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Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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It's been quite a while since I last ate here, but for the many times I did, I was very satisfied. Everything I had, from the Pad Thai to the rice to the noodles was excellent, and the spices are perfect. Portions are large for the price, so this place is a great choice for the budget conscious . I always walked home with a container for lunch the next day even when I was hungry.
Interior decor and ambiance is decent, with some eastern-flavor dance music playing in the background (sometimes). Outdoor seating is preferred in the summer months when the weather is good, but if it's too crowded I suggest you order takeout and walk two blocks south to the Lake Union Canal. You can grab a picnic table or sit on the grass to watch the boats go by as you enjoy your Thai food.
I was hungry for some takeout one night and this spot seemed like it would hit the spot. However, obviously our phone line was not very clear as "green curry" somehow became "orange chicken" on my order. The orange chicken was not very exciting - chicken in sauce, with a few orange wedges.
At any rate, the food hit the spot, and was ready very quickly, even if it wasn't really what I wanted. Maybe I will try again in person where I can make sure I get what I ordered.
I'm not sure what happened. I saw a couple of so-so Yelp reviews on this place, and one downright negative one. The rest were pretty positive. It seemed a safe bet for decent-quality Thai food.
It wasn't. The food was baaaad. Flat out unsavory.
My pad thai tasted like Spaghettios, no kidding. It, along with the tom yum goong and green curry, were over-sweetened by a long shot. I think they may have contained MSG, as well -- or maybe it was just the sugar that gave me a weird head rush. The vegetables in all dishes were flaccid. Yeah, flaccid. Like a...well...never mind.
On the up side, the ladies in the kitchen and serving the tables were friendly. The place has a good atmosphere in that divey Thai joint kind of way. I won't be going back, though.
This is my favorite Thai restaurants in Seattle--and, more importantly, the only thing that makes me want to go to Fremont! Although not as flashy as some other restaurants in the area, Kwanjai's food quality more than makes up for its lack of panache.
I particularly love their fried rice, but you really can't go wrong with anything here. The service is quick and to the point, yet still friendly. The interior can be a bit cramped, but the food is always served very quickly even during peak hours. Also a great choice for takeout.
A great place to eat if you're hungry and want to get down and dirty. Their food is pungent, down home, and hearty. The best Phad Kee Mao and Phad See Ew in town I bet. Large portions which I like.
Out of the 5 or so Thai restaurants in Fremont, little Kwanjai Thai is my favorite. It doesn't have the sexiness of Jai Thai, the big neon sign of Tawon Thai, the pink walls of Kaosomai Thai, or neat little chili pepper logo of Chili Paste Thai. What Kwanjai Thai serves up is quality home cooked Thai food.
Look for the little blue house tucked next to Rudy's. When you walk in, you are literally transported into a living room of sorts with an open kitchen in the back corner.
The menu has all of your Thai standards such as yellow, red, and green curries, pad thai and pad siew, as well as some delights such as fish and thai soup. What I like is that their portions are huge w/out sacrificing taste and the price is right. Mrs. T and I usually get two entrees w/rice and soup and it's usually just under $30. The pad thai is always spot on...not to hot/sweet, just the right noodle to protein (meat, chicken, tofu, you choose) ratio.
Quick tip, if you order for take out, inevitably you get more food for your buck....recession ya know...
A must visit for me and my husband everytime we visit Seattle. Large portions at affordable prices and amazing Pad Thai! Not much difference between zero and one stars so if you like some spice but not crazy go for two stars.
Bestest authentic Thai food ever! This place is speed dial #16 on my phone. My mother is speed dial #20.
My favorite dishes here: Panang Curry, Pad Kee Mau, and Pad See Ew.
Unfortunately, I am still in search of my new 2nd-favorite Seattle Thai spot (I love Araya's, but the BF needs his meat). I was hoping Kwanjai would be it, but alas my take-out last night was sub-par. I swear ten years ago Seattle was full of fabulous, cheap Thai fare. What happened?!
We ordered Panang Tofu and Chicken Fried Rice (yes, he ALWAYS gets that). Both were extremely salty, and we're sodiophiles! My Panang had nearly no veggies and the sauce was thick to the point of being a bit nauseating. The tofu and overall flavor were good, though. His fried rice was a little too veggie-filled for his taste (good for me, though). It's in the neighborhood, so we may go back, but I'm still hoping to find some Thai I truly enjoy.
