In Search of Fabulous Thai Food

Thai food is one of my favorite things. Especially since it is easy to order a gluten free dairy free meal. A little harder without shellfish or peanuts, but possible.

Since I have moved I have been searching for a good Thai restaurant. I started at the one closest to me (about 14 miles). I gauge the success of the restaurant by 5 things. How good is their green curry? How good is their fried tofu? How good are their fresh spring rolls? How good is their service? Finally, how good are their prices? I have tried four restaurants.

The first was Sala Thai in Airway heights. They scored an F. The tofu was the consistency of biscotti, they did not even have fresh spring rolls, the green curry was mushy and flavorless. On top of that the service wasn't very friendly or accomodating, and the prices were very expensive. Plus it just looked dirty to me. I am not even going to include its info... because you shouldn't go there.

The next was Bangkok Thai. Here is its info
1325 South Grand Boulevard
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 838-8424

Fresh spring rolls and tofu were very good. I especially liked the three dipping sauces. As for the green curry, I found it a little too salty. The prices were ok... a little high, but the service was good and the restaurant was really nice inside. So all in all I would give it a B-.

Next I tried Thai Bamboo
Here is the info:
5204 N. Division St. (509) 777-THAI (8424)
... the tofu and spring rolls were good. The prices were cheaper than the other 2, but the green curry just looked gross, so I ordered the swimming rama which wasn't great... nothing special. The service was good . I give it a C.

Which brings me to todays meal. I went to Thai Kitchen
This was the furthest away from me, but came recommended from a friend.
(509) 926-8161
621 S Pines Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99206

... So here is the deal.... In theory the grade on this place shouldn't be much better than the others. We got there and it was packed, which is a good sign. They did not have fresh spring rolls or fried tofu, they had a pretty limited menu. The place was sort of a hole in the wall... nothing special about the inside, but it was clean. We waited almost an hour for our food. So on paper not great but I am giving it an A. Not the A+ I would give Pok Pok, my favorite place in Portland, something that I will save for whole different entry. But an A anyway and here is why. This little hole in the wall is owned by the sweetest little man named Paul, who is the only waiter for about 15 tables, and his wife, who is the only cook. The menu is limited, but it has to be to keep it manageable. But the food we did order was wonderful.

The green curry (pictured above) was delicious. Ingredients included coconut milk, red and orange peppers, bamboo shoots, peas, green curry paste, and chicken...all foods I can have. The vegetables were crisp. The spice was perfect. My friend ordered a delicious looking crab and rice dish she loved. On top of that by the time we left, the owner had learned our names, given us his card, shown us reviews others had written, told us about Bangkok where he is from, told us about how much spice he put on his food. He even offered that if next time we call between 9am and 10am and let him know we were coming with a child (she had her 2 year old son with her) he would plan for it and serve us first. He brought her son crackers and a lollipop. And did I mention he did all this while the place was packed, being the only server, host, cashier, and busboy. He was awesome. The price was the cheapest of the four and I had leftovers for dinner, that I actually wanted to eat. Even the Jasmine rice that came with my curry was special.

So all in all I recommend Thai kitchen... even just for the atmosphere alone. But they have lunch and dinner hours. Lunch ends at 1PM and it gets crowded and it is not fast food so plan appropriately. Feel free to Google Thai Kitchen, Spokane... you can read many many other reviews... this one is a fan favorite.