have a "not spicy enough" and "too spicy" range. I tried a curry ordered normally and it was not spicy enough. The noodle dishes and all of the vegetables were great, too.
I was a little worried about how the service would be from other reviews, but it was decent. They managed to get a table for our party of 7 in their relatively small dining area at the peak of Friday night dinner hour within 10 minutes or so. (I don't think a larger group would have fit.) On the other hand, our entrees arrived sporadically, with the last one on the table quite awhile after the first -- this is where the appetizers helped out. They were sufficiently attentive about water and such. The place was full the entire time we were there and there was quite a lot of traffic coming to get take-out. Beer and wine only, I only mention it because of how common it seems to be to have a full bar, one in our party was actually expecting it.
With appetizers, drinks, entrees and everything our bill for 7 people was under $90, but not including tip (and they didn't add gratuity automatically either). Most entrees we ordered were $7.50.
Parking close by was not an issue. They are a little far from where we live but it was worth the trip this time to give it a try. With so many other Thai restaurants around though, I'm really going to have to try them all before I can say it's worth the drive every time.
I'm rocking back and forth between Meh and A-OK.
My dinner here tonight was a bust. Which surprised me because Cha Ba Thai came up in a Best Thai in Portland talk thread on this website over and over again. I personally wanted to see what all the buzz was about.
Our server only came over twice; once to give us menus and water, and the other time to take our order. We ordered some steamed dumplings, the Pad Kee Mao with chicken, and the Roasted Duck in a Red Curry Sauce.
The steamed dumplings were interesting, and what I mean by that is I hated them. I really couldn't put my finger on it but they were funky and not in a good way.
The only flavor I could taste from the Pad Kee Mao was the noodle itself. It was so one dimensional. No basil flavor. No spice. Not a whole lot of anything to be frank. I hardly touched it.
The roasted duck curry was good. It saved the meal. I personally like sweet and savory flavors, and the addition of tropical fruits with the duck and basil made for a great curry. Towards the end of the meal I noticed myself making piles of undercooked duck skin, small bones, and gristle on my plate. The menu said the duck was boneless, and I appreciated that they removed the bigger bones, but at least I can navigate around those. The little bones you don't expect are the ones that break your teeth when you bite down on them.
It was affordable. Three dishes, two beers, and a Thai iced tea only put us back $35. If you decide to give Cha Ba a shot I hope your experience is better than mine.
Mmmm-I love me some carb fest thai pasta. Pad thai, pad anything rocks my socks. Very attentive staff who are friendly. I think this place is quite popular-it seems like they want to herd people in and out of here just because of limited seating. And there is always a bit of a crowd-but its well worth the wait.
Appetizers are appethaizing! Really, a wonderful dining experience at wonderful prices. If you want something healthy-go for the cashew chicken/sesame beef-always a good choice. Definitely one of the more well established thai restaurants in Portland...
Well shoot! I dig it! I got food to go, so I can't speak for the ambiance, but the food is tasty (I got chicken satay and Mussamun curry). It came with a little container of what I thought was a little amuse-bouche to clear the palate between the satay and the curry, but holy sneakers! -- it turns out to have been mostly chili peppers, and I almost burnt a hole in my face by eating it. I've felt great all evening, though.
Thanks, Chaba Thai!
No one ever lost money comparing food to sex. All that "orgasm in my mouth" shlock, that whole saying that likens pizza to mediocre boom time, you get the idea. But I always thought that the analogy was missing kind of a big point. You can go for a long time without sex. It's not fun and I don't endorse such an experiment, but it's possible.
However, you can't go for too long without food. And I'd even venture a statement so bold that I can't really operate for a few days before I start to twitch for Thai food. In fact, if I'm starving and you look like you have it coming, I'd probably stab you in the throat for some kee mao.
And I'm fully aware that I come off as disgustingly privileged, totally out of touch with the concerns of the majority of the world's population, when I say that I can't go too long without Thai cuisine. But in my defense, I don't have a lot of luxuries at my disposal, so Thai food can be a true indulgence, especially towards the end of the month when my checking account starts to appear anemic. In spite of that, I always feel like I'm eating Thai food fit for the King of Siam and all his wives when I eat at Cha Ba Thai. Both the red and yellow curries have that pearly, creamy consistency and soft flavor that acts as a gastorial massage. If your private parts are on a voluntary or involuntary inactive status, the kee mao could help you fill in the void, but not directly because that could get itchy and sticky. And since most of the entrees are less than $10, treating yourself to a stately dinner won't royally break the bank.
