Oriental Food Market & Take-Out — Local services in West Palm Beach

This place is like having a Secret Thai Grandma You run to for food. This isn't some nouveau hipster food chain. This is unapologetically a little mom and pop Thai Market where the husband quietly cooks and the mom sells and chats and sometimes helps with the cooking. The place is old and run down in a charming way. It is, without a doubt, the best Thai food that I've had in the United States. The food is mainly takeout, although there's a small bar counter area and a couple of small tables. My only caveat is that Julie (the mom) doesn't seem to always follow her menu prices. She kind of charges on a whim, such that your favorite Pad Thai is $8.99 one day, and $13.99 the next. I've seen regulars argue with her over haphazard pricing on large orders; when they point out the menu and show her the math, she relents, though at times, Sam comes out and smooths things over. Similarly, Ma Julie's attitude is also a little unpredictable. Some days she's sweet as mango with sticky rice, and other days she's kind of cold and distant. The prices tend to fluctuate with her attitude. And I'm far from the only one who's noticed the discrepancy in pricing and attitude. It's a well known thing among the regulars. It's definitely not for everyone; the random out of town visitor may not understand the curious way the little place works; it's a place that takes a local to really love and appreciate: and love and appreciate they do. You can see a continuous torrent of local cops, firemen, attorneys, doctors, nurses, nearby store owners, and people like me whose families live close by — they're all regulars that Julie and Sam usually know by name. I've seen random A-list celebrities drop in for takeout based on word of mouth. Ma Julie calls my Dad, "Clint Eastwood", and shamelessly flirts with him in an over-the-top, hysterical kind of way. We locals know what Ma Julie is like and that her heart is golden despite her idiosyncrasies; we also come for the golden food. When Julie's son briefly takes over the store when she goes on vacation, prices are normal and predictable, but I find myself missing Ma Julie's off-the-wall banter. Despite the unpredictable menu charges, this is still my favorite Thai Food this side of the globe. And yes, it's better than...

After reading a glowing review in the Palm Beach Post, I was inspired to give this place a try for lunch. The takeaway on my takeaway is meh and feel ripped off. The first impression of the business is that the space feels unsanitary. The woman was preparing salad and vegetables while sitting in a chair behind the desk. My mind was telling me to turn around and walk out the door. But sometimes, it's the grittiest of places where one gets the true cultural flavors. I was willing to take the adventure - big mistake. No prices were posted. She wrote down my order and turned to tell me it would be $32. I should have balked. I only ordered Tom Ga Kai and Beef Salad! Outrageous! I'm not sure if this was the real price or was made up on the spot. I should have followed my gut and taken my money elsewhere. I regret I did not. The beef salad was very good - not exceptional - but very good. The soup was thick like paste and did not have the tanginess and spice I expect in chicken coconut soup. Tom Ga Kai is one of my favorite dishes, so this was especially disappointing. She didn't even give me a napkin, but put a piece of paper towel from a roll in my plastic bag. I don't know what all the fuss is about this business. I won't...

Walking into Oriental Food Market feels just like stepping into my aunt's house it has that same comforting, welcoming vibe. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food and shelves stocked with an incredible selection of Asian goods. If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine, this is the spot. So, what's at the heart of this place? The food and the owner. Every visit leaves me blown away. This time I had the cucumber salad, pad Thai, and their special mango sticky rice. Wow! Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and made with so much love. I'm still thinking about that mango sticky rice it was absolutely unforgettable. Nevertheless Julie (the owner) knows every single customer by name, treats you like family, and always ensures you're well taken care of. It's more than just amazing food it's a whole experience. You walk in as a customer and leave feeling like you just had a home cooked meal. If you haven't been yet, you're truly...