Thai Restaurants – Page 5

Rooster Rice & Noodles

May 17, 2021 mmm-yoso Asian Fusion/Pacific Rim/Hawaii Style Fusion, Thai Restaurants

**** Rooster Rice & Noodles is now Ju Feng Yuan

Back in the middle of April I heard about a new "Thai" place that had opened in a strip mall off Scripps Poway Parkway on the "coconut wireless". At first I thought it was Takhrai Thai, which I had been warned off of; but no, it was a place named Rooster Rice and they supposedly made Khao Man Gai. So, on a day when I had to return home from the office at around 11, I checked and found the website for Rooster Rice & Noodles, with online ordering……well, it seemed that almost all the items were using English names and there wasn't Khao Man Gai on the menu. Until I found what I'm guessing is one of their signature dishes; something called "Rooster Rice" that came with either steamed or crispy chicken with soup on the side. This seemed like the item, so I ordered it and drove up to find the shop.

Looking for the address and suite number led me to the signage for Wong's Wok; where I found the banner for Rooster Rice.

I believe that the previous place must have been a Chinese fast food joint based on the "decor".

There was a short wait for my food. I was handed a package and headed home.

I was quite interested to see what the Khao Man Gai was going to be like and I opened up the standard issue styrofoam container and…….what the heck????

Sheesh…well, looks like they made a mistake here. I even gave them my name and everything! Grand opening mistake I guess. So, I had the egg noodles with BBQ Pork – Ba Mee Moo Dang. The BBQ Pork was decent, perhaps a bit tough but not bad. The egg noodles were under flavored, though cooked nicely. Standard issue fast food steamed bok choy had no taste. Needless to say, I was disappointed……as I was expecting to get what I ordered. I thought about calling, but the place is nearly 20 miles from home. I decided to just forget about it. This would be a one-and-done and there would be no post.

Until……..a couple of weeks later, "FOY" RedDevil sent me an email asking me if I'd heard of a "New Hainanese chicken place" named Red Rooster……. I replied saying that I'd visited and ordered the Khao Man Gai but got something else by mistake.

Thinking things over; I decided to give the place one more try. I had an actual fairly normal lunch break at the office so I tried again. And again there was a short wait for my online order. This time, I took a peek at my plate and verified that there was actually chicken in it.

This was quite interesting in a couple of ways. A huge container of scalding hot chicken broth was provided, decent chicken tones, seemed to have a lot of white pepper, in need of some salt, and perhaps a bit more richness.

Secondly, the two pieces of chicken, a whole chicken quarter and drumstick was still on the bone in them, not chopped or boneless; something I'm not used to with this dish. The meat was dry, with very little flavor…..like it had just been put into a pot of water and simmered. This seemed like a mere shadow of the dish.

The sauce provided was a bit different as well…..almost no ginger….seemed more like a a peanut sauce.

I will say that the rice was not bad; a bit on the mushy side perhaps, but at least there was some ginger tones along with the "flavor of fowl".

I don't think I'd order this again.

However, when placing the order for the Khao Man Gai, I saw a couple of dishes that I decided to try. Yes, call me a glutton for punishment.

"JeffP" happened to be in the office, so I thought it would make for a decent lunch to share. I had seen Nem Khao Tod on the menu (for once not just in English –
Nam Khaow Salad $10), one of my favorite things when done well, so I ordered that and the Crispy Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($12).

On this visit; a Rooster Rice & Noodles banner had replaced the Wong's Wok sign.

And this time my food was just getting to the counter as I arrived and the nice young lady repeated my order to me….she seemed surprised I was ordering the Nem Khao.

So, how was the food this time around?

Well, there was a good amount of sour sausage and a few strands of pork skin. In terms of flavor; it was pretty straight-forward, no hints of kaffir lime leaf/lemograss/shallot/mint/peanut/etc…… The worse thing was that the rice was mushy without that wonderful contrast of crunchy-chewy textures.

The Crispy Pork Belly Rice Bowl had potential.