See, I'd never make you choose between sex or Thai food. In fact, you bring your special someone here, you could probably have both in one night.
Don't be deceived by the location or the cheesy exterior!
Cha Ba Thai is yum yum yum!!!!!!
I had green curry. Perfect. $7 at lunch. Also perfect.
I am always excited to find something tasty on NE Sandy besides Laurelwood. Yippee!
Dig if you will, the picture, of you and I engaged in a curry...
Right, if you're imagineering that picture you will most likely be picturing the scene at Cha Ba Thai, the greatest Thai experience this side of the...Land of Thai? I don't know, whatever we're on the side of, you should be there with a mouth full of Cha Ba Thai goodness.
This place is so tasty they could charge me the big money for it. Do they? NO! THEY DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! They just give me generous helpings of delicious at affordable prices--just give it to me!
I think I might be in love. I think maybe Cha Ba Thai is trying to seduce me. That's okay though--Cha Ba, pin me, bitch. I will so totally go steady with you.
Date Visited: Friday 8/14/09 (Lunch)
As always, my co-workers and I got together for a monthly lunch adventure. The restaurant was recommended by Joshua who said it was the best Thai food restaurant, even better than e-San. SO, we headed there to beat the lunch rush at 11:30.
The restaurant wasn't hidden, but it certainly didn't stand out either. After my bad Zao Noodle Bar experience, I was a little hesitant to try another Pad Thai. However, I knew I was going to have Pad Thai for diner and since Joshua said Cha Ba Thai had the best around, I had to try it out and compare.
I ordered the Pad Thai with tofu and a mild spice (thanks to my stupid stomach issues). Other than the mushrooms, it was pretty good. The bean sprouts were cold, fresh, and perfectly crunchy. For those who don't like them, you're missing the best part about Pad Thai dishes 'cause these add the perfect contrasting crunch to the noodles. Anyway, it was a good dish with a decent amount of crushed peanuts and a good flavor.
Quantity was good and I took leftovers home for lunch on another day. Comparing it with a vegan version that I had later for dinner, there wasn't really a winner. They were completely different and yet both really good. Anyway, I would go back to Cha Ba Thai and try the other dishes I typically get at Thai restaurants.
I really enjoy eating here. Wish the portions are larger, since the food is so good.
The wait is a little long, but definitely worth it.
There's never a good night to go, since it's always crowded. Just go and deal with the waiting, you'll be glad you did.
Say it with me. Cha Ba Thai. Cha Ba Thai.
Cha.
Ba.
Thaaaaai.
Wow. So I wanted to try out a new Thai place. One that was open on Sundays and hopefully didn't suck. And huzzah. There it was.
This place is quite the trek down Sandy, but DAAAAYUM.
I can't tell you how far I would walk for this food.
Oh man. I can't tell you how far i would crawl.
We got a Yellow Curry with Chicken, the Volcano Beef, Pad Kee Mao, and some fried rolls. A plethora of possibilities and two hungry tummies. It can be done!
We order it to go and chill in the waiting area of the brightly colored little place. The atmosphere is alive and busy with noise. This place is busy and it looks good.
We are given water to sip on while we wait, and I look around at all the different Buddha statues on the walls. Some are painted and some are old and bronzed. I think about how they got there and if they belong to the owner. Waitresses periodically walk by, Their hands held high in the air with the weight of the huge plates piled high with food. MOUNTAINOUS proportions. And for so cheap? Really? This must be what good karma is.
Cut to 20 minutes later, 2 songs on the Grizzly Bear Cd, 3 assholes who can't drive, 2 floors up and over. We are back!
Time to eat.
The food is laid out picnic style (on the floor) and bachelor style (straight out of the containers. heeell yes!).
First. The Curry. Wow. Thank you, god, gods, higher whatever, for making that Curry, because...DAMN. You are spicy as hell. You are some kinda wonderful. You had me at hello. You are so money and you don't even know it.
The Pad Kee Mao. Pretty good. Shouda been less dry with the chicken but it is a fine line with stir-fry. Otherwise, great taste. Garlicky and chock full of veggies, chicken and garlic. mmmm.
The rolls. Okay. The rolls really sucked. I'd skip them next time. Tasted like they came right out of a plastic package in the frozen food section. To be skipped.
My advice is this...Order the Volcano Beef. It is hotter than a whorehouse in Texas in the middle of July. It is so hot, you should put on some damn suntan lotion before you eat it. It's hot enough to make your scalp sweat. And you will love every...effin...second.
