King of Thai Noodle House — Restaurant in San Francisco

Night at Orpheum Theatre? Chance stop at Union Square? Do not miss the opportunity to eat at King of Thai Noodle House if you are in the vicinity.

I want to emphasize that this is a noodle house, not what first comes to mind when you hear "Thai”. So, try some noodle soup. In fact, I only have had noodle soup at this place. That’s how I know this is an excellent house. I do not know how noodle house work in Thailand but the soup tastes so like noodle soups I had in China, this is like eating back home. You can even choose roasted duck or add roasted duck for your soup! (I wouldn’t dream of having that luxury as a child.) Somewhat uncommon in Thai places but very common in my hometown, they also supply three spicy table sauces that I like. Not that their noodles particularly need adjustment. Noodle choices, on the other hand, are very different from hometown noodles. My favorite is flat rice noodle.

Of course, they also have fried noodles. And fried rice, for that matter.

Tucked at a corner of a crowded commercial street, King of Thai has an unassuming front. I first “discovered” this place by chance several years ago when I visited Golden Gate Theatre and wandered to that corner with an empty stomach. Af t er seen so many noodle choices on the menu, I had to go in. Yes, I was surprised they could add roasted duck in the soup that time too. Two days ago, I was in MOMA and searched for a place to eat. King of Thai Noodle House sounded familiar. Then, fond memories resurfaced. It was only one mile away. This time, I chose beef stew. It tasted like my childhood treats. Good portions, too. I had to force myself to finish because carrying soup leftovers on a bicycle might not be a good idea.

Service was very prompt when I visited, although both my visits were in off hours. (Open at off-hours is an advantage. Isn't it?) The interior is small but very clean. Seating is comfortable and uncrowded. Decors are kept to a minimum. Good food at affordable prices in downtown San Francisco. What more...

King of Thai Noodle House is a culinary gem that truly lives up to its name. The moment you step in, you're enveloped in an authentic Thai experience, with dishes crafted by Thai chefs who bring the heart of Thailand to every plate.

I was particularly impressed by their Lad Na, a dish that few restaurants execute as well as King of Thai Noodle House. The combination of beef and duck in flat rice noodles is a masterstroke, with the duck adding a depth of flavor that's often missing in other versions. The gravy is rich and full-bodied, perfectly complementing the piping hot noodles. The generous portions of meat are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality.

The service is friendly and attentive, with servers who are eager to accommodate requests, such as adding extra spicy elements for those who dare. The ambiance, especially during late hours between 10 and 11 pm, is serene and nostalgic, with Thai music playing softly in the background, which adds to the cozy atmosphere.

What truly sets King of Thai Noodle House apart is its authenticity. The dishes are crafted with care, using traditional recipes that transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, this place is a must-visit. The late-night hours make it an ideal spot for those looking for a satisfying meal after a long day.

In short, King of Thai Noodle House is a haven for anyone seeking authentic Thai flavors in San Francisco. Its commitment to quality, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout in the city's...

Pretty standard Thai fare.

I got the chicken Pad See Ew and it was just what I wanted, except for the occasional mouthful of white pepper (stir, please, stir!).

My friend and I wandered here after celebrating Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day. It was about 12:30 and while the place was busy, we were able to get seated right away. The hostess, by the way, made me want to take a detour to Sephora on the way back from work because she was just super, super beautiful and well, years of subscribing to allure-advert city-magazine has made me believe that I wantmustneed to buy pretty at a premium.

As I was saying, we were seated right away, and after perusing the menu for a bit, a waitress came by to take our order. A few minutes after that, another waiter brought us glasses of water, and then another waiter came by with our food. Might want to have your next office meeting here so you can see true teamwork in action. As a former troop in the restaurant trenches, what a customer might see as 1 dining room floor is really a sliced and diced up composite of sections that some servers guard pretty viciously (the struggle for tips is real, y'all). As I was saying, it was great to see that the top priority of the entire staff was clearly to get customers their orders asap... so that more could come in, of course, but let's enjoy that sweet sentiment for a bit longer.

Decent lunch spot, but I noticed a long line forming when we left at around 1:15. Pretty unavoidable downtown, though. Get...