Thai Phanom — Restaurant in Harrisonburg

A delayed review.

I love this restaurant, but don’t get to go very much. I originally went for the first time shortly after the location changed ownership.

I tried to return to celebrate my birthday in February 2024, on a Saturday, but they had a sign that they closed that day due to a family emergency.

I was extremely disappointed and sad. i had been day dreaming of eating there for the second time after my first visit.

I don’t think i will get there again soon, as we are putting every cent we have into an important matter elsewhere. We will once we are presented the opportunity though, without question.

We sat with one of the new owners and discussed their other location, the food, and our shared restaurant experiences…. Both have helped run restaurants.

I don’t even know how to properly describe the taste of my duck dish beyond near perfection.

The visual of it arriving at table caused me to immediately grab my phone to take a picture. This is not normal for me.

The smell made me close my eyes for a moment and just inhale. It got me excited even before i ate the damn food. I found myself jiggling in my seat in excitement.

Not kidding, and it was a little embarrassing. It had been some time since i enjoyed duck presented like that. Before i ate it, i was nervous I would be disappointed. Happily, it was amazing once i did.

I had the duck dish that you will see. My partner had the chicken dish. Pictures will be provided.

This review is late for 2 reasons.

First, google originally had the old restaurant still at same location. Didn’t want to waste review, so i planned to wait until update.

Second, well… life. I had these pictures but forgot and didn’t realize until recently google had updated everything and i could post.

Sorry but i did keep my promise. You folks deserve this review. Just...

This was my first experience at Thai Phanom, this was a life changing experience. I’ve had Thai food in the past but this place… is truly an inspiration to pursue my dream of learning muy Thai. When I took my first bite it took me to the past to when I first ever tasted Thai food. As I was enjoying my meal I could feel a tear rolling down my cheek. I for a fact now know I will never experience another moment like this. I will decently come again and keep this place in my heart forever.

To truly express my love for your food I will now tell you my first time trying Thai food. (It was nothing compared to the delicious noodles your served me today) I remember it like yesterday, on May 29, 2017 I was in the middle of high school experiencing lots of stress from school. My friends noticed this and offered to get food together saying they wanted Thai food. I responded saying I never had Thai food (I was scared to try sometimes). They assured me that I would enjoy it and I was so happy that I went. Your food made me reminisce on that day bringing back so many fond memories. I am truly thankful that your food was able to let me relive that moment. Thank you, thank you so much.

Love, Daniel Choi from...

I arrived early for lunch on a Monday. I and a couple who arrived later we the only customers. The service was quick and attentive. I wasn't sure how to order for spiciness. I usually order 4 on a 5-point scale where 5 is "Thai hot", which is too hot for me. Thai Phanom uses a 3-point scale: Mild, Medium, Hot. I ordered Medium and asked for extra hot seasonings on the side (cayenne powder, vinegar-based hot sauce, and fresh red chile peppers in a fish/soy sauce). Medium ended up being pretty tame for me, so I added generous amounts of the fresh red chile peppers and fish/soy sauce. I would return and recommend. But I will order Hot next time. I will also ask for the sauce to be a little thicker. I left too much of that good stuff...