Giant strips of beef marinated up all spicy and savory and sweet. Served up with big honkin' green bell peppers. Add rice and it's true love.
I will go to this place whenever. The EXTENSIVE menu and all it's many choices made me wish for four stomachs and five hands like one of the statues I saw in the restaurant. (Hmm...maybe that's why...) My one stomach was quite happy though. Thai food is so great when it's done right. I'm happy to add this to my list of favorites.
Cha Ba Thai is a hidden hole-in-the-wall place if there ever was one. Its on Sandy Blvd and you'd never know it was here unless a friend brought you which is how I ended up here the first time.I'm eating here for the second time tonight. My friend and I were seated quickly and the servers were friendly. We ordered salad rolls to start but they were out so we got egg rolls instead they were unremarkable but good. We got the #29 with beef (stir fried steak, peppers, two kinds of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, onion) in an oyster sauce with very delicious real brown rice. Food was flavorful and fresh. My friend and I split one entree which was plenty for two. The brown rice was $1.50 extra but definitely worth it. Total cost for two with tip was $19.00.
I rated four stars instead of five because 1) They were out of salad rolls and they should have comped our egg rolls & 2) The brown rice cost $1.50/extra per portion. These are just quibbles but still wanted to be honest about my feelings.
Great food, great price, hidden location. Search this place out. You'll be happy you did!
Excellent, portions are good, food is delicious and service is quick and good. I really recomend this place.
Holy Moley! This is the best Thai Food that I have ever had in the U.S.A. Why does Seattle and Portland have the best? Anyways, back to the review. We rode our bikes around for 3 hours and worked up a great appetite. We arrived and studied the menu. I chose the Prik King and my g.f. chose the Cashew Chicken. Both were ordered kinda spicy. Food is only as good as what you start with, and this food was Amazing. The usage of fresh, crisp veggies were enhanced with the tasty flavors. And the protein (chicken) was tender and succulent. We loved this place so much, we went back the next day and carryout for our waiting time at the airport. The food was still good, and would have been even better had we not waited 30 minutes to get the airport, return the rental car, etc. I love Cha Ba Thai, perhaps more than my girlfriend. She may leave me someday, but I will always have Cha Ba Thai!
Moving here from Berkeley years ago meant giving up Siam Cuisine, my favorite restaurant in the entire universe. I've found decent Thai food in Portland over the years (and a really nice place in Eugene) but I'd given up on feeling passionate about a Thai restaurant until I found Chaba Thai. Fabulous menu, beautiful surroundings (Fiestaware!), and quite simply the best preparations imaginable, especially the impeccable seasoning. Chicken satay is the best I've had anywhere, and the Mussulman beef curry made me cry it was so good.
They can get quite busy in the dinner hour, so I like to slip in just a little early. Don't try it at 3 in the afternoon, though, or you'll cheat them out of their noodle break and earn you a few mean looks.
Cha Ba Thai seemed kinda lonely when I first visited it in 2003 (or was it '04?). It was recommended to me enthusiastically by trusted friends who also apply the QQQ (quality/quantity quotient) to every dining experience. Certainly, the menu was much cheaper then, and I swear that the serving size of the curry dishes was quite a bit larger then.
For flavor and freshness, it's still a much-better-than average Thai place today, but now that Cha Ba has established itself as a routine for so many PDX Thai eaters, I have noticed that the customer service has slipped a bit along with curry bowl volume. Now that repeat business has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, the Cha Ba staff doesn't seem to try quite as hard to please.
It was pretty packed when we were there in November. We were greeted quickly with a nod by a very young waiter who was frenetically weaving between tables. He had a close call with a plate bobble as we broke his attention, but he balanced up just in time to avoid an accident. It took several minutes (well, maybe five or six) to get approached again to be added to the waiting list. Communication was poor for a good while after that as more hungry people arrived. The wait was about 20 minutes. It only seemed longer because we'd been saving our appetite, and the smells from the kitchen were so tantalizing.
Of any restaurant that is so brightly lit, Cha Ba Thai is certainly one of the most comfortable and attractive. I swear that the place is bright enough for surgery or proctoring the SAT, but it's remarkable how the orange and yellow paint on the walls bounces the light around and makes everyone look that much more attractive. It shows really well on people who desperately need a tan. (Isn't that just about everyone in PDX?!?! (Hey...I kid...me, too!)) So even if this place is lacking in mood lighting, it's a really good place to take a date if you're self-conscious about your looks.