It came with standard issue steamed and blanched veggies and the rice was really mushy; though it had been drizzled with a sauce.

The Moo Krob was almost there in texture as it had some crispness but was a bit too soft for my taste. It was fairly bland however, it could have used more salt and seemed to be lacking in the swiney goodness I enjoy. I asked JeffP what he thought and he said about the same thing….close but no cigar. Still, this has some potential. And the portion size was quite generous for the price.

The pork would have been even better had the Nam Jim (dipping sauce) been a bite more assertive in heat and savory-sweet tones. It seemed a bit watered down.

Rooster Rice & Noodles seems to fill a niche for the area and the prices are quite good. The food seems a bit "fusiony" with quite a few accommodations made. Perhaps I'll return for that pork belly one day…..but I'm going to wait for a while.

Rooster Rice & Noodles
12265 Scripps Poway Parkway
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 397-2308
Current Hours:
Tues – Sun 1100 am – 3pm and 4pm – 9pm
Closed on Mondays

Can you order some takeout from that “Chubby Thai” place? A takeout revisit to Chaba Thai.

January 18, 2021 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

There's that magic of being married or together for ages…….you understand the verbal "codex", you develop your own vocabulary. And the Missus does have "Her moments", like Sam Woo the "Killer Whale" and why a Marshall Tucker Band's song is about fried chicken. It doesn't happen every often these days; but every so often…. The recent warmer weather had the Missus wanting some Thai food; one dish in particular; but it seems that Thai Papaya will not reopen….so say goodbye to the Som Tom Khai Kem and what the Missus was craving, the Kai Yiew Ma Pad Kra Pow (Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs) at Thai Papaya. So the Missus asked if I could order takeout from that "Chubby Thai place". And I knew exactly what She was referring to.

I went ahead and placed my order online, then headed off to pick it up….no muss, no fuss…..making it home in no time at all.

I got the Khao Kluk Kapi (Shrimp Paste Fried Rice) with Honey Pork, which was just as good as on my previous visits.

From the pungent shrimp paste fried rice, to the sweet-salty (and even more tender this time) pork, to the fried egg…which unfortunately, I am not allowed to consume with the Missus present…..She quickly snatches it from the takeout container, this is my favorite dish from Chaba.

Sadly the Spicy Basil Chicken with Century Egg wasn't very good this time around.

The ground chicken as hard and dry….with some really hard pieces (which I liken to biting into a "toenail"). It was also quite salty and lacked balance. There was but two slices of century egg, which hadn't been battered and fried properly……needless to say; the Missus wasn't a happy camper.

FOY "Si O" has recommended the Khao Mok Kai and perhaps I'll try that out sometime in the future…..though I think I'm on my own when ordering from Chaba Thai for now.

Chaba Thai Kitchen
8010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 9pm

Takeout from Chaba Thai Kitchen

October 12, 2020 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

Returning from picking up the ramen kit from Menya, my eyes veered toward Mercury Village Shopping Center….you know, where Sizzling Pot King, Pho Fusion, and the "Sign of Doom" is located. I noticed that Chaba Thai was open and decided to see what their hours were. I really didn't have much luck there when they first opened, but it had been a good number of years since those visits and I thought why not do some takeout.

I went ahead and placed a takeout order online and went tp pick it up on my way home to check on Frankie.

Chaba is currently only doing takeout orders and on my visits, they seem to be doing decent business.

I decided to order the Tod Mun Pla (fishcake – $6.95) and the Nua Nam Tok ($10.95), which I ordered spicy. There was actually five people in front of me when I went to get my takeout, all to pick-up orders.

Here's what things looked like when I unpacked the containers at home.

The Tod Mun was actually not bad; decent chew and texture, nice Kaffir Lime Leaf fragrance and flavor, the pickles really added another layer of flavor and I also enjoyed the fried basil leaves as well.