I went here for lunch today. My friend said, "Oh, we're going to be in Fremont? We HAVE TO GO HERE!!" I am really happy she said so, because it was a wonderful lunch.
It is set up in a small blue house converted into an extra large kitchen and dining room. There are maybe twelve tables, but we came after the usual lunch rush hour, so seating was not a problem. It is super cute inside.
We all had different lunch combinations, which were very generous with portions. We were all oohing and aahing the entire time over our tasty meals! I had the yellow curry. I have never had curry before, but my friend suggested it, and it was so wonderful! I am eager to delve into the wonderful world of Thai cuisine!
What I personally really loved was the spicy soup we were served first! YUM!!!
as a recent transplant to the Fremont neighborhood, I figured I had to try at least one of the many thai restaurants in the area. My boyfriend and I decided on this as our first try. As we haven't tried any of the other, we cant compare... but we both really liked it. My pad thai was tasty, and they give you a good amount of food( I actually had left overs, which I never do) for a good price. My boyfriend thought his cashew nut chicken and rice were really good as well, he was pleasantly surprised at the mushrooms. I also tried the thai iced tea that was pretty good. Overall, not the best thai food I have ever had, but a good solid restaurant that I would frequent on a semi-regular basis.
I picked up some takeout here on recommendation of a friend and was SO not disappointed.
I second Roxanne B's vote on the Pad See Eiw - it was to die for. Amazing flavor. The Panang Curry with Tofu was also out of this world. I love me some good curry and this rocked. Even after a 20 minute ride in the car the food kicked butt. I'm sure that eating in is even better.
Go try it. Yum.
Probably the best pad see eiw I've ever had; though the noodles weren't wide, the flavor was abundant and rich. The eggplant with tofu was amazing, and I'm not even usually a tofu person. I couldn't get enough of this tofu and the hearty yet delicate slices of eggplant. The spring roll was crisp, hot, but not over-fried.
If you're going with friends, I heartily recommend ordering family style. Then you get to try lots of different dishes, and it's very rewarding.
And note: a 3-star item here is quite hot. I love spicy things, and the 4-star garlic chicken was a delicious challenge to eat.
Kwanjai Thai's Pad Thai has taken over my #1 spot for Pad Thai in Seattle. The chicken Pad Thai dish was so large that I had 3 meals from that 1 dish. The service was quick and all of my friends enjoyed their meals too!
Best Thai food in Seattle. I've been to Pattaya beach and Bangkok and this is the place in Seattle to eat some down home authentic Thai cuisine. My god...I want some now.
two words...gross gross. the pad thai should have been labeled "spaghetti and chicken with bbq sauce" because that's what i was served.
Phenominal service! Amazing foo!. I showed up late to a party of 11 that was orginally 8 and with a smile the waitresses practically rebuilt the place for us. Did it with out disturbing other customers too much.
I'm also quite taken at the lightening speed in which the food arrived. I don't think we even finished ordering and all this fantastic food just came pouring out!!!
Glorious!!!
I think this is the best thai for your dollar in the city. They're quick. They're friendly.
Im a fan of the Phad Ginger, or the Basil stir fry.
Eh, in this neighborhood you have to be damn good to take the top prize in the Thai category. The gf and I are Jai Thai junkies that tried Kwanjai out last night on a recommendation. Don't know about her, but I'm going back to Jai Thai.
Had chicken phad thai (hey, I know what I like), and skimpy on the chicken, not-so-tasty peanut sauce and not-so-crisp sprouts.
Tiny, was packed, got sat by the door and it was freezing. People would walk out and leave the door open which sucked. Service was so-so, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt since it was packed. Would have been nice to see a little white and smelled a little soap on the cloth used to wipe down our table. Good cold Singha, no glass.
Plus side is that the price was decent and the serving size was good. But what's the point of a larger serving size if the taste doesn't grab ya and it's mostly noodles? Food-cheapening (smaller packages in grocery stores, less chicken in burritos at mexican restaurants, etc) strikes again.
Got the 4 out of 5 spicy and it was more like a 2 or 3 to me.
Not terrible, but given the competition just steps away, I won't be back.
What the fuck happened to Kwanjai!? Although it was never fancy, I always liked the lowkey atmosphere and the food used to rock. I used to grab lunch here regularly and occasionally dinner and it was always packed. So when we stopped in last night and the place was almost empty my gut immediately told me there was something foul going down. I could feel a disturbance in the force and suggested we leave but we decided to stick it out. That was a mistake! The food was bad, I mean bland, boring and downright bad! So disappointing. At least they couldn't fuck up my Tsingha but MG ordered the house cab which was awful and came in a nice glass with lipstick on the rim. Love that!
