Ban SomTum — Restaurant in Federal Way

2023 Edit: This used to be the best place in Federal Way for Thai food. We have been coming here for more than 5 years and unfortunately I have to update this review because it isn't what it used to be anymore.

The pad Thai noodles used to be incredible with a really authentic tasting sauce that was tamarind heavy rather than the usual ketchup/flavorless pad Thai that is so common. Now it's just like all the other ketchupy pad thai and I don't order it. It also used to have amazing wok flavor that just isn't there anymore. I told them about this and they offered a free reorder saying that they thought it was because they ran out of the normal wider noodles, but the noodles aren't the problem. The flavor just isn't there anymore.

The curry is also very watery these days. I often order panang curry, but recently I have avoided it because they seem to be skimping on the coconut milk/cream that makes it nice and hearty, also very little veggies in the panang.

Finally it's impossible to get them to make a really spicy dish. Even if you ask for 5/5 stars or 6/5 it comes out not being all that spicy. This might not be an issue for some people, but for those who like spicy food it's somewhat of a let down.

It's really disappointing to have to update this review and I hope it gets seen so the owner can get the recipes back to how they used to be. Not sure if they lost a cook who did it differently or purposely changed the way they cook to cut costs, etc. Unfortunately, whatever the reason, we no longer eat here because it's just not special any more and it used to be a once a week addiction for us. Very sad.

5 years ago: Northern Thai recipes that are amazingly flavorful. You won't find any peanut sauce at this place, but you also don't need it. Pad Thai is the best in the area, no ketchup flavor here. Best Thai food we have found outside...

I had my eyes on this restaurant for quite some time, so I was happy to finally take my partner to try it for the first time.

The restaurant itself is really well decorated and planned. The dining is nice and open with a good view of the kitchen as well as the bar. The bar, even though in full view is sectioned off and feels separate from the rest of the restaurant. The walls, flooring, and accent pieces are all very modern and appealing.

The staff were incredibly friendly. They were making jokes with us and clearly enjoyed being around each other as they were engaged in conversation with each other even while completing mundane tasks like sweeping or cleaning tables. We felt paid attention to as customers. They gave good recommendations for the food as well.

The restaurant was empty of many customers but they had PLENTY of mobile orders and take out.

The menu is one of the best menus I’ve seen before too. The menu used the actual names of the recipes instead of Americanized names and gave thorough descriptions of the dishes.

We ordered the spring rolls to start, which were huge! They came with chicken instead of shrimp, which was a change but it still was fresh and healthy.

I ordered a Thai tea and it was perfect! It was still nice and creamy and the ice did not water it down at all. I could tell it was actual brewed tea and not the powder flavoring. Plus I’m a sucker for drinks in mason jars, so extra points there.

My boyfriend ordered a rice dish and I ordered Panang Curry. The portions were huge (which the staff did warn us about). The food was light on the seasoning and was not spicy (heat-wise) at all.

I would recommend this restaurant to someone who is just starting to try new foods or as a chill place...

tl;dr delicious food, fantastic service

I was having a rough day after working on my truck for 6 hours with barely any progress, but the folks here at Ban SomTum really picked me up

My waiter praised my excellent food choice (Jasmine tea, seafood boil of mussel, clam, prawn, shrimp, salmon, veggies, and mango sticky rice), and he said that everything I ordered was pretty much his favorite stuff. The old lady that brought the mango sticky rice said, "I cut you some extra mango ((:" and was very sweet. My waiter and I bonded a bit over our Asian heritage, and they were both very attentive to my water refills, checking in to ensure that everything was to my liking. He was very on top of clearing my dishes as I finished my courses, and offered me a couple boxes once I started slowing down.

I did not even realize that I showed up just 30mins before they were closing, and my waiter assured me that I don't need to rush myself (although I am naturally a scarfer that eats like a vacuum cleaner, so he probably thought I was intentionally trying to get out before closing)

All that food for just $36.88, of course I had to tip 35% to make it an even $50, I almost wish I tipped more. I still have leftovers which I shall enjoy tomorrow.

Thanks for making my rough day...