Just hope that you don't get this new spazzy waiter dude. I mean....I can almost always forgive inexperience when a waiter's intentions are right, but this guy was too unnerving. I think he was frazzled because of how busy it was there. He was exasperated when he talked, so we had to ask him to repeat himself several times, and when things were under control for a moment, he would just pace around nervously trying to stay outta the rest of the wait staff's way.
I normally get the pineapple curry with roast duck, which is my favorite item at several Thai restaurants all over the West. It's especially good here...certainly one of the top three I've had behind other bowls in L.A. and Sacramento. But on this visit, I ordered something I'd never tried....I forget the name of the entree, but it's the only one listed under CURRIES which says "without coconut milk". That was a regrettable choice. It was the only time I can remember a Thai dish that was 100% heat and very little flavor. I've had boiled meat recipes from England that had more flavor than this. If this was my only impression of the place, I might consider one star. But I'll just chalk this one up to "Stick with the Favorite". Cha Ba Thai's still got me for life based on many five-star-worthy past experiences.
Wow! For nearly a year now I've lived on the Eastside and I've been looking for a Thai restaurant that would make me forget about my old Raleigh Hills standby (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Finally, after much searching, I've found Cha Ba Thai!
Let me tell you, I could get SERIOUSLY Chubby on Cha Ba Thai! It hits it out of the park in almost every category...and it doesn't hurt that it's awfully close to my house!
Cha Ba Thai is very tastefully and simply decorated. The walls are brightly colored, and really compliment the colorful dishes and plates. It's not a "fancy-pants" restaurant, but it is definitely a cut above the cookie-cutter ambiance I've found in many a Thai joint.
We decided to start with some soup, and Cha Ba Thai really puts the YUM in Tom Yum soup! Fragrant, sweet and sour, the kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass really make this such a great appetizer. I saw some "Thai sausages" - which I've never had before - delivered to another table, and immediately decided we'd be ordering that on our next visit.
We arrived for dinner a little early on a Thursday night and were seated right away - just beating the rush. By the time our soup arrived at the table, the line to get in the joint went out the door!
A few other reviewers mentioned that the servers were rude...we definitely didn't experience this. Sure, they weren't exactly chatty Cathy's - but that A-OK by me, and the place WAS busy, so I would have felt awkward if the staff was yakking it up at our table while people went hungry elsewhere.
My Lady ordered one of her faves: Pad Kee Mao with tofu. The tofu was prepared wonderfully - firm, but tender, and not tasting like it had been fried. Lots of tasty veggies, and I DIG the flat, chewy noodles.
I ordered the "Volcano Beef"; it's one of the specials and I loved it so much I may actually start a petition to get it placed on the menu full time if it's not available next time we go. The entire plate was literally FLAMING when it was served to us, causing quite the commotion as heads craned at all the nearby tables.
The beef was absolutely perfect. Cooked so tender that you could cut it with your fork! It was served with generous portions of bright yellow and green bells, onions, and the real kicker - pineapple, all stir-fried to tasty perfection! We ordered our entrees "hot" (c'mon, can you order something called "Volcano Beef" medium, or heaven forbid mild?) and the heat did not disappoint. This may well be one of the few places that ordering it "Very Hot" would be too much for me!
Anyway, our total tab for 2 entrees (including plenty of rice), soup, and tip was in the $30-35 range; and keep in mind that, as a "special" my Volcano Beef was priced a little higher than most of the other stir-fried dishes. Not bad considering we took home enough for one large, or two small meals.
Cha Ba Thai has officially become my new favorite Thai restaurant!
For the price you can't beat Cha Ba Thai. Any other Thai restaurant in town that could compete charges AT LEAST 50% more for comparable entrees.
I am picky about freshness, quality and cleanliness. I find that most Thai restaurants lack in at least several those areas. Many times I find the vegetables overcooked, old and inedible. Not at Cha Ba Thai! Everything is fresh and delicious, even the bean sprouts, which are always well cleaned, crisp and tasty!! The restaurant is spacious and tastefully decorated. Everything is VERY clean, even the restroom! Whenever I visit at least 90% of the customers are Asian, which I always take as a good sign. We have been going here for years and everything has always been fantastic. The service is very good, but be prepared for a bit longer wait for Take Out during busy times. They are very popular and it usually takes about 30 minutes for our To Go order. Definitely call ahead!! It is soooo worth waiting 15 extra minutes!
I think they have some authentic dishes but it is more the Americanized version of Thai food.