I'm assuming all the 5 star reviews I see here are for the pre-fucked up Kwanjai. Some kind of shit has gone down there and hopefully its just temporary but I'm not going back until I see some more solid reviews.
The fact that the owner serves you, is there every time I go and happier than a friggin clam every time makes the experience that much better. She definitely gives a damn about her business and it shows. Yay her!
The food: I have been to Kwanjai a few times now. I have ordered Tom Yum twice and each time it was different, although I ordered the same kind each time - good though. I also have had a couple other dishes, Phad Kee Mao and another chicken dish and they were great. I love the Fresh rolls, even though they are a little messy with the sauce, it is fun! If you are allergic to peanuts (or simply prefer not to have them in food like me) just tell them you want plum sauce no peanuts and you are on your way!
Prices are decent and they are the first restaurant friggin smart enough to know that we don't need ICE in our water....who needs to freeze their gut before filling it with food it needs to be warm to digest? Not me. So 20 stars for the no ice in the water (at least when I go there).
Enjoy and go with a friend!
By far the best thai food in Freemont. Perhaps a contendah for best in town. I am not Seattle thaisperienced enough to make that call at this time as I have not ventured too far from home for thai just yet.
I do know that the people are always happy to see you. It is a cozy homey space. Meals are prepared very quickly as their staff is literally sitting around waiting to serve you. I ate in once so far and had the soup nearly immediately. By the time we had finished one of those cup-like bowls, the entree had arrived. Very fast.
I've tried a few of the entrees here now and was very happy with how they arrived. I haven't been able to order thai hot yet because I've been eating with other with less thai-machismo than myself, but I'm looking forward to it.
Hotness is ranked from 1 (whiteboy whimpy) to 4 (thai hot).
There is a bit more fat in the dishes than I was expecting, but they are completely delicious. The spicing is incorporated into the meal so that it tingles the palate instead of beating it around your pie-hole like some other places seem to prepare their food. Very nice.
I have heard people ask while I was here if they have brown rice. They do not. Should you want to eat brown rice with thai food? I really doubt it.
I should also note that this is the only place that I've had a thai tea that tasted good at all. Everywhere else I've been eating thai in town has been like drinking a cup of cream infused corn syrup. Bleh! This thai iced tea was actually what I was expecting before arriving in Seattle. It's about time I found one that didn't make it diabetes-inducing sweet. Make sure to have one. You'll thank me!
I heart Kwanjai, have for years and look forward to going there each time I am back in Seattle- even after spending nearly a month in Thailand, I still longed for the Chef's Special Noodles-- which is basically the only thing I ever get there-- because my god it is from the heavens-- just stick with this dish and it will always be good--but watch out for the spice--they soak the noodles in a chili paste before hand, so ordering above the three star mark can get tricky.
Remember, Chef Special Noodle--- although not on the lunch menu, they will happily make it for you if you ask!
Thanks Kwanjai for all the great memories!
I was pretty tanked when I ate here (after drinking all day at the Fremont Pub Crawl), but from what I remember, it was really good. My seafood noodle soup consisted of generous portions of cubed tofu, shrimp, squid, and maybe scallops(?) floating in a spicy broth. I think I got 4 out of 5 stars on the spice level, which was perfect for a spice-head like me. My friend got some seafood stirfry dish or curry that was delicious too.
I complained about the dearth of noodles in a self-proclaimed "noodle soup" and they graciously brought me more noodles. I was pleased as punch.
Then I went home and threw up.
Kidding!
I really adore the food at Kawanjai, and I do come back from time to time. But the atmosphere is just so, not, good, and the tables are all crammed into this tiny little house, and lately the staff just seem to constantly be shouting across the place. The atmosphere is thusly horrible. This is a shame, because while the food is just slightly better than Tawon Thai (also in Fremont, just two blocks away or so), I will choose Tawon over Kwanjai nine times out of ten simply so that I can relax and enjoy my meal.
Try the salmon with pineapple and spicy coconut sauce. Truly a gem, and something I don't remember seeing elsewhere. But, get it to go.
Out of all the millions of Thai restaurants in Fremont, this is only one I keep going back to. When I had visitors from out of town come in, and they had never had Thai food b/f, this is where I took them.
Sometimes a wait, but well worth it.
Bangin' thai food.
