We were hungry for Thai food. It was Sunday afternoon. We had only been to the Chili Thai once before. Mostly what we remembered was our granddaughter being introduced to Thai food and loving the fried tofu. We walked into a lovely, but totally empty restaurant. We chose a window seat. I thought perhaps we started the dinner rush when four people came into the restaurant soon after we did. They sat directly behind us by the window. The rush ceased. Our friend Dick Dorsett had just returned from Thailand and Laos. He remarked about the different dishes he had tried there, but remarked, “Pad Thai is always Pad Thai wherever you go.” Years ago, when Thai food was still fairly new to the Tacoma area, I would order Pad Thai with pork and tofu only to be refused . . . not traditional enough I guess.
We walked into a lovely, but totally empty restaurant.The restaurant is just off Bridgeport Way on 27th. Fairly close to the TCC area, Fircrest, and the University Place business district. Chili Thai Restaurant – 7406 27th St W, University Place, WA 98466 – https://www.chilithai.com/
The appetizer plate had tiny spring rolls, deep fried small wonton purses, and fried tofu.We ordered the appetizer plate and Pad Thai with pork and tofu. Nomally we would have had a Chinese beer, but it had been a long day. We decided to skip the beer and simply share the meal. The appetizer plate had tiny spring rolls, deep fried small wonton purses, and fried tofu. There was a sweet and sour dip and a sweet spring roll vinegar with peanuts. Everything was excellent.
On my plate I mixed in a little soy, a few spices, and the chili sauce with my Pad Thai.The Pad Thai was also excellent. Since Peg doesn’t like a lot of spice, we ordered just one star of heat. I asked for the chili sauce and was brought a plate with four small pots of condiments. On my plate I mixed in a little soy, a few spices, and the chili sauce. On top of that we asked for lime wedges. The lime wedges, although fresh, were almost devoid of juice. This was the only bad news about the restaurant.
We packed up the leftovers that fitted into in a small “to go” container, which Peg will probably have for lunch today.We finished our meal and packed up the leftovers into a small “to go” container, which Peg will probably open for lunch today. We enjoyed the service and the food. We will return. With tip the entire bill was still less than my breakfast at the Waffle Stop in the Proctor District a week ago.
You might also want to try Royal Thai, on 67th Ave. W, just south of 19th St. Much busier. I’ve been three times, and loved it. Compare and contrast!
Mary,
Thanks for reading AND commenting. I’ve been to the Royal Thai. We had a langauge problem there once leaving a friend and me sitting and wondering about our food, while the wives were served . . . even after we asked about our food it took and twenty minutes for my friend to be served and then I had to ask again for my food . . . oh, well the food was good . . . I was just shocked that Chili Thai had no one there. The food was good. Of course it was Sunday afternoon, but . . .
Thanks, again for writing. Keep on reading and telling your friends about our articles.
Don
Now that you mention it, I do recall that the last time I ate there, it was with a group of 6 women, one of whom ordered tea along with her lunch. The tea never came, even though she reminded them at least once. Of course, it was included on her bill, which she asked them to change to reflect reality. I’ll have to try Chile Thai. The word “chile” is a “trigger” for me, as I have many digestive issues. That scared me off.
Mary,
I have a friend who feels rebuffed when the waitstaff get his order wrong or doesn’t deliver exactly what he asked for. I cut a lot of slack when I can see that English is not their first language.
At the Chili Thai, the heat is just like other Thai restaurants. They can make it as hot as you like . . . or not. Do try them and let me know how it goes . . . both crowd-wise and food-wise. Good Eating!