Thaifoon — Restaurant in Prescott

Thaifoon optimizes the definition of a hole-in-the-wall gem. The entire interior consists of a small counter that holds maybe three people standing while waiting for their order or to pay. Behind that, in full view, is the magic—a modest kitchen where master Thai cook, Pan, works her craft. Pan is a jovial presence, often chatting and joking with waiting customers while preparing each dish with meticulous care. I even witnessed her tasting sauces (with fresh spoons, of course) to ensure the perfect balance of flavors, just like you’d see in a high-end kitchen.

This no-frills establishment is strictly take-out and cash-only, but that doesn’t deter the loyal crowd outside, many of whom seemed to be longtime regulars. I struck up a conversation with a few folks who eagerly shared their favorite dishes, and one man mentioned how Pan somehow remembers everyone’s name, even a year later—a testament to the strong community she's built. When it’s time for pick-up, someone inside will kindly open the door to let you know your order is ready. It’s a small detail that adds to the overall warmth and familiarity of the place.

As for the food? Thaifoon delivered a solid, flavorful experience. My friend and I were impressed by the generous portions. We ordered the #17 Thaifoon Fried Rice with shrimp and chicken—packed with carrots, peas, seasoned rice, and egg, all stir-fried in a delightful lemongrass and Thai herb broth. The flavors were vibrant, and the dish was thoroughly satisfying. We also tried the #28 Green Curry, simmered in coconut milk with bell peppers, carrots, bamboo shoots, string beans, basil, and zucchini. It was another standout dish, rich and fragrant.

While it may not be the absolute best Thai food I’ve ever had (having sampled it around the world, including Thailand itself), Thaifoon is definitely a solid choice. I will absolutely be back to enjoy Pan’s culinary talents again. A must-visit for Thai food lovers looking for a down-to-earth, flavorful meal in Prescott. NOTE: If you like really spicy food, get more than "Medium," I found this milder than I expected. Sorry, forgot to take photos...

My understanding from the proprietor – who is very fun to talk to – is that this take-out-only food spot has served Prescott for some 30+ years. Contrary to the name, however, the food did not take us by storm.

If you want to have a fun, jovial back-and-forth with the smart and energetic proprietor, this is a fun stop to make. If you want decent Thai food you will want to look elsewhere.

The soupy, oddly flavored dishes don’t share the consistency, spices, or many of the ingredients of most Thai food I have eaten (and I’ve had Thai food from all around the U.S. for some 40 years now). I suspect these dishes are a very specific creation to Thaifoon. And when I order Pad Thai with shrimp from a to-go place that costs $18, I expect more than a half cup of wide egg noodles, five shrimp, a cup of cabbage, and some baby corn floating in an endless sea of soupy sauce. This wasn’t anything close to any Pad Thai I’ve ever eaten, and the flavors fell short of an enjoyable alternative. My wife’s yellow curry dish was similarly sparse on meat, and mostly a lot of rice and vegetables afloat in an endless curry soup.

Then, what we actually expected to be soup -- Tom Ka Gai – had only a tiny portion of overcooked, very thin chunks of chicken, lacked any of the fish oil, coconut milk, or lime juice flavors we are used to enjoying, and then seemed to compensate for these deficits with an astonishing overabundance of uncooked slices of white onion. (sigh)

This combination of strange inventions cost us over $50, and of course despite it being to-go I also included a generous tip (for the fun conversation!). In essence, if I were deliberately intending to play a practical joke on customers who knew nothing about Thai food, and then charge them dearly for the privilege, this is the sort of restaurant I would run.

That said, Prescott doesn’t offer any decent Thai food that we could find…so this may explain why Thaifoon has been around...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Thaifoon, and let me tell you, it was an experience that left a lasting impression! From the moment I walked in, the owner's passion for her craft was palpable.

The Pho: If you're a pho aficionado, prepare to have your taste buds tickled like never before. The owner crafts this dish from scratch, using custom ingredients imported directly from Thailand. The result? A broth that's rich, flavorful, and unlike anything you'd find at any other spot in Arizona. The balance of spices, the depth of flavor, it was all executed to perfection. It's safe to say, I've found the best pho in the state right here at Thaifoon.

The Indian Curry: Now, if you think Thai is all they excel at, think again. The Indian curry was nothing short of phenomenal. Each spoonful was a testament to the care and pride the owner puts into her food. The blend of spices was intricate yet harmonious, providing a delightful warmth that's comforting and invigorating.

The Owner: What truly elevates Thaifoon is the warmth and dedication of the owner. Her personal touch, from selecting the ingredients to ensuring each dish meets her high standards, is evident in every bite. It's clear she's not just in the business of serving food but in creating memorable culinary experiences.

If you're in Arizona and looking for a place where authenticity, passion, and flavor converge, Thaifoon is your go-to. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that you'll want to relive over and over. Highly recommended for anyone seeking the best pho or looking to explore a unique blend of Thai and Indian flavors. You...