As for the Nam Tok…..well, take a quick look……

First off, I ordered this "spicy"….you see any chilies? The grey color really didn't add anything to the presentation. There was a lack of roasted rice powder, the meat was rubbery, and had a metallic tinge to it. There was so much insipid liquid floating around as well. All the herbs were starting to brown. This was just not very good at all.

And so; I could have just called it quits after this….but heck, that fishcake was pretty good. And, since it had been so many years since my previous set of visits, I decided to give Chaba another try and I'm glad I did. I looked over the menu and found something I was interested in trying; the Khao Kluk Kapi (Shrimp Paste Fried Rice) with Honey Pork ($10.95).

This was by far the best item I'd had at Chaba to date. The pork was adequately tender; not falling apart, but with a light toothsomeness of well braised meet. The sweet-salty tones went really well with the rest of the dish. The fried egg had been seasoned nicely; it reminded me of a "lightweight" Khai Jeaw, without the ground pork, but there definitely was a touch of fish sauce in it.

And that rice….I ordered it medium spicy and it did have a good "kick" to it. But man, that shrimp paste really made this such a savory treat…….I must be missing Bagoong Rice! The rice was nicely coated…..I really enjoyed it.

And I even enjoyed the slices of green apple with this dish as well as it added a nice tannic-sourness that actually helped to level out the dish.

In fact, I went back for more a few days later. Unfortunately, I received a call after placing my online order telling me that they were out of the Khao Kluk Kapi. Bummer. The really nice young man recommended I try the BBQ and Crispy Pork Over Rice ($10.95)

This wasn't to my taste. The Moo Daeng was dry, tough, and lacked the sweet-salty-savory tones of a good BBQ Pork, you can just tell by the color. There was no caramelization to the meat….in fact; it kinda looked like kamaboko (Japanese fish cake). It came with the standard issue reddish sauce which really didn't do much for the dish. The Khao Moo Krob (crispy pork) was better in flavor, though the pieces were hard and dry instead of crisp. The rice was mushy and the boiled egg dry and overcooked. And it's a good thing I'm not a big eater, because this was barely enough to fill me up.

Well, at last I got one dish I really like from Chaba and as I was going ahead with this post; the Missus was lamenting the fact that Thai Papaya was still closed. And from my discussions with the folks at the Original Sab E Lee, several of the dishes the Missus really enjoys at Thai Papaya aren't on the menu at TOSEL. The Missus was really missing the version of Kai Yiew Ma Pad Kra Pow (Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs) at Thai Papaya. I recalled seeing that on the menu at Chaba and decided to order that and the Khao Kluk Kapi (which they thankfully had) for dinner.

The Missus really enjoyed the Spicy Basil Chicken with Century Egg (Kai Yiew Ma Pad Kra Pow – $12.95).

In fact, She enjoyed it soooo much that I barely got a whiff (nice Thai Basil fragrance) of the dish. She did tell me that the medium spicy heat level was good. I'm glad She enjoyed the dish.

And She even poached (pun intended) the egg off my dish. Though I managed to keep most of the rice and pork for myself.

I'm glad to have found a couple of "keeper" dishes at Chaba. I'm tempted to try some of the other items on the menu; though my previous experience with the Pad See Ew and Kai Yaang leaves me somewhat gun shy. For now; I'll just be happy ordering the two dishes we enjoy from Chaba.

Chaba Thai Kitchen
8010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 9pm

Our Pandemic Rotation – Et Voila, the Original Sab E Lee, and Sushi Tadokoro

August 7, 2020 mmm-yoso French Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi, Thai Restaurants

You know things are pretty bad with this pandemic when I can actually do a "rotation" post……and since it's now March 160th…..well, that is long enough to have one I guess, sigh…..

Anyway, here goes:

Et Voila!:

Though I think the Missus is kinda burning out on the takeout Cocktails from Et Voila; I think the main reason might be the menu. It was already kinda slim pickins' to begin with and once this was no longer available….

We tried the Ravioli Aux Champingnons, Tarte Aux Champignons, the Coq au Vin, which I didn't care for….