I always base my first visit to a Thai spot on the Tom Yum Goong and the Mussamun Curry. Well, the Tom Yum was exceptional and the curry had great flavor! Only issue, the curry was ordered as a medium spicy just like the soup, but it was definitely mild. Otherwise, I highly recommend this excellent place.
One of the best Thai spots. I agree tho, it can be difficult to find bad thai in Portland. The good outway the bad. This place has been one of my fav's for a few years. Get the whole chicken and the Tom Ka.
The servers can be rude here though. I think they talk shit about you in Thai.
Quite decent Thai food, but a bit far away for me to travel. The prices are middle-of-the-road, the food is almost always well seasoned and their 'hot' scale is fairly well calibrated.
The only complaint worth mentioning is that the service is quite spotty. I have been here three times and each time a different service experience. They are usually quite responsive, but once the meal is out, I find that it is not trivial to get wait staff attention.
Sometimes there is a wait to be seated and sometimes your order may take a while to reach your table, but there is a reason for it all.
As you dine on your random colored fiesta wear, the lemongrass & curry will melt in your mouth. My favorite is the seafood or chicken panang. 2nd best I have found in PDX so far. A main thai staple for sure.
Great place to eat , a bit on the spendy side but not outrageous.
The lady that runs this place is well kinda a bitch but the food is great and the atmosphere is nice so I keep going back.
Very fresh food!!!!
You know that pie eating contest scene in "Stand by Me"? The one where everyone is chanting "Lard Ass, Lard Ass, Lard Ass" at the fat kid? Yeah, Chaba Thai has seriously put me at risk of getting Larb Ass. Ground chicken Larb Ass, to be specific. I could stick my face in their larb with my hands tied behind my back.
I wouldn't say this was the best Thai cuisine I've had but it certainly ranks high. The salad rolls' modest size was more than compensated by its deliciousness. Order their version that comes with Chinese sausage; it's sublime. Their Chicken Phad Thai was tasty, its flavor was subtle and extra mild. It could've been a little spicier and I was disappointed that I wasn't asked at all. (Of course, I could've stated that I'd wanted it somewhat spicy, but it was strange that the question never got asked.) Service was quick and efficient, and the restroom was clean. I'll have to return a few more times in order to try the rest of their menu. Maybe they'll gain another star or two in the process.
The food is really good. Probably gives any Thai restaurant in town a run for their money... and there are a crap-load of Thai restaurants in the Portland area. Kinda interesting... anyway...
Only thing was the service. I thought it was going to be really REALLY bad but it ended up being just ok bad. That's why they still get 4 stars. They started out being really short and not caring and then they started to pay attention. Dunno why but it happened so I was by the end of the meal.
The portions are American sized (larger than typical Thai) so the price is about in line with what you get I guess. The specials are much more expensive but I'm not sure if they are worth it. Everyone liked the grilled beef salad and the fried rice (there are a bunch of different ones - we got pineapple and a spicy chicken). Mixed reviews about the chicken w/ basil special and the beef curry special. I liked the beef, could have passed on the chicken but all the ladies went totally opposite.
They ran out of mango and sticky rice dessert which is my fav. I only had it once and only in Thailand...oh it was good...
We moved into the neighborhood about a year ago and decided to try some of the local asian restaurants. We started with Cha Ba Thai because some friends recommended it - of course! Everybody who has eaten there recommends it. I'm only a little embarrassed about the fact that we never tried any of the other restaurants... Cha Ba Thai is just too good.
In the beginning, I stuck with dishes I knew and loved already - Pad Thai, Yellow Curry, etc. But over time I began to branch out and OH MY GOD they are the best Thai restaurant ever. I just recently had the Tom Ka Gai (spicy sour lemongrass soup with chicken) and I've been dreaming about it ever since. And DON'T miss out on the fresh rolls - they are really hard to find at Thai restaurants and these are divine. And I almost don't want to tell you about the calamari for fear of there not being any left next time I go. Anyway, you can't go wrong ordering there - just try anything that sounds good and you'll truly be amazed. Even the fried rice is good! Not boring, greasy, and pointless like so many other restaurants - they even have a version with crab - and there's so much crab in it you won't believe it.
We took my boyfriend's parents there, who have literally eaten Thai food all over the country - and they swear that it's the best they've ever eaten. They come up to visit Cha Ba Thai now instead of us.
food is great but i wish that we wouldnt have to wait so long everytime we go because its always so busy...everything else is fine.... o and they should take care of their fly problem, its kind of annoying having to eat with them around
So, the waitresses aren't the nicest. And it can get pretty busy at lunch time (though, that's why God invented take out).
