Bimi Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Hastings

Tried Bimi Thai tonight and it won't be the last time. We started with pork egg rolls and the spring rolls. The dip for both was delightfully zippy and each appetizer was delicious. The egg rolls were perfection. Really. Not greasy. Perfect flavors. Crisp. So good.

My husband had sweet and sour chicken and the plate looked so good. He said the chicken was lightly breaded in the best way, and the sauce was really good without being candy sweet like some places do with their versions. The veggies looked bright and yummy. He finished his plate (and the portion was large enough that he was regretting that choice on the way home. Ha!)

I had the Khao Soi which was a new dish to me so I wasn't totally sure how it was going to be but I loved it. Thick noodles, crunchy fresh veggies, nice chunks of tofu (choose your own protein), and a really lovely red curry coconut broth that was exactly what I go for when I ask for Minnesota Medium spiciness at restaurants. It's enough heat to get your nose going a little and your mouth feel just a tiny tingle, but not so hot that you have to blow your nose and blot sweat off your forehead!

My only complaint, and it is a pretty minor one at that, was the pacing of the meal. My entree arrived before we'd had time to eat our appetizers, and quite a bit before my husband's food was brought out. I dug in when his was at the table so it had cooled a bit. They are still new and I'm guessing that will get worked out with time. It certainly wasn't a problem that would stop us from coming back.

Pricing was very reasonable for the portions and quality. Both my husband and I said we would be more than happy to return for another meal and try out other things...

I’ve been to Bimi Thai Restaurant a couple times. The food is phenomenal, everything tastes so fresh and has amazing flavor! The staff are very friendly. The reason for only 4 stars (see edit 1 for 3 star review) is the poor atmosphere. Eating in-restaurant makes you feel like you’re livestock eating in a warehouse. The harsh led lights beam down on diners. Bimi Thai could definitely benefit from some different lighting (dimmer, warmer tone or accent lighting) and some division within the space to make it feel less like an open warehouse. Overall, Bimi’s food is great, but definently might be better for takeout if you want the best experience.

EDIT 1: I posted this 4 star review while waiting for my takeout I ordered online at 6:45pm that was supposed to be ready at 7:15-7:25pm. I came at 7:15pm to pickup the order and was told it would be another 15 minutes, so I did a lap around the block and came back at 7:30pm. The time is now 7:55 and I’ve been told it will be another 15-20 minutes due to a dinner rush. I understand if there is a dinner rush, but it would be nice to have more accurate estimate times so I don’t waste the night sitting and waiting 1.5 hours for takeout. Hence, a 3 star review is what I will leave Bimi.

UPDATE: 8:12pm food is ready and picked up. The staff was very apologetic and friendly.

EDIT 2 (11/6/24): They fixed their lights! Bimi added some low hanging chandeliers with warmer light and turned down their overhead bright LEDs. So...

First Experience: 4 star The only food I didn’t care for was the generals chicken. It was my “safe choice” just in case I didn’t like the seafood plate I ordered. I figured no one would mess up a classic fan favorite like that. BUT!, and it’s a huge but, I think they honestly should just remove it from the menu. They SLAM DUNKED the food in a way I can only describe as ambrosia of the gods. Seriously!!! The flavors, the textures, the ambition into each and every bite of their specialties was immaculate. BRAVO! I’ll explain quickly as to why I say 4 stars and not 5. The generals chicken was cold when I got it and the flavors were a bit too sour for what I expected. Then, the atmosphere was almost creepy. It was so quiet and no one directed the incoming or outgoing traffic. As a first timer, I was confused until a customer told me to just go find a booth and that I’d have to be patient. A little soft music or ambient sound like birds or something would go a long way as well as a please seat yourself sign. Also, maybe make sure the counter has your slip and say “I hope you enjoyed us, please pay the front on your way out” or something. They definitely have some stars though. That death ramp they were running was almost hard to look away from, haha. Stick to your specialties, music/sound, and control the flow. Otherwise, welcome and thank you!

The now: 5, music, greetings, direction,...