Khao Hom — Restaurant in Hayward

I don't intend to write this review to bad-mouth the restaurant, but rather to share my experience in hopes that it can be a learning opportunity. I originally ordered here because of the many good reviews.

I placed a pre-order online after 5 p.m. on Saturday (9/6) for pickup at 1 p.m. on Sunday (9/7)--unfortunately, the person who received my order misunderstood and made a mistake. Instead of being prepared on Sunday as requested, the kitchen assumed it was a same-day order and cooked it Saturday evening. Of course, no one picked it up that night.

When my friends went to pick up the food on Sunday around 12:45 p.m., the restaurant told them it wasn't ready yet. After coming back at 1 p.m., the staff said they were still cooking the last dish. When they finally handed over an order, it wasn't ours. Only around 1:30 p.m. did they realize the mistake, and within five minutes, my order appeared.

When we sat down to eat, the tofu in the Thai salad was very tough, and the pork belly in the Yum Moo Krob was also hard, as if both had been cooked the day before, refrigerated, and reheated. This may explain the poor texture.

After checking my payment, I also realized the Garlic Sriracha Wing I had ordered was missing. To be fair, I had shared my PDF order with my friend so they could see the order number, and when I sent them a screenshot, the chicken wings were accidentally cut off. However, the restaurant did not rely on their own system but instead went by my friend's printout--so the chicken wings were left out completely.

What disappointed me most wasn't just the mix-up, but the lack of accountability. Instead of apologizing, the staff blamed the system and simply explained their side of the story. After COVID, takeout has become a significant part of the dining experience. No matter how good the dine-in food may be, this kind of handling is not enough for take-out.

Yes, I did not include any tips in my order. After reading some other poor reviews, I can't help but wonder if that might have played a role in the service I received. But I honestly don't see tipping culture in America applying to to-go orders. A restaurant should not expect tips for take-out food and drinks. People who wish to show generosity might better save their money for those truly in need. Restaurants, on the other hand, should pay their employees decently. Eat-in customers should feel free to tip for good service, but to-go customers should not be expected to tip as a norm.

On the positive side, the Tom Yum fried rice was decent--though I believe I received chicken instead of the pork I...

TLDR: Khao Hom offers exceptional Thai and brunch dishes in a beautifully decorated, spacious setting. The food is flavorful and expertly crafted, the service is attentive, and the ambiance is welcoming. While it’s pricier than other Thai restaurants in the area, the quality makes it worth the splurge. Highly recommended!

Full Review: Nestled in the heart of Hayward, Khao Hom is a welcome addition to the local dining scene, offering a blend of vibrant flavors and an elevated Thai dining experience. From the moment you step in, the atmosphere feels inviting and well thought out. The interior boasts tasteful decor with modern accents, ample space for both intimate dinners and group gatherings, and a welcoming vibe that sets the tone for an enjoyable meal.

Food: Khao Hom impresses with a menu that marries classic Thai dishes with a touch of creativity. Traditional staples like Pad Thai and Crabby Tom Yum Omelette hold their own, while the brunch options add an exciting twist to the lineup. The flavors are bold, fresh, and balanced—each dish meticulously prepared with evident care.

Service: The staff at Khao Hom exemplifies hospitality. Service is attentive and accommodating without being intrusive, creating a comfortable dining experience. Plates are delivered promptly and with a smile, and they are more than happy to guide you through the menu or offer recommendations.

Ambience: The restaurant’s decor strikes a balance between modern elegance and Thai cultural charm. It’s spacious and well-lit, making it equally ideal for casual meals or special occasions. The design elements create an ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience.

Pricing: While Khao Hom is on the pricier side compared to other Thai establishments in the area, the quality of the food and service justifies the cost. It’s a splurge worth indulging in, especially for a celebratory meal or if you’re looking to experience Thai cuisine at its finest.

Verdict: Khao Hom delivers on its promise of exceptional food, top-notch service, and a comfortable yet sophisticated setting. If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this restaurant is a must-visit. While the price point may be higher than neighboring spots, the overall experience is well worth it. Highly...

My husband and I have been to the restaurant three times. The first time, the male host asked us if we had a Friday night reservation, even through the restaurant was only 40% full. We did not have a reservation and he sat us in the furthest table back, closest to the kitchen (very noisy). We are Black, and being sat by the kitchen is never a good sign for us, especially when the restaurant is not full. We were the only Black couple, and the next two groups of customers were seated in the large room or near the window. We loved the food, so we decided to come back to see if it was just a mishap or maybe it was truly about previously reserved tables.

Our second visit was late afternoon/ early evening, when the restaurant was not busy- maybe 30% full. The female host did not ask about reservations, grabbed menus and escorted us to the exact same table all the way in the back. I asked for another table, and was accommodated. The other (non-Black) customers that came in after us were immediately seated in the main room and near the windows. Again, food was fine.

The third visit was again in the late afternoon/early evening with the restaurant not even half full. We were escorted to the same table all the way in the back. When we got to the table, there was another Black couple also seated close to the kitchen. I told my husband that this is no longer a coincidence, it must be practice of this restaurant to seat “less desirable customers” in the back. I was very upset because we loved the food and spend a lot of money per meal here, but did not appreciate being seated repeatedly in the back. We left immediately. I refuse to come back here because of this. I’ll stick with Red Chili or Chai Thai where it is not a practice to hide the Black patrons.

Very very very...