I also have a soft spot for restaurants converted from old houses. Kwanjai stands out from all the other - mediocre - thai places on 36th (a-hem, Jai Thai - you know who you are!).
Why are they bangin'?
A.) Consistent spiciness.
B.) Nowhere NEAR mall thai.
C.) Cute atmosphere - albeit humble.
D.) Fast service.
E.) Cheap.
I think those are all the measures of bangin' thai on the scale of bangin'-ness. Let me know if there's one I missed.
Kwanjai Thai is one of the 15 thai restaurants in Fremont. Okay maybe there are not quite that many but it definitely feels like there is. It is a shack-like house with no atmosphere and as many tables as they can possibly fit into the small dining area. What it lacks in decor it makes up in character and good thai food.
I have had the Pad See Iew and the Lard Na because I am a noodle addict. Both are great although the Lard Na is a little soupy. Unfortunately on my quest for the perfect green curry, Kwanjai was pretty close to the bottom of the list. There is nothing that bothers me more than two stars that taste like four. The curry was way too spicy. Also, it was the tiniest serving. Compared to their noodle dishes this curry was like a cup of soup.
One of the best things about Kwanjai Thai are the people that work there. They are very warm, friendly and at times loud and bossy in the best kind of way. They serve you quickly but don't make it feel like you are being pushed out the door.
Go there when you are looking for cheap and quick noodles.
I've eaten my fair share of Thai food in Seattle and this is my favorite. Fremont can be particularly overwhelming when it comes to making a decision as it seems there is a different Thai place on every corner.
Consistently great food, fast service and generous portions keep me coming back. I'm a pro (look at me! - PRO) at eating 'til it hurts and I always end up with enough leftover for an extra meal.
The only reason they don't get a full 5 stars is that the ambiance is pretty stark and for some odd reason, there wasn't a lick of heat on during the "snow storm" yesterday. Almost everyone that sat down put their jackets back on mere moments after taking them off. But then again, if you are clever with your order, you can heat things up yourself.
If you're still reading this, you need to rethink your commitment to Thai food.
As a long-time customer who has been eating at this restaurant for over ten years. I disagree with the other reviewers who claim that Kwanjai has gone downhill. I find the food and the service as solid and friendly as when they opened. My favorite dish has always been Pad Kee Mao, which is always flavorful and filling. There are definitely some dishes that I would avoid but not because they are bad but because I have had better version elsewhere--such as most of their appetizers. However, their wide noodle dishes are the best that I have had at any Thai restaurant in Seattle and their soups are consistently great. Still my favorite Thai restaurant in Fremont and probably all of Seattle.
Quick, friendly and delicious. A winning combination!
The fresh spring rolls are tasty, the prices are excellent and the service is super-fast and attentive. The menu covers everything a Thai restaurant should have from your classic tom yum soup to a good selection of curries, noodles and rice dishes- as spicy as you want it.
The cozy dining space can be loud when full, so I opted to take it home instead... and I did not have to wait very long (on a Friday night I'll add). This will certainly be my Thai staple for takeout!
After all the crappy Thai food I have been eating in Seattle, I was beginning to wonder if moving here was such a great idea. (That and the infamous *Seattle Freeze*. KIDDING.) Just in the nick of time, though, I mosied on over the Fremont Bridge and into the quaint little house of yummy yummy Thai food lovin' that is Kwanjai Thai.
Let's begin by talking about how abso-freakin' cute this place is, all tucked in to a cottage with a porch that is just perfect for Saturday afternoon people watching while you eat. We sat outside and talked about how fancy Fremont is when compared to our own neighborhood epicenter that is 23rd and Union. Way fancy.
Our server was truly delightful and gave a very accurate description of Kwanjai Thai's spicy-meter. For a lover of the spice, this ability is essential and often lacking; our gal gave great advice. She checked on us appropriately and even asked before refilling our waters when it was apparent we had finished eating (I hate wasting water). Another wonderful service-related tidbit: the food appeared within minutes of placing our order. It was like some sort of magical Thai food fairy sensed we were coming and all the woes we had experienced so far with Thai food in Seattle and waved some sort of little wand to make the food appear out of nowhere.
My husband and I started with an order of fresh rolls (salad roll). Amazingly fresh, cilantro-mint and infused with yum. The sauce was good until my husband stirred it, at which point it became a little weird tasting. I blame him, naturally. I had red curry with tofu, spicy level 4. Husband had panang curry with tofu, spicy level 5. Both dishes tasted exactly like what we ordered-- no more, no less. Just right.
