By Logan Treboutat
Asian food has a large variety of regional styles, from Chinese and Japanese cuisine to more specific cuisines like Sichuan. One specific type of cuisine always hits the spot: Thai. Thai cuisine offers an amazing balance of flavors. Between sour, salty, sweet, and spicy, everything is present. The wide variety of dishes includes pad thai, tom yum, green curry, and my personal favorite: pad see ew. I reviewed some Thai places in the area, so you’ll know where to go.
Taste of Thai (Los Gatos):
- Price: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 6/10
Taste of Thai offers lower prices overall compared to your average Thai restaurant. The food is decent, but the service is hit or miss. While the flavor of the dishes had a great spread and were distinct from other restaurants, the spice – one of the core qualities of Thai cuisine – came from premade garlic chili sauce (you know, the one with the green cap). The waiters were very friendly and helpful, but they often forgot parts of our order. Multiple times in the same meal, my family had missing food. If you’re looking for a simple Thai restaurant to try out, this is a good place.
Mint Leaf Cuisine (Saratoga):
- Price: 7/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 8/10
Mint Leaf Cuisine is an awesome Thai restaurant, with some unique dishes, great service, and a nice interior. There’s just one caveat: most of the menu is pretty expensive. The flavor of the dishes consistently finds the right balance, creating a cohesive mixture. Definitely a must-visit if you want some good Thai food. Overall, Mint Leaf provides a luxurious environment, with unique food and great service.
Thai Orchid (Campbell):
- Price: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 8/10
Thai Orchid is my personal favorite Thai restaurant in the area, since the food always hits the spot, the service is pretty good, and the price is good enough. The prices are right in the middle compared to other Thai restaurants and are reasonable enough. The food is super flavorful, with the right amount of sauce and a great flavor profile. The service can be slow at times, since it’s a local family-owned restaurant, but the waiters are very friendly and nice. For a cozy vibe and amazing food, visit Thai Orchid.