Who would’ve thought a Thai meal in Male would leave me stunned

📍Sala Thai Restaurant I just wanted a change of pace during my layover, so I picked this seemingly nice Thai spot. But after eating, all I could think was: Is this price for real? 🤨 The order was simple: shrimp vermicelli, stir-fried beef, water spinach, a bowl of white rice, and a bottle of Fuji water. The portions weren’t huge, but to be fair, the flavor was on point—the shrimp vermicelli broth was fresh with a hint of coconut aroma, and the noodles were slippery, coated in sauce; the stir-fried beef was tender without a trace of gristle, with a soy sauce fragrance mixed with a slight spiciness from Thai chili sauce; the water spinach had that perfect wok hei, with crisp stems and tender leaves. It tasted like authentic Thai food (gotta admit, the flavor really didn’t disappoint) 👍. But! When the bill came, my friend and I exchanged a silent glance: three dishes + rice + water, totaling 65 USD?! 😲 That’s nearly 450 RMB—back home, that could get you two meals of the same spread with leftovers... What’s more ridiculous? The bill clearly added a 10% service charge—but where was the service? There wasn’t even a napkin on the table. I pulled out my own tissues to wipe my hands, and when the waiter cleared the neighboring table, they actually took one of mine?? 🤦‍♀️ That 10% must’ve been for "invisible service" or something... To be fair, the flavor is solid—each dish tastes like it’s made by a proper Thai chef. If the price were halved, I’d rave about it. But at this rate, it’s a bit overpriced 💰. For travelers looking for a casual meal, the value is way too low. But if you’re not on a budget and just crave authentic Thai food, it’s worth a try. Summary: The taste deserves praise, the price deserves a sigh. If your wallet’s thick, go for it 💸. If you’re trying to save like me, you might leave thinking, "That meal stung a bit." 😐 #MaleFoodRant #SalaThaiRestaurant #MaldivesPrices #ThaiFoodExperience #MaleDiningGuide