Until we just kinda finally settled on the Charcuterie and Baguette.

We are sorely tempted to just order some baguette…..but that might be pushing our luck a bit, don't you think?

Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

The Original Sab E Lee:

**** This location of TOSEL is now Zab Linda.

The Missus is really missing Her fix from Thai Papaya which is still closed. So, we've been making due with TOSEL; which of course doesn't have several of Her favorites (Som Tom Khai Kem/Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs). Still, for some strange reason She was craving Pad Thai….which doesn't happen every often…..must be the Pandemic.

Anyway, I got Her Pad Thai, Duck Larb, and Issan Sausage.

So, I got the Duck Larb at heat level three…..check out all those chilies….a level three….

Still, the Missus got Her "fix".

And the young lady working is one of the folks from Thai Papaya…..it was nice seeing her. I asked about when they'd be reopening and was told that she hadn't heard anything about that. Bummer….

The Original Sab E Lee
6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Sushi Tadokoro:

After doing takeout from Tadokoro on almost a weekly basis, we've been trying to show some restraint…..it's now every other week.

And while Tadokoro now has outdoor seating on the patio…..

We're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So we'll just keeping on doing the takeout thing.

It's getting to the point that some of folks are starting to recognize my voice on the phone.

This is a nice treat for the Missus and I. And with the way things are going, we do need to have those moments.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Take care!

Takeout from J&T Thai Street Food

July 6, 2020 mmm-yoso Chicken Wings, Thai Restaurants

You know; I was wondering if you, our dear readers would have had enough of all these "take-out" posts….then of course came today's announcement (not that I was surprised)….well, at least you can have outdoor dining this time around. So, I just decided to go ahead with this one.

On my takeout visit to Da Kine's, J&T Thai Street Food came back into view. It had been over seven years since my post. So, a few days later, before heading home to check on Frankie, I went and did the online ordering thing.

I drove on over; things were divided up nicely, I got into line, my order was ready….I had paid online so it was really quick.

Not quite sure what I really wanted to order; I went with the BBQ Pork on Rice ($8.75)….and man; they weren't kidding about the "rice" part.

Not a fan of the sweet chili sauce. Overall, a very generous portion for $8.75. The pork was rather unevenly cooked; some pieces weren't marinated very well. It was typical soy-sugar-fish sauce type marinade; not overly sweet, and a bit on the chewy side. I actually had this for two meals and the rice lasted for yet another meal. Can't complain about the amount of food.

I had always thought that the best item I'd had from J&T as the chicken wings. So, on another afternoon, I decided to order the chicken wings ($5.50). Not sure what else to get; I really didn't feel like ordering anything too big, I recalled seeing the fried tofu appetizer in Ccathy's post from back in 2015. So, I decided to order that ($5.50) as well.

Again, picking up my order was a breeze and the young lady working was simply wonderful…..offering up spicy vinegar and chili paste.

I guess is an appropriate meal for Fryday Friday, right?

The chicken wings were solid, just as on my previous visits. It was still fairly crisp, moist, good seasoning….but even better when alternating dips into the vinegar or chili paste.

The Fried Tofu was just plain tasteless….a bit weirdly dry and cardboardish in texture….it didn't hold up real well on the 10-15 minute drive home. No amount of sauce could help this out. The cilantro was browning as well.

So, I guess it's still just the chicken wings from J&T. I really like the folks working here; so if you have any recommendations on dishes to try (not the Khao Man Gai/Duck Noodle Soup/Curries/Fried Tofu), let me know…..

J&T Thai Street Food
5259 Linda Vista Rd
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Takeout Hours
Sunday 11am – 830pm
Mon – Sat 11am – 945pm

Hope everyone is holding up well. Take care!

Takeout from Koon Thai

June 17, 2020 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

Koon Thai was a pretty easy pick since it's in the same strip mall as Nijiya. At the time of my takeout visits (Mid-End May), they were actually open at 1030, so I could quickly pop in, place my order with the very pleasant young man working, shop at Nijiya, head back to Koon Thai, grab my order and go.

