Tid Din – A Soft Opening Visit

A few months past, I was driving down Linda Vista Road and noticed that Taco Bomb had closed and was being replaced by a Thai Restaurant named Tid Din. While doing a search, I found the place’s website here it stated:

And looking over the menu….even though it listed mainly English names; it stated Spicy Larb, Grilled Marinated Beef – I’m thinking Nam Tok, sticky rice, etc…. Needless to say; I was a bit excited about the place. I mentioned it to Adam who is one of JJ’s favorite “Uncles” at BHT who lives close by in Linda Vista. And wouldn’t you know, last week he texted me and said the place had opened!

So, when I had a moment, I headed on over.

I’m guessing word hasn’t gotten out yet, since I was able to get parking in the small parking lot. And I walked on in.

The young lady working was so sweet and friendly. I then looked up at the menu…….

And thought “what the heck”?

Make it a burrito? Edamame? No larb, no sticky rice…. This looked like a pseudo food court, fast foodish menu. With four different mains. Still, it said “On the grill” which had things like a good Mu Ping on my mind. It seemed weird that a “rice bowl” was an additional $5.50, but a side of Jasmine Rice was $3. I decided on two proteins; the grilled pork ($9) and grilled sliced beef ($12), with a side of Jasmine Rice ($3), medium spicy; with Tamarind and Thai Chili Fish Sauce.

It was a nice day and I had a seat on the patio until my name was called.

The nice young lady actually brought out my package…..I had gotten it packed to go since I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish things. A fork and napkins had also been packed.

I opened things up….and was disappointed.

The meat hardly had any caramelization.

The portion of rice was generous and while a bit on the harder-chewy side was fine except for one thing I noticed right off. Take a look.

There were several “streaks” of what looked like drippings or sauce or…..skid marks???? I removed all those areas.

Also of note; I ordered the meat medium spicy; but these were not. I can forgive that; since it’s a soft opening.

The beef was simply stir fried.

The beef was the typical 10up – 12up, typically used for bulgogi and such. It wasn’t marinated enough and quite bland and on the chewier side.

It lacked hints of sweetness or herbaceous, savory pungency and was basically like something drenched in soy sauce. Just salty.

While the pork was drier and chewier; it at least had some porkiness.

Still, like the beef, the overall flavor was one-dimensional. But I did prefer this to the beef as it did seem to be grilled. But it was definitely not Mu Ping.

The sauces were “interesting” as well. The Thai Chili Fish Sauce was just that….straight up fish sauce with some chilies. The proteins were salty enough.

The tamarind sauce tasted like a bottled brand…..but at least had some fruity sweetness which helped things along.

To say I was disappointed….well yes…I fully didn’t expect Pok Pok, but just decent Thai street food and got what to me, was low level shopping mall food court stuff. A bummer, because that young lady was so nice. Still, with USD near by, this place might do well….you know; like “Thai-potle”? You can now get your Thai chicken burrito and all that.

I’m hoping that the menu and food improves. And with folks like “FOYs” Denver and Junichi nearby; I’m sure they’ll keep me in the loop!

Tid Din
6725 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 8pm