Charm Thai Eatery — Restaurant in San Mateo

I get a little jaded with the Asian restaurant scene down the Peninsula. There's only so many chinese-run teriyaki places, pho every pho blocks (sorry,) and don't get me started on chinese restaurants. So when we went to Charm Thai I was hoping it'll be different. It was totally unexpected.

It's not in downtown SM where Asian places almost outnumber Asian customers(jk). It's on ECR halfway between downtown and 92 almost next door to Mickey D's. We were a party of 8 which allowed us to order more food, and variety. Started with the chicken wings-crunchy, hot, with a little sweet sauce... Gimme a couple of orders and rice and I'm good for dinner, but that's just the beginning.

We had larb- lime-tangy, crunchy veggies, it's really good. Then the food started coming out - pad Thai, pad se-ew, green chicken curry, pineapple fried rice. Moat places skimp on the black bean with pad se-ew but Charm Thai nails it. The curry had enough spice and creaminess to be interesting without calling SMFD. Maybe the most impressive is the Garlic Fish-pieces of sole deep fried crunchy and hot, fish is flaky moist and tender. Change my order to the fish AND chicken wings with the rice and I'm good for dinner! The place is kinda small but food comes quick and their quality is spot on. The staff is friendly, they keep the water coming...but splurge and try the lychee ice tea. A bit sweet but nothing some water won't fix, but if the curry's a bit hot you'll be happy you did. Great stuff Charm Thai,...

Edit: Came here 08-13-24, updating experience to 3 star. Ordered the sweet sole lunch special which comes with rice and a salad. Total around $18 after tax/tip. It tasted good but I was very disappointed in the portion size. It's one little fried filet. Their profit margins on this one must be insane. Please be a bit more generous with your portion size - most people order a lunch special thinking they are going to get a better value; this really wasn't the case.

Original review: Came here yesterday for a work lunch. We were on a time crunch and we let them know. All our dishes came out quickly and were DELICIOUS! I got a seafood stir fry that was amazing, with fresh scallops, mussels, fish. My coworkers got fried fish which was perfectly cooked. Service was outstanding - very attentive. We are already talking...

Seems catered toward San Mateo area than true Thai flavors. Beef is pretty chewy. Since when does any asian restaurant charge an extra $2 for a small bowl of rice when curry should already be served with rice? Rice is cheap. It's a bit ridiculous and misleading when it doesn't say it on the menu and your waitress has to point it out, which is a sign that charging extra not usual.

One of the only thai restaurants around so it is busy even on a week day. Staff is pretty busy during dinner and just gives you your plate and your drink, no refills on water, unless you flag down someone. Quality of food is good bc not too oily but could use flavor. Serving size is on the smaller end. Try other thai places...