Nestled in Chicago, Thai Rice Cafe is a true gem for anyone craving authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine. This unassuming spot consistently delivers on taste, making it a go-to for locals and a delightful discovery for visitors. From the moment you step in (or receive your takeout order), you're greeted with the tantalizing aromas that promise a delicious meal. Their menu boasts a wide array of classic Thai dishes, each prepared with a careful balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes that are the hallmark of Thai cooking. The Pad Thai here is a standout – perfectly cooked noodles with just the right amount of sauce, generously mixed with your chosen protein and fresh bean sprouts and peanuts. It's a comforting classic done exceptionally well. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) offers a fiery kick with vibrant basil and vegetables. Beyond the well-loved noodle dishes, their curries are rich and aromatic, with the Green Curry being a particular favorite for its creamy texture and fragrant spice. The Fried Rice is another crowd-pleaser, fresh and flavorful without being greasy. Don't overlook their appetizers either; the Spring Rolls are crispy and fresh, and the Chicken Satay is tender and served with a delicious peanut sauce. What truly sets Thai Rice Cafe apart is the consistency and quality of their ingredients. Everything tastes fresh, and the portions are generous, offering excellent value for the price. The staff is typically friendly and efficient, whether you're dining in or picking up an order. While the ambiance might be casual, it perfectly suits the focus on delicious, unpretentious food. If you're looking for an authentic and satisfying Thai meal in Chicago, look no further than Thai Rice Cafe. It's a reliably delicious choice that will leave your taste buds happy and your...
Read moreRice Thai is an excellent restaurant run by wonderful people that I discovered by way of an annual conference that I attend each summer. Last year, I brought a group of about ten people from that conference to Rice Thai for dinner, and we had a fantastic time: great food and very friendly staff who did a great job welcoming and feeding several groups of conference attendees. Although I was not able to dine during this year's annual trip (with another group of ten), the owner remembered me from last year and we had a nice conversation while they finished packing our food. I had called ahead, and they had tried really hard to accommodate us for dine in, and I really appreciated that. My group had such a great experience that we were determined to at least enjoy their take out. As with the previous year, the folks at Rice Thai cooked delicious food. I will be visiting again next summer, and I know that I can count on meeting very good people and enjoying a great dinner whether we dine in...
Read moreIf I could give zero stars, that would be my rating.
If you have food sensitivities, stay away from this place! I placed an order online so that I would be able to write everything and make sure that our food intolerances were visible without their being a chance of being misinterpreted. Another "perk" was that we could get either a free appetizer or entree with an order of a certain amount.
For each item we ordered, I specifically put no mushrooms and to make everything vegan. The yakisoba we ordered, while delicious, had mushrooms. The Tom Kha Soup had an option for tofu, so we opted for that, but it had chicken. When we called to let them know, the "chef" said he put tofu in the soup and offered to give us a credit for next time. However, a credit for next time is not going to help with how sick we are...
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