Sadly, on both visits, Koon Thai was out of my favorite dish, the Khao Karr Moo. But hey, this just gave me a chance to try out some other dishes….I just hoped it wasn't as bad as Khao Nar Ped I had there a while back.

On my first visit; I went with the Pad Cha Pork Wing. What's a "pork wing" you ask? No, it's not a from a new breed of flying pig. It's actually the fibula from a rear shank of said swine. It really kinda looks like a rib, it ain't cheap at $16.50 either. And when I opened things up; it didn't look like much.

But once I plated it….well, there was enough for the Missus to have when She got home from work in the evening.

Medium heat gave this a decent spice; I was worried about this version of pad cha (basically translated as "stir fry" if I recall) being over sweet but it wasn't. The basil added some nice anise-vegetal-peppery tones, there was a mild salty-sweet component, good savory touches….the green peppercorns added a nice bit of variety in terms of "spice" if you will and was probably the Missus's favorite item in the dish….other than the pork which was prepared nicely…. think of a pork rib in texture with a really nice porky finish.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The following weekend; I decided on the Kha Na Moo Krob ($13).

Whereas this was not on the level of the version at Soi 30th, the gailan undercooked, quite bitter, and too hard and the sauce a bit too salty; the pork belly was nicely done….a bit crisp on the exterior, giving way to a nice soft and mildly creamy interior. At medium heat, it was way too mild for me and like I mentioned earlier was a bit on the salty side….though not terrible.

Again the portion size was quite generous as there were leftovers for the Missus.

I'm looking forward to Khao Karr Moo once they have it back in stock….probably again on one of my future trips to Nijiya; or maybe the Missus will want me to order the "Pork Wings"….or heck; maybe both?

Koon Thai Kitchen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 514-8111
Currently open daily 11am – 9pm

Covid-19 Takeout – EE Nami (Revisited) and The Original Sab E Lee

May 28, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Thai Restaurants

EE Nami (Revisited):

Well, in my previous post on EE Nami, I did mention my desire to revisit to try out the Pork Filet Tonkatsu. And of course, I try to be a man of my word….honestly, the Pork Loin Tonkatsu was easily the best I'd had in San Diego, so I'd make up any excuse to return to try the filet version.

Which, like my previous take-out tonkatsu from EE Nami, this was still crisp when I got home to consume it.

The pork filet is a lot thicker, meatier, and tender….though I think of it as being a bit "mushy-moist" than the pork loin version, which is more toothsome and has a nice chewy "fat cap".

So, you can pick your poison based on your preferences…..both were quite good, though I prefer the pork loin.

Current, Covid-19 Takeout Hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm.

EE Nami
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
858-246-6903

The Original Sab E Lee:

**** TOSEL is now Zab Linda

Usually, when the weather starts warming up, the Missus starts craving take-out from Thai Papaya. Unfortunately, Thai Papaya is currently closed….with signs saying that The Original Sab E Lee is currently open seven days a week.

So, I decided to head on over to place a take-out order. Sadly, no Som Tom Khai Kem…….no salted egg at TOSEL. On the very nice side of things; the young man working often works at Thai Papaya and was so happy to see me that he made me a Thai Iced Tea without asking and I was obligated to take it. Really nice gesture.

I got the Issan Sausage, which was as expected, the duck larb was very nice once chilled, we got the regular papaya salad…heat level 5, which was spicier than we recalled…..must be getting soft in our old age. While we missed the layer of savory flavor the salted egg usually brings to the papaya salad, it was decent….not perfect, but ok.

The Missus loved the little dry shrimp in the papaya salad….and I pretty much enjoyed the cabbage and the sauce.

Nice lunch, but we can't wait until Thai Papaya opens back up.

