Som Za Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Joliet

We tried Som Za soon after the tragic loss of the chef and owner of the previous Thai incarnation at this location. We found it MAJORLY lacking in flavor and service. It was not bad, just largely flavorless (which I guess sort of defines a key element of "bad" for food). It was at least a year until we tried them again. We just needed Thai! It was late enough that we did not want to cook it at home! So we tried Som Za again. THIS is why we always try places twice. We just regret that we waited this long. We got three entrees and two appetizers and ALL were wonderful! HUGE flavor, skillful preparation, authentic ingredients. There was even detectable spice in one of the two main dishes!!! This is something that we NEVER get as white people from Asian restaurants, generally for good reason (people complaining about things being too spicy when they asked for it to be spicy...we ACTUALLY like spice). It is SO great to have another restaurant in the Joliet area at which we will happily eat. It's even better that it is a local, independent shop. WE LOVE Som Za and will go back...

Buddy and I ordered delivery for this place which is done by Door Dash. Delivery was timely, and even early which is nice. Ordered the spring rolls, chicken rolls, red curry, and kee mao. The appetizers were fine. When they say strip of chicken for the chicken rolls, they mean strips of chicken breast. They were tasty, but not quite what I was expecting. I got red curry which wasn't exactly red; more orange really. The restaurant just seemed to use chili powder instead of chili peppers and powder because this wasn't hot, more sweet than anything from the coconut milk that made the curry incredibly soupy. Had I'd known, or been able to customize through Door Dash to actually make the dish hot. Buddy said the Kee Mao was just ok and at times a little greasy, and much like the curry wish he could have added more heat. He liked the spring rolls though.

I would say temper expectations from other reviews. If you want something hot, and ordering online, find a way to leave a note to kick up the heat otherwise the experience...

I LOVE this restaurant! The food is always fresh and very tasty. I have eaten here many times and have always had an excellent experience.

They have updated the decor and it is very nice. The restaurant is clean. Even the bottles of condiments on the table appear clean. The interior is small with about five tables to eat at the location. Go during off hours if you want to make certain to get a table.

They do a fantastic carry out business.

I always forget to take photos of my food. Today was no exception. The chicken satay comes with a totally delicious cucumber salad. I ate all of it before thinking about a photo. Their garden salad is so good. It has cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes and pineapple with a side dish of ranch dressing. The lettuce is super fresh and the serving size is ample.

This is located in a small strip mall. Ample parking. So worth checking out this local...