Thai Chiang Rai is a true gem nestled along the Emerald Coast, offering an exceptional culinary experience for lovers of authentic Thai food. This restaurant shines not only for its outstanding food but also for its impeccable service, making it a must-visit spot in Santa Rosa Beach.
The Pad Thai is a highlight, with a perfect balance of flavors—tangy, sweet, and savory—along with well-cooked noodles that have just the right amount of chewiness. The portion sizes are generous, and the dish is packed with fresh ingredients that elevate the taste to a new level.
Another star of the menu is the Red Curry, which boasts a silky, aromatic sauce with a rich coconut base. It's full of vibrant spices but well-balanced, offering a pleasant heat that complements the tender meats or tofu that can accompany the dish. Paired with fragrant jasmine rice, this curry is a deeply satisfying choice.
For those who prefer vegetables, the Pad Pak Ruammit—a stir-fried vegetable dish—is outstanding. The vegetables are fresh, crisp, and perfectly cooked, tossed in a flavorful sauce that enhances the natural goodness of the ingredients. This dish is light but fulfilling, offering a healthy yet flavorful option.
And don't miss the homemade Veggie Crispy Spring Rolls. These are a crowd favorite, featuring a crisp, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a perfectly seasoned, flavorful filling. They're served with a dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
The service at Thai Chiang Rai is equally noteworthy. The staff is friendly, attentive, and quick to accommodate special requests or dietary preferences. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, the experience is smooth and pleasant, further adding to the charm of the place.
Overall, Thai Chiang Rai stands out for its consistent quality, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious, authentic Thai dishes. It’s a culinary treasure in Santa Rosa Beach, and a place where you’ll want to return again and again. Highly...
Read moreTL;DR : 2016 warriors. 2021 destroy lonely. 2016 carti. cold water at 3 am.
i’m not much of a review writer as it typically seems like a waste of time, but the moment i left the restaurant i knew i had to attend to my duties as a consumer.
if i was on death row (for whatever particular reason????) i would request this place as my last quest before i am sentenced to the pearly gates. more specifically, the pad see ew, raw shrimp, papaya salad, fried rice, thai salad, spring rolls, and fried banana with vanilla ice cream.
we were served by two super lovely people! they were very efficient, sweet, and hard working. they were also very attentive; anytime we had cleared plates, they would be picked up moments after, and our glasses of water were consistently being refilled. they were also outgoing! they briefly conversed with the table about asian cuisine.
additionally, the place is so pretty! nothing too extravagant, but also not at all basic. the flowers and lighting on the tables really added to the ambience.
in short, i would hide in the bathroom and wait until they closed, come out, and eat everything in...
Read moreThe food was delicious, prepared by a chef who is actually from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Everyone in our family has been to Thailand and commented how authentic it was. We had a beautifully presented appetizer set - a little work of art. The food came out quite fast (15 minutes?), beautifully presented. It seemed a wee bit overpriced.
Although it doesn't look exceptional from the outside, the restaurant is beautifully decorated inside. Because it's a larger space, conversations from other tables were muted.
The service was great, with lots of smiles and profesdional attentiveness at appropriate intervals. It struck the right balance between hovering and awareness. Our waitress was delightful.
The only thing I would change is the music. It was a pleasant jazz at a great volume (some restaurants play it so loud you visit with your friends!), but when I go to an ethnic restaurant, I would like to hear the music from that nation. I think it really lends itself to creating the right ambience and an exciting, exotic...
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