Current Covid-19 Hours are 11am – 330pm and 5pm – 930 pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 930pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Original Sab E Lee
6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 650-6868

Clearing Out (the) Memory Card, the It’s Warming Up Edition. Revisits to Thai Papaya and Et Voila

February 27, 2020 mmm-yoso Cocktails, French Restaurants, Thai Restaurants

I know it's getting warm when the Missus starts requesting certain places……and it's been warming up the last few days.

Thai Papaya:

**** Thai Papaya has closed

So, it goes like this. I get a text from the Missus, "can you pick up Thai on your way home tonight." It can only mean one place and She doesn't even have to tell me what to order. It's the Som Tom Khai Kem (papaya salad with salted egg), Duck Larb, and Issan Sausage.

As it always is and has been.

Thai Papaya by Sab E Lee
2405 Ulric St
San Diego, CA 92111

Et Voila!:

Another favorite of the Missus is Happy Hour at Et Voila! So, with things warming up and both of us getting a home a bit earlier than usual we headed over.

And got our usual.

Sadly, that Huckleberry Bourbon, which used to be a HH favorite and used to be $7, is now $11, and tasted watered down….looking nothing like what it used to back in 2018.

Everything else seemed a bit different and we didn't enjoy it as much as we used to.

The Beignets de Champignons was nicely fried, but very salty.

And the Raviolis de Champignons way too sweet.

After not enjoying that Huckleberry Bourbon (my good FOY "YummyYummy" had warned me that the drink seemed a bit watered down over her last couple of visits), I ordered the Tequila Mockingbird, which I enjoyed; especially since it wasn't too sweet and there was a nice bit of savory heat from the Habanero Bitters.

It was quite telling as we walked to our car….the Missus told me, "I think we're done with Et Voila for a while".

Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Ka Prao Thai Cuisine (Mission Valley)

February 17, 2020 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog 'o food, is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is enjoying the three day weekend with His Missus.

There are many malls in the Mission Valley area, the one which now is anchored by Living Spaces (used to be a K-Mart) has a series of restaurants opposite their frontage, sharing the same parking lot. Ka Prao Thai Cuisine has been here since June 2015.

The menu behind the cash register, as well as a few wall posters and a chalkboard out front have menu items. Most are pretty standard.
The wok Stir fry ($11) of pork with mixed vegetables was wonderful! Cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green beans, Chinese and American broccoli, garlic and house made soy sauce was a wonderful combination. The four piece chicken wing appetizer ($6.50) was tasty (they're marinated in fresh garlic, fish sauce, lemongrass and cilantro) but this photographed serving was a few seconds over-fried. Still moist and meaty, flavorful.Fried tofu ($6.50 six pieces), served with a sweet and sour sauce. It's always good.
The papaya salad ($10) is great. Green papaya, tomato, carrot shreds, green beans, large cooked shrimp and peanuts mixed with a spicy lime dressing-great, great flavors; so fresh.
The Ka Prao Kai Dao (namesake) ($11.50) was another great meal. Minced pork, sautéed with basil and garlic chili sauce, topped with a fried egg and served with jasmine rice. Wonderful! This is a photo of one of the wall menus. (I was here with cc and we shared).
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken ($14). It's marinated overnight in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, turmeric, curry powder, coconut milk, soy sauce. Grilled then served with sticky rice and a side salad (with a ginger soy dressing). This is a meal so enjoyable-the multitude of flavors are not overwhelming but complimentary; distinct. Plus, sticky rice. Can't talk about Thai food without curry. This one is a peanut curry…pretty much a yellow curry with peanuts added. Carrot, potato and onion with chicken ($11)-nicely flavored.
Also must try Larb ($11) when seen on a menu. This version is made with minced pork, mint, lemongrass, onion, chili, roasted rice, cilantro and lime juice. A great version.

Heat level choices here are 1-10. Two is almost 'too safe', but allows enjoyment of all of the flavors.

