ON CHESTNUT Street, there’s a quaint vintage house that’s been turned into a restaurant. There, you’ll find Thai Thai, which has some of the best Thai food in the South. On the walls of the dining area are signs that read something like, “We have a small kitchen, and it takes some time to make the food — please be patient.”
Patience comes with many rewards at Thai Thai. Once you get your drink and place your order, you can go outside and pet the resident cats while waiting. That’s just one of many charming aspects of this amazing restaurant. Another is the lovely back patio, festooned with cafe lights where you can see the owner’s cats lounging on the furniture and rolling over, begging for affection. There’s also a large koi pond in front of the restaurant where the fish are bigger than the aforementioned cats!
The menu is extensive for a kitchen this size, with both seafood and vegetarian options. You get your choice of heat level, which ranges from level one for no heat to level five, meaning “Thai Spicy.” The spring rolls, crispy and served with a delicious sweet chili sauce, are a must-get for appetizers, and so were the gyoza dumplings stuffed with pork and vegetables.
There are numerous pad Thai variations with your choice of protein, as well as some fabulous curries and traditional Thai entrees. The Thai beef salad, called “Yum Nue,” with thinly sliced steak mixed with red onion, green onion, cilantro, and lime dressing, is a standout. So is the “Thai Thai Phad Kra-Proa,” a traditional Thai dish made with bell peppers, sweet basil, and your choice of protein.
There is a limited dessert menu with Thai doughnuts, custard, and fried cheesecake. Also available is an extensive tea menu, featuring all sorts of herbal and traditional Thai teas, and a full bar, including wine and Thai beers such as Singha and Chang.
There isn’t a dedicated children’s menu, but when I’ve dined at Thai Thai, I’ve seen plenty of little ones slurping noodles and eating the chicken satay. Just tell your kids it’s like nuggets with no scary clown.
Ta-Ta, the owner of Thai Thai, exudes charm and graciousness effortlessly. With her warm hospitality, she has crafted an exquisite and authentic Thai dining experience at an affordable price point. The charming ambiance, coupled with an extensive menu, truly sets this establishment apart, making it one of the premier dining destinations in Bowling Green. GN
