#Amuse @truethai Subpar ingredients, presentation, & flavors. Truly disappointing. The search continues. goo.gl/2x6tU
— Josh Page (@ILikeFoodJP) December 18, 2012
I recently heard that King and I Thai is closing after three-plus decades of serving large portions of delicious, soulful cuisine. No more green curry with walleye, cream cheese rolls, or Holy Basil Sauce. So sad. Without our go-to Thai joint, Letta and I have begun the search for a new regular spot.
So, it was with great anticipation that I recently tried True Thai in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. I was immediately struck by how much the décor reminded me of Lotus of Siam, a brilliant Las Vegas staple that routinely tops lists of the country’s top Thai restaurants. Things were looking good.
But then the food arrived, and it was clear that True Thai is no King and I—and it’s definitely no Lotus of Siam. The dishes looked unappetizing and didn’t taste much better. The green curry with roast duck was a case in point. A weird shade of white, the sauce was gloppy and way too sweet. Because it wasn’t properly trimmed, the duck was fatty and chewy. And the bamboo shoots tasted like the inside of an aluminum can. The other dishes I tried did little to change my first impression: True Thai was truly disappointing.
The search continues, and I’d greatly appreciate your suggestions. What are your favorite Thai restaurants in and around the Twin Cities?
Theme Song
Weird Al Yankovic, “Eat It”
Krungthep Thai at 2523 Nicollet Av S or Bangkok Thai Deli (used to be at 315 University Av W in St. Paul & recently moved into the adjacent Burger King building one business to the west). Same owners, fantastic food. My mouth is watering just thinking about it…
Thanks for the tips, Susan. I will check out your recommendations. Any favorite dishes you suggest? Thanks again.
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Raum Mit Thai next to Micky’s in St Paul absolutely crushes the red curry with tofu. Make sure you request mixed vegetables our you get only spinach with the curry.
Awesome. Letta and I are both huge fans of red curry with tofu. It’s on the list. Thanks, Ben.
Sen Yai Sen Lek on Central Ave NE has some delicious green curry specials.
I do love a green curry. That’s two suggestions for Sen Yai Sen Lak (the other on twitter). I’m on it. Thanks!
Josh forgets! We’ve gone to Sen Yai Sen Lek a couple of times; I found it tasty, but a heck of a drive for good-but-not-amazing. Maybe we have to try it again for further menu perusal.
p.s. oh, the sadness! i just checked king and i’s closing date, thinking tonight we could order a giant takeout pile as a goodbye gesture. it closed YESTERDAY. damn you monday!
Que Viet in Northeast has the best egg rolls. The rest of their food is just OK.
On’s Kitchen at University and Snelling is my favorite. Their nam khao is craveable (and I am fiending for it as we speak). Otherwise, Bangkok Thai is good, and my husband recommends the boat noodle there. Taste of Thailand’s (on Selby) roast duck red curry has been a favorite of mine for years, as well.
Jess, thanks for the recommendation. I hadn’t heard of On’s Kitchen. I’ll get there soon… and dig into the nam khao. So glad I asked for suggestions!
On’s, Bangkok Thai, or Krungthep Thai. All members of the same family and that family knows how to cook!
You all rule! I’ll have to do one big Thai restaurant post after I check out all these great recommendations. I really appreciate it.
I’d even go Naviya’s Thai in Linden Hills if you are looking for a good green or red curry. Totally agree with Krungthep Thai. That is the real deal, and I’m glad that they made the move to mpls with me.
Thanks, Zac… both great suggestions. Seems like Krungthep Thai has to go to the top of the list. Will check it out after the New Year. Thanks again.
Venture a bit North of the Cities to White Bear Lake and try Ban Thai on 3rd St, across from the Washington St Grill. The food will absolutely knock your socks off in every way. You’ll need to go back weekly, or even more often, to explore the expansive menu. The owners are an as nice as can be couple, he hosts and she cooks and it’s a small tiny storefront but wow, does it deliver the flavors. Go. Now.
Thanks, Kate. Road trip it is. Ban Thai sounds fantastic, and I can’t wait to try it. Thanks again.
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine in Brooklyn Park is excellent. The Crazy Duck Salad is an excellent place to start.
Thanks, Jeff. I’ve added it to the list, which I’m going to include in my next post. No way I’m passing up something called “The Crazy Duck Salad.” Thanks again.
Letta and I checked out the newly relocated Bangkok Thai Deli. See the latest post on the blog: I liked if far more than she did. Have a great weekend. Perhaps I’ll see some of you at Heavy Table’s North Coast Nosh tomorrow. I’ll also be at Jasmine 26′s New Year event Sunday evening.
I’ll throw in a vote for Supatra’s in Saint Paul on West 7th. We’ve never been disappointed…