Chi Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

I always visit a location multiple time before leaving feedback, so that I can provide the most accurate assessment, based off of an average experience. Rarely, do I ever provide such a low rating but after multiple very poor experiences that each resulted in poor quality, poor service a lack of attention to detail, and most off all; a lack of interest in the customer's health and the potential hazards that are associated with food allergies and contamination. Without going into too lengthy of a story describing each of the visits, I will describe the most recent visit which became the "Straw that broke the camel's back". Stopped into the restaurant located on North Hamilton road. The restaurant only had customers sitting at 3-4 tables, so there wasn't any wait. There wasn't any type of greeting, nor was there any indication we were to follow the host, we just assumed we needed to follow, only after the host turned back to look at us with discontent. We were seated snd after waiting for approximately 10 minutes without being acknowledgedby our server, I decided I would go to the restroom to wash my hands after recently pumping gas. I arrived back at the table to find our drink order still had not been taken. After approximately another 10 min of waiting, the server finally came to take drink orders. Our orders were simple: 2 glasses of water and a piña colada, which was ultimately pointed at on the menu, due to a communication breakdown. After approximately 10 additional minutes the server came back with 2 waters and a 1/4 glass of some kind of wine, that we could only think to be pinot grigio. After taking more time to explain what was wanted, the glass of wine was taken off of our table and immediately given to an adjacent table. We were absolutely blown away at the fact the wine was brought to our table and left long enough to be consumed, tampered with etc, and then was taken to another table for someone else to consume, not knowing the glass just came from someone else’s table! After finally getting the drink debacle behind us, we finally ordered our dinner. The two meals ordered: Meal 1: Chicken with black bean sauce (No eggplant, no vegetables. Meal 2. Filet mignon with black pepper sauce.

After approximately 25 minutes, the food was brought to the table. Needless to say; either order were correct. Meals brought to the table: Meal 1: Chicken with black bean sauce with no eggplant BUT extra vegetables.. Meal 2: Approximately 2 ounce Triangular cut, piece of rubbery meat that resembled liver on top of a large bowl of cooked vegetables.

Meal 1 was sent back to be remade, but was brought back to the table after 2-3 minutes, when the kitchen staff decided it would be best practice to pick out most of the vegetables, leaving behind many they did not see or care to put extra effort into. Question: How did they know the person ordering didn't have some form of allergy or was on some type of medication and could not have any type of vegetables, thus risking their health and potentially their lives. Yes, a bit dramatic but sadly, it happens every day. Meal 2: Was argued by the server and ultimately the Meal was canceled and a different dish was ordered. Meal 2...

This was my first (and possibly last) visit to Chi Thai.

Food=REALLY GOOD! Recommend the Mongolian beef and the chicken lo-mein, as well as the pork potstickers (fried).

Service=Unfortunately not so much. First of all the man at the to-go counter had a little bit of an attitude at times, for instance when I was about to leave with my food. He brought out two bags at once, so he hands me the bag with my food in it, and I kindly ask him if the second bag was mine as well (thinking all of the food for my family couldn't POSSIBLY BE STUFFED INTO ONE BAG!). He replied with a snarky, "NO," so I walk out of the restaurant and out to the car where I checked the order. I noticed that I was missing my chicken for the lettuce wraps and one spring roll, so I walked back into the restaurant, only to find the man snacking on a Good Humor chocolate eclair ice cream bar while waiting on other patrons. "Problem?", he asked, sounding rehearsed as if he asks that often. "Uh, yeah, I'm missing my chicken for the lettuce wraps, and one spring roll." He unpacks everything from my bag, notices my chicken is missing, and then tries to think that I received egg rolls, which I don't think they have, and tells me that there is no difference between an egg roll and a spring roll. YES THERE IS, DUDE. HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EGG ROLL AND A SPRING ROLL?!? YOU WORK AT AN ASIAN RESTAURANT!! So he goes back confused about the difference between the two rolls, and about five minutes later, he bursts through the double doors and drops my side sauces on the floor. At least he had the courtesy to get me new ones, although this doesn't redeem his level of hospitality in any way.

Needless to say I don't think I will be returning for a while, but the food was very good, so maybe some day I will return to give the service a...

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5 – with room to rise) First visit – Dine-in 📍 Chi Thai, 5577 N Hamilton Rd, Columbus, OH

This was my first time trying Chi Thai, and overall, I’d return. It wasn’t mind-blowing, but it was a solid intro — enough to make me curious for round two.

What I ordered: I went with the Singapore Noodles with shrimp and pork — not my usual go-to, but I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. • Flavor was mild, fragrant, and well balanced • Shrimp was generously portioned (not stingy!) • Pork was thin-sliced, tender, and seasoned well • Veggies were cooked just right — not mushy, not raw — and added great texture

I’d definitely reorder this, and I’m now interested in trying the same dish elsewhere just to compare.

Apps (based on my tablemates’ feedback): • Crab Rangoon and spring rolls were decent, but not memorable • Sweet & sour sauce fell a little flat — we’ve had better • BUT everything came out hot and fresh (even the plate), which we appreciated

Atmosphere: • Clean and casual with white tablecloths • Soft lighting and a tucked-away bar • Wall of community awards near the door was a thoughtful touch — clearly a well-loved local spot

📌 Save this if you’re looking for: • A quiet Thai place near Gahanna/New Albany • Singapore noodles done right • Good portions and steady service

Would I go back? Yes. Would I reorder the noodles? Definitely. Still exploring before I bump it to 4 stars — but the...