Ka Prao Thai Cuisine 8590 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 105 San Diego 92108 Open: Mon-Fri:10:30-3, 4:30-9 Sat-Sun 11-9 Website

Tumeric Thai Kitchen

January 27, 2020 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

A few months back I was at my favorite watering hole chatting about…..well, food of course, when I was told of a place that made "good papaya salad and pad see ew". I thought I'd definitely know or know of the place being referenced, but was quite surprised when the name "Tumeric Thai" was mentioned. And even a bit more surprised when I was told the restaurant was located on Mount Soledad! Of course I immediately did a search when I got home….and was fascinated enough to head on over the first chance I got.

I drove out and up Mount Soledad….from where PB becomes La Jolla. And right before the gated community of Windemere La Jolla is a small strip mall.

And there you'll find a discreet sign that says Tumeric Thai Kitchen. I walked down the hallway and noticed a restaurant dining room to my right and a nice, bright al fresco area, where a group of Thai folks were having a good old time.

I was told to sit wherever I wanted to….I didn't want to take up too much space so I chose the corner two-top….which remained my table on all three visits.

When it came time to order; I decided on just getting the Pad See Ew with Beef ($13). I'll often order Pad See Ew when trying to see how a kitchen stir-fries. There are few ingredients, you have to know how to use them judiciously; it's easy to over-cook and you still want that "breath of the wok" to add the smokiness and caramelization.

This was an interesting mixed bag. The stir fry was done well; the noodles still firm, with some "wok hay" going on. I didn't care for the fact that the noodles all seemed to chopped/torn into little pieces. Good soy and sugar balance….strangely, this was spicy……I ordered Pad See Ew not Pad Kee Mao.

The gailan was nicely cooked, not too raw, not soft and mushy.

The slices of beef were rather large and ponderous and were pretty tough.

The service was friendly and the of course it warranted another visit. This time I ordered the "good" papaya salad (spicy) and the Thai Beef Jerky ($8), which was my favorite of the two dishes.

Decent toothsomeness, perhaps a bit on the salty side, but that's kind of to be expected. Not a fan of that sauce; too much lime, not spicy enough. Still, not bad…I've had worse.

The Papaya Salad ($9) was definitely "Ameri-Thai".

While nice and crisp, this lacked spice, was too sour, lacking in savory tones, and was just kinda wimpy as a whole. The tomatoes lacked ripeness, the green beans too hard and raw. Just kind of weak overall.

But you know me…..I decided to visit one more time. so I headed back to Tumeric Thai.

And being quite hungry, ordered two items……

Starting with the Chicken Wings ($7), which were some fairly hefty wings.

Served hot and moist; though for some reason, kind of mild in flavor….there's some garlic and what I believe is lemongrass. Initially fairly crisp, the wings got soft fairly quickly and are a bit on the greasy side….so if you get these, eat them right away. Not a fan of the afore mentioned chili lime sauce; nor the overly sweet chili sauce.

I also ordered the Crying Tiger ($15) medium……what arrived was a bit beyond that.

Not sure if it was done intentionally, but all none of pieces were sliced all the way through….so you'd pick up a piece and end up with two other pieces attached. The meat lacked a good char and there was a bit of meat scum as well. It was also really salty; lacking in any sweetness…..the meat also had a slight metallic taste that I'm not fond of. I'd have appreciated a really nice jaew to help cut through the saltiness, but it was that chili-lime sauce that I'm not a fan of. I'm used to having this dish being a bit on the chewy side so that didn't bother me at all.

That sticky rice was done perfectly….too bad the Crying Tiger wasn't to my taste.

So, what to say about Tumeric Thai? It's not overly Americanized, though it seems that your mileage may vary. It's not a bad option if you're visiting the Mount Soledad Veteran's Memorial. I was told that this is the only real restaurant on Mount Soledad. Prices are reasonable, the folks working were quite nice.

Turmeric Thai Kitchen
6435 Caminito Blythefield
La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours:
Tues – Fri 11am – 2pm, 4pm – 9pm
Sat 12pm – 9pm
Sun 4pm – 9pm
Closed on Monday