Lamai Thai Food | Greatest Tasting Thai — Restaurant in Nampa

I have loved Lamai up until my last couple visits ending with tonight’s, which will be my last. The last 2 times (at least) I have phone in an order, their estimated times have been 30+ min short (ex. they have said an hour and its 1.5) and tonight was 20 minutes short with one dish not even being completed. I understand that fresh-made quality food as it is here takes time; however, I would think that estimations would be a bit closer or at least closer on most occasions versus consistently inaccurate for how long the business has been running.

Tonight was beyond my understanding. My parents came to town and I wanted to take them to a place I have loved as a special treat. We placed our order at 6:05 and were told 30 to 35 min. We ordered 4 meals. I arrived around 6:35 to be told our order was almost ready that we were just waiting on one of the chicken dishes, I thought she had said the cashew chicken, I must’ve misheard. While I was standing there- receiving a timer, I saw them boxing up my favorite dish which I had ordered- this is important for later. Waiting for one dish was no problem, I understand how busy things can be. I waited in the car talking with my dad until 6:55 and then thought Id go check on things thinking maybe I had been too far away for the buzzer to work, and I thought 20 minutes for 1 dish was pretty reasonable for checking in again. So I go check on the order only to be told that they hadn’t even started it, and on top of it they had run out of the green beans (a main ingredient for the dish)- remember that important part above- yea they apparently had some when I got there- and should have known they were out or would be out before my order could be made and told me then. I understand things can run out, I do, but knowing how many dishes you can prepare and not overselling is critical for the restaurant business. I understand things are busy and am fine waiting, but expectations shouldn't be that off. On top of that having to wait 20 extra minutes, only to be told the dish we were waiting on was not even started and now also unavailable, that is enough to lose my business. To their credit, they did offer to substitute a different veggie, but considering a large portion of the dish is the crispy fresh green beans, my favorite part and the reason I ordered it, it wasn’t an option. Plus the other dinners had already been sitting for 20 min and I didn’t want to increase the time the food sat. I didn’t get my dinner and my family let me know their food was luke warm at best when we got home less than 10 min after receiving it. My big issue is why hadn’t that been told to me either when I ordered on the phone or when I arrived in person and was told our order was almost done just waiting on the one dish. In short summary the food is usually amazing- but add 20+ min at least to the timing and hope they don’t run out of something important in the meantime because you apparently cant count on something...

Noi has a semi-permanent set up in the parking lot with a brick and mortar Asian market. There is a deck attached to her food trailer, and picnic benches nearby if you want to eat there.

The whole place is covered in potted and hanging plants, which makes it nice and inviting. Nice says it's her effort to make her guests feel like they are in Thailand.

Unlike most food you buy from a trailer or food truck, Lamai Thai does not make your food until you order it. So if you walk up and order from the window, expect your food to take 20 to 25 minutes, depending on how many orders may be ahead of you.

I've only been there twice, but both times I was struck with just how fresh the food is. The flavor is so wonderfully complex, the vegetables cooked to perfection, the seasonings just right.

I have had the pad thai twice, first with pork and then tonight with shrimp. I love shrimp, and look for opportunities to have it in any dish, but I felt like the pork was a better pairing. But the dish is excellent, no matter which way you decide to go.

On our first visit, my wife had the papaya salad and said it was fantastic. Tonight she went with the mixed vegetables, which also come with a choice of protein. Chicken and pork are included in the price, shrimp is $2 extra. The dish was delicious, everything just right, and every ingredient just looks like it was harvested yesterday, so fresh.

Each dish is around 10 bucks, and the portion sizes are on the large size. If it wasn't so hot out we would probably have tried one of the curries. Next time!

Lastly it's got to be mentioned that Noi is such a wonderful host. She is friendly and gracious and generous. This year her trip back to Thailand and India are on hold due to covid quarantines, but normally she takes an annual trip and donates some of the proceeds of her restaurant to schools there. Supporting such a nice gal and her charitable efforts is icing...

Wow! Me and my wife got lunch here on our way to go see a movie. She had the Red Curry with Pork, I had the Pad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp, and we got some of the spring rolls as well.

Food took about 20 minutes, but they have a badge system like standard sit-down restaurants to let us know when the food was ready.

It was incredible. Everything tasted fresh and made with both skill and passion for food. The pad thai was a generous portion, flavor was deep, textures were perfect, both proteins cooked to perfection. My favorite Pad Thai before now was the one served at Pad Thai House in Boise. Lamai's has become my new favorite.

The red curry came in a separate soup container, with another container of fluffy white rice. Again, super deep and complex flavors. Rich, but refreshing all the same. She said it's one of the best Red Currys she has ever had.

Lastly the spring rolls were simply amazing. Crunchy layered exterior, perfectly seasoned filling, dipped into a sweet and savory peanut sauce.

Spent about $40, had the best Thai food yet, and got two portions out of each dish.

Whether you're a fan of Thai or just want to try something new - try Lamai. The friendly and passionate staff will leave an impression, and so will the awesome food they have to...