BUT, the food makes up for anything you may find off putting. The spring rolls are mouth watering, the curry is among the best in the city and the pad thai will make you wish you could eat two lunches.
All in a clean and hip (surprisingly for the area, in fact) environment.
I took a friend here for her birthday on Friday. We were going dancing on Sandy and this seemed like a good place to start. Thank goodness I had the previous reviews to know what to expect.
There were about 5 sets of couples already on the waiting list when we got there about 7:30 so I figured we would have quite a wait. I was surprised when we were seated about 10 minutes later. They definitely know how to move people through here in the best possible way.
The menu was huge and a little bit daunting. There were just too many choices! I finally settled on the stir fried beef green curry, mediumly spiced. It was so fabulous! My friend had the pad thai and said it was wonderful as well.
I have already recommended the place to several friends and would definitely come back if I'm in the area again.
the best thai food in portland.
all the curries are excellent.
yummy pad se ew.
I had been here one time a few months ago for lunch, and thought it was decent, but nothing spectacular.
Stopped in for dinner last night, and this little busy restaurant actually holds up pretty good under pressure. Being a Monday night, a lot of other choices were closed, so we picked Thai. The food was hot, service was with a smile, and the bill not a lot. Sounds like a good time, if you ask me.
With the abundance of Thai restaurants in Portland, this one is way at the top of my list.
I have been here twice and both times I felt as if I was in a "time out".
They seem to want to stick my wife and I in the corner,toward the back of the restaurant as if we are gonna scare the other patrons away.....
The food is very good and I like their selection, but it's kinda irrittating to be seated like that.
Oh and the parking along Sandy.....good luck
The best Thai food I have had. The service is not the greatest, little slow and forgetful with the drinks, but the food is the only reason to go here. The currie are awesome and the volcano beef is great. So glad I can walk here from home.
I love Thai food! And Chaba Thai is the best in town! Go there! Try the Punpkin Beef Curry, or any curry really, you won't be disappointed. We took my parents, who are new to thai food and not too adventurous, and they loved it too. It has such a cute bright atmosphere, great friendly quick service, and is always busy in a bustling and fun way. The Tom Yum soup is also fantastic.
Some of the best Thai food in the area. The menu offers a large selection of dishes and you are served big portions for the price. Ambience and service are just so-so, but the food more than makes up for this.
tasty...
my friend took me here since he likes the place and visits regularly. he told me it was good and reasonably priced. I did not disagree. The food was cooked well. The Phad Ke Mao was very tender, full of flavor and danced in my mouth. The yellow curry was pretty good. A little too soupy and the veggie were a little undercooked but the flavor was good. The food didn't disappoint. The cost was good too. About $8.50 a dish. The environment/decor could use some work. Seems to be a little run down and needs some touching up. Service was good so they are getting 4 stars. If I was in town with a thai craving, I would definitely go back.
if i crave thai (which is way too often) i instantly think of Cha Ba Thai. that being said, i refuse to dine in. i will only take go-go because their food is oh-so good, but their service is oh soooo shitty.
seriously, it doesn't hurt to greet me HI and tell me you'll be right with me. a few times i went, they were really busy, but no one even acknowledged me as i waited forever at the front door.
they slam your dishes on the table without even saying what it is and they never smile. sheesh.
funny thing is i noticed they were way nicer to all the caucausian people in the resturant. (i am asian) and even worse, i have heard this complaint from many of my friends who are of diff race.
A dedicated cohort of coworkers and I took to sampling takeout from each of Portland' s best known Thai Restaurants. Pad See Ew, Thai Beef Salad (Neue), and Pad Thai were nearly always ordered. Occaisionally, drunken noodles were ordered in place.
Cha Ba Thai was best for takeout hands down. Spiced perfectly, we enjoyed the Thai Beef Salad (and a rare variation, the Thai Chicken Salad) tremendously. Noodles done to perfection. Generous portions. Nicely done Cha Ba.
Cha Ba Thai is brilliant. Every item I've eaten here is splendid. The prices are low, the food spectacular.
The soup with meatballs, shrimp, and squid is to die for. The eggplant and pork stir-fry made an eggplant lover out of an eggplant hater: me.
Um. Hell. What can I say? The best. The beef salad made my friend Julia panic. If food makes ya panic, it's gotta have somethin' goin' on.
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Category: Thai
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