I wish I hadn't found this Thai restaurant in Boston sooner
đ¶ïž Sen Yai Thai Noodles: Brightonâs Thai GemâSpicy, Fresh, and Worth the Hype Ever since my trip to Thailand last year (Bangkok and Chiang Mai dishes that made my taste buds soar), Iâve been picky about Thai food. But this Brighton spot? A delightful surprise. Sen Yai serves up flavors that come close to those Southeast Asian memoriesâwith a few hits and misses. đ The Must-Orders Leng Zapp (Spicy Pork Spare Ribs): đ· The star. This âvolcano ribâ pot is even better than the çœçșą version I had at Thai markets. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, soaked in a tangy, spicy broth thatâs equal parts sour and umami. The meat absorbs every drop of flavorâorder it, no questions. Goong Chae Nampla (Raw Marinated Shrimp): đŠ Fresh, plump shrimp marinated in lime and fish sauceâno fishiness, just bright, zesty freshness. A must for fans of Thai âlaabâ or ceviche-style dishes. Skip the raw salmon, thoughâthe acid turns it rubbery, losing that buttery texture. Tofu Triangle: đ„ Crispy, golden triangles with a soft, silky interior. The dipping sauce (sweet, spicy, garlicky) elevates itâeasily on par with 9zaab or Thai Placeâs versions. Light, not greasy, and addictive. đ Solid but Not Spectacular Yen Tai Fo Tom Yum: đ A tom yum noodle soup thatâs âgood, not great.â The broth is spicy and sour, but itâs light on seafood (just two shrimp) and heavy on fish balls, tofu puffs, and bamboo shoots. The glass noodles are a highlightâchewy, not mushy. â The Misses Som Tom Pu (Green Papaya Salad with Crab): đ„ Disappointing. The tiny purple crab adds a fishy funk, and itâs unrelentingly spicyâtwo Northern friends at our table tapped out immediately. Nam Kang Sai (Shaved Ice Dessert): đ§ Artificial to the max. The syrup tastes like childhood candy (in the worst way), with neon colors and a chemical aftertaste. One bite was enoughâskip it. Beef Stew Mo Fai: đ„ A sad, salty broth with beef meatballs, thin beef slices, and Chinese broccoli. No depth, no warmthâavoid. âš Practical Tips Size: Best for 1-2 people; portions are small. Menu: Lots of single-serve rice/noodle dishesâgreat for solo diners. Comparison: Fewer standout dishes than Laughing Monk Cafe, but the ribs and tofu make it worth a visit. Budget Score: 4/5. Stick to the hits, and itâs affordable. Sen Yai is a solid pick for Thai cravings, especially if youâre after spicy ribs or fresh seafood. Just steer clear of the salad, dessert, and beef stewâand come hungry (portions are small!). đ Sen Yai Thai Noodles 563 Washington St, Brighton, MA 02135 #BostonThai #BrightonEats #ThaiStreetFood