Pad Thai Cafe — Restaurant in Albuquerque

Walked into the restaurant tonight for the first time. Have never been here before, have no expectations of service nor do I know anyone that works here, so review is not influenced by anyone or anything. Ordered Shrimp Egg Rolls, Tom Yum Gai, Spicy Fried Rice with Chicken, and a Thai Tea. Was asked how hot do I like my food and asked for medium. I was then told that several different chiles would be available to spice it up after that so I felt comfortable ordering medium and could build from there. The Thai Tea arrived to my table within a few minutes after ordering, as well as a glass of ice water. After a day of working on landscaping and doctors, the Thai Tea was ice cold, sweet, smooth, delicious. Perfect refresher. Then approximately 10 minutes later, I was served a Shrimp Egg Roll which included the tail of the shrimp hanging out the end of the roll. Have never seen anything served in this manner in America but I have in Thailand which then assured me that I was in for a treat tonight. Savory, delicious. I not only used the orange chile honey sauce that was included with the rolls, but added plenty of the Thai Chile Oil that was also served. Perfect amount of heat while still able to enjoy the sweet and savory of the dish. Perfectly cooked, not overly fried like many do. Another 10 minutes passed and just as I was finishing my four rolls, I was served my soup and rice dishes. The Tom Yum Gai was prepared with a coconut soup base in a small pot which was brought to the table with a small cup for serving. The Spicy Fried Rice was served on a normal plate, filled with chicken, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers. I was not aware that either dish was prepared with bell peppers, which are not my thing, so now I know to ask for no bell peppers the next time, but that said, both dishes were perfect on the palate. Savory, not overly seasoned, perfect amount of heat from the chile used, plenty of chicken and vegetables in both dishes. Was also asked if I would like a cup of steamed rice for my soup which I declined since I had the spicy fried rice dish to enjoy as well. Plentiful, tasty, I was wishing I could enjoy a cold Singha which would bring me back to the many years I have spent in Thailand while serving in our military. This is the real deal. Wonderful food, attentive service, caring staff. Definitely my new favorite spot...

Bam! I Before I ramble, if you like Thai food, GO. Now to ramble. I have been curious to try this place, having seen it go up and my periodic trips to Talin. Today I happened in randomly and I am quite glad I did. I always try my favorite, Pad See Ewe (spelled different a lot of places... phonetic) at varying Thai restaurants, and this place has it down, better than anywhere else I have tried in ABQ. The waitresses were very outgoing, friendly, and fast. The other people eating seemed to be happy with their food and it looked good.

My first job was as a busboy at a Thai restaurant (Wild Ginger if in Littleton, CO), and this is the best I have had since moving here 5 years ago. They have the fun seasoning tray that some Thai places have so you can adjust your meals to suit your taste in regards to heat, vinegar, and sweetness more or less. I drizzled a wee bit, as I am a sissy, of the chili oil on my noodles which gave it just enough kick for me...Probably a 5/10 heat level and I just drizzeld about a 1/4 teaspoon.

It was sweet, hot, and delicious. They had both Chinese broccoli and American available (both are good...I like the Chinese broccoli, but it is a bit different). You can pick your meat, or tofu as usual; at most Thai places; I got beef in this case because I think it goes well with this dish specifically. I also got a Thai coffee which was a standard yummy Thai coffee. The prices were reasonable too.

I am soooooooo glad I finally found a Thai place that has the same style I grew to like in CO. Obviously, I need to go back and try a few more Thai staples, but I am fairly confident they will prevail. Go get ya some flippin; good Thai food! Dang that hit the spot, hence this review. Have a nice day!

Update: Have returned 3 more times and can confirm that this Thai...

Photo is not great, but best I could do! First I want to say, I called for a take-out order at 7:35 (on a holiday and I regret going so close to closing time, plus, mind you I hadn't read the menu. Talk about customer service!) and the lady graciously took my order even though they close at 8. I had called another restaurant right before & it was 7:33 and they said they quit taking orders at 7:30. When I went to pick it up (I was a bit eager) I could hear them cooking my food while I waited. Also, I want say that if you are looking for an American-ized version of Thai food, this might not be for you (it should be for you though imo!) The picture I posted is of the sweet & sour with shrimp. Usually, the sweet & sour sauce in nearly all restaurants is sickly sweet & disgusting, so I was a bit iffy on ordering it. However, I was so happy when I tasted it! I have not had such good sweet & sour since I lived in the Philippines two decades ago. It has the perfect balance between the sweet, sour and a bit of spice- so amazing. I also got Tom Yum soup which again was perfect- the lemongrass just was singing in my mouth. I also got the Lad-Nah for my daughter. The lady (I should have gotten her name) kindly left out the onions per my request, and I'm pretty sure she put more broccoli in it to take it's place. The green curry is beautiful, I really wonder if they make their own paste? It tastes so good. This place is hands down amazing & really made my day! We will definitely be going back! I'm really regretting not ordering the chicken satay- I will definitely...