Oh yes. Lots of gushing about Kwanjai Thai. I do, however, have one tiny gripe: the leftovers go home in Styrofoam. This is not good. If they sent home paper, then it could go into my compost. Next time I might bring my own container.
Quick service, fresh hot-off-the-grill food, and excellent prices! What more can you as for? I had pad thai; since it was my first time here I figured I couldn't go wrong and I was right. As far as spice, I asked for 3 (medium) in their 1-5 scale and there wasn't much spice at all. But overall if you can close your eyes and forget about the decor and heaters scattered throughout the small restaurant, then you'll be set for great Thai food!
In the land of Thai food, Kwanjai stands out. As a non-spicy Thai-lover, I appreciate any restaurant that actually listens and doesn't believe everyone is in pursuit of the hottest burn (and by listen, I mean that T's 2 stars came spicy while my 0 stars came gloriously non-spicy). There were ample veg choices, and after I hemmed and hawed, I picked one that allowed me to test Kwanjai's ability to cook: tofu, veggies, peanut sauce, and proper noodle consistency. As a fan of well-done noodles instead of rice, this last factor is critically important. Kwanjai delivered on all four. The tofu was fried but not lathered and greasy (so it was a perfectly chewy consistency). The veggies were that perfectly crisp yet cooked and delicious done that I have never been able to replicate at home. The peanut sauce was not too oily but very, very lip-smackingly delicious. And, as mentioned, the noodles were perfect. Big, fat, wide, and perfectly done.
The only sad part about this meal was that I left my leftovers at T's, so he got to eat them instead of me.
More like a SOLID 4, but I have a soft little cozy soft spot in my heart for Kwanjai the owner.
I've been here maybe 4000 times. It's like home. Well, not REALLY, but it's, you know, as far as Thai restaurants that I've frequented, I'll usually end up here. Nice staff, faaaaaaaast service, comfortable 'vibe' and oh yeah, solid food.
one draw back. tummy dont feel good after eating dry peppa. Please, ask for the fresh peppers. or, go with the dry and chalk it up as a free colonix.
Well, I've been here three times now since I moved back to Seattle and I have to say each time has been a serious disappointment. Crabby staff, greasy food and not much to come back for- which is a shame, because I have stuck by this joint through thick and thin, until now.
4 1/2 stars.
This is my second favorite Thai place of all time. Since I'd have to travel to Logan…
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The best bai kaplau period! (holy basil dish with shrooms, peppers, onions and garlic and basil of course - I get it with chicken). Consistent spicy star scale and Kwanjai, the lady who owns it, is always working there ready to take orders, run food, and take care of her customers personally. She rocks!
I'd also have to say some of my favorite appetizers come from here too.
Crab rangoons - top notch!
Fried tofu - crispy AND soft - not at all soggy
Spring rolls - both fried and fresh - DELISH!
I'm sure it's not necessary for me to write a review of a place that has gotten consistently great scores but I love this place. My wife took me here when we were dating. I would make the long trek from Atlanta to see her and we would inevitably wind up at Kwanjai. Atlanta has some great food but this was one of the best Thai places I had been too.
My wife gets the chef's vegetarian special and I normally get the eggplant. I get it medium spicy (3) so as to not destroy my mouth and throat. It's consistently perfect. Drinks lots of water to combat the sodium.
We normally get it to go but you should eat there at least once. The place is so small and horribly decorated, if at all, but this is what makes it so great. You can dress up a place all you want but it's the food that counts. The people are always super cool, fast and friendly; it takes about 30 seconds to get your food. You would have to go out of your way to stay longer than 45 minutes.
A nice walk to lunch along Lake Union usually takes me to Kwanjai for a nicely priced and well executed lunch. Phad See Iew is always at the top of my list, with pork.
It's just good okay! I can't say anything funny or cool about it beyond that! It's just ... not funny!
One of my favorite Thai places around Seattle. Nice atmosphere and good service. You can get a nice cold Singha and sit on their patio in the afternoon on a nice day...nothing gets better than that. They have a really good fried Tofu appetizer that I enjoy. I always get the Pad Thai, which is what I get at EVERY Thai restaurant. My girlfriend gets all the curries and loves them all. It is on the small side and sitting inside on a hot day will make you even hotter so try to catch a table outside. Our service is always good and there is always enough food for another meal to take home which is always important in my Thai restaurant rankings.
Neighborhood: Fremont
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Fremont
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Fremont
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Fremont
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Wallingford
Category: Thai
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