VIET THAI STAR — Restaurant in Pella

You don't go here for the atmosphere, you go for the food. And what great food.

This spot has a limited menu (lots of items, don't worry, but you won't have ten pages or anything to choose from). Wife chose Pad Thai, and I got the Basil Fried Rice. We both took a Spicy level 2, seemed safe for a starter at a place we didn't know.

Great choices... the pad thai was good, a little different than we are used to from other Thai places, but that could be chef's own spices, or way of cooking. Would have been nice to have had a lime slice to squeeze on it, didn't come with one, and we didn't ask. But traditionally, we are used to that. Spicy level for my wife was (at the 2) just at the upper range for her likes, so next time, she's sticking with 1. I enjoyed it, but I like spicier than she does.

The basil fried rice was wonderful. Wife thinks it might be the best fried rice she's had. I enjoyed it immensely, for sure, and would absolutely get it again.

We both enjoyed the absolute freshness of the dishes, and they came out of the kitchen HOT (temp wise) and stayed that way all the way through. Spice was good, not overpowering, but I certainly will stick with a 2, probably... I like spice and I like flavor, but I don't need to burn my lips. This was nice, enough to taste, get a little burn, but not so much as to make me sweat or regret it.

Loved that the carrot pieces were slivered, and not big chunks. Egg was chopped very fine and well scattered in the rice, green onions were delightful throughout. Good flavor, nicely done.

We won't be in Pella often, but when we do go... this may be our go-to treat spot for...

I was excited to try Viet-Thai Taste #2 after reading some of the great reviews at the other location. After being without Thai food in Pella since Thai Basil closed, I was pretty excited.

Upon entering, we were met with pretty uninspiring décor. White walls, minimal decorations, and dated striped cloths on a mishmash scattered tables. But after taking our seats, we were greeted with a very friendly and inquisitive hostess.

Luckily, the atmosphere can easily be forgotten, as Viet-Thai taste really pulled through with the food. I ordered something that any Thai place worth their salt should be able to nail — Chicken Pad Thai, 2/5 spice. The portion was generous, and the food came out pipping hot. Chicken was cut against the grain and was pretty tender. Fresh lemon and cilantro helped cut through some of the heat. 2/5 was quite spicy, but in the best way.

Thoroughly enjoyed my first visit. Any reviews mentioning poor service can be dismissed, as they are still figuring things out and trying to get consistent help. Give 'em time, give 'em your business, and hopefully they stick around. Because I will definitely be back for the Drunken Noodles next. If I have a similarly great experience on my next visit, I will be amending my review to a...

My wife and I decided to try this place today as we have been to the Newton location a few times. We were both very pleased with everything about this place. We both had the Drunken noodles, hers was beef and mine was pork. I was impressed that the menu states that dishes are served inspired and that spice level can be adjusted on request. This is a big deal to people who want the wonderful flavors but can't handle spice. My wife had no spice and I had a 2 lvl. I could have handled a 3 I think. I also tried the Tom Kha soup for the first time and was very impressed with the flavor as it was the first time trying it. The service was great. Our waitress was quick efficient and very personable. I know that people go to Pella for the Dutch food but I encourage everyone who loves Vietnamese and Thai food to give this place a shot. We will make this our regular place when we are in Pella. I promise I will take...