Thai Kitchen 1729 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32935
4 Stars
Blinking back at my random name generator, I couldn’t help but think upon the infamous words of Booker T., “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all...” It’s not that bad, I do jest; however, as the name Thai Kitchen was staring back at me, I did loathe the moment. I have developed a visceral hatred for Sushi/Thai combo places, so when I pulled up and found a Thai restaurant that serves actual Thai food I was pleasantly surprised. Be forewarned as I am feeling a tad macaronic as I write this, but then it is an excellent Thai to be alive!
Lisa (her nom de guerre) is our slothfully slow server today. However, she is a charming Chiang Rai of light AND boxed our food up without being asked. That rates a 30% tip in my book. As previously stated, I detest Sushi/Thai combo joints and apparently, so do the owners here, as they have a sign that states they serve “Authentic” Thai food. I have never been to Thailand, but a family member lives in Bangkok. He said two things you never see in a restaurant: sushi or chopsticks (for a frame of reference).
I asked Lisa for some Pad Woon Sen, Creamy Tom Yum Noodles and an order of Crispy Pork Belly. Awaiting Lisa’s return, I engaged my company in light banter about what I know of Thailand. I quickly realized it wasn’t all that much and the conversation died not with a Panang, but with a whimper just as our food arrived! Snapping some quick pictures of the feast before me, I dove in as the aromas wafting forth were hinting that the best Thai food I’ve ever had had just fallen into my lap.
The Pad Woon Sen consisted of the traditional Thai clear or glass noodles mixed with fresh veggies and it was spot on. I don’t think I have had any other national cuisine that so expertly combines flavors as the food from Thailand. Some dishes can be extremely spicy yet never lose the underlying flavors. In other words, the heat is never all you taste.
Case in point, the Creamy Tom Yum Noodles were a superb combination of rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro, fried garlic, ground peanuts, Thai chili powder and lime juice. The heat of the chili powder is offset magnificently by what should be Thai Basil, but in this case, it is cilantro. This “spicy-mint” flavor is the key to authentic Thai cuisine and this dish had it down pad!
Sadly, I had a job to do and, as such, forced myself onto the last dish up for review, the Crispy Pork Belly. Once again, everything was deliciously prepared, dancing a delightful Khon across my taste buds. Even though I have never been to Thailand, I know this has to be the real deal Thai food as I have never seen these dishes in a combo place. Not once. Ever.
The Big Boy says, “After this meal, it’s safe to say I’m coconuts for Thai food. You should go, and if you don’t? You can kiss my glass noodles!”
I ordered the tofu pad thai to go. It was ready promptly upon my arrival. Personally, I loved the tom kha but not the tom yum. The mango with sticky rice was well made.
It was pretty good! I didn’t love how they cooked my tofu tho, so I might get meat next time. Exactly what you’d expect from a Thai place. Can’t wait to come back!
Don’t get the Thai custard dessert tho.
Cozy, calm atmosphere, friendly staff, and the HOT 🔥 Chicken Phad Tai is devilish spicy and tastes great. TomYum soup is fantastic. Love it! 5 stars. The fried Tofu with chili sauce is great.
My wife and I have traveled the world and love good Thai Food. We both agree this resteraunt comes in at the top. The service was friendly, the food was fantastic and the small restaurant felt very comfortable and welcoming. We plan on many return trips.
2023 update: Been coming to this restaurant for years and it’s still one of the best Thai restaurants in the area imo. The food is always consistent - delicious. The place is very homey and the owners are super nice! I just wish it was close by.
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My groupies favorite Thai restaurant! Always serving good food and good vibes!
Amazing food. Pad See Ew and Tom Yum hit the spot! Best authentic Thai food I’ve ever had.
This was amazing. We just came from zip lines at the zoo near by. The food was very flavorful. The staff was very nice and attentive as well. My favorite thing was the curry. We got yellow curry and red curry. Both were great.
Beautiful little shop. Excellent food. Go there for lunch during the weekdays and it's less than ten dollars for a plate. With an appetizer thrown in! Can't recommend it enough.
Food was delicious and came out fast! Fresh and the heat was right!
If you like spicy, I recommend between medium and hot. We did this and my husband was sweating and my nose was running (just how we like it). If you don't like spicy at all, ask for not spicy at all. I feel their medium may have a good kick too.
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