My wife is a huge fan of Thai food, while I usually prefer Mexican or Italian. I’m picky, but I can usually find something I like at Thai restaurants—if we go, which isn’t often.
Each time we go, they ask how spicy I want my meal. I say “six,” and before I know it, I’m sweating and tearing up. I always promise myself to choose milder next time—and then I forget.
For a while, I noticed a new place called “Thai Thai” under construction on South Escondido Blvd. When it finally opened, I was excited to take my wife there.
Walking in, I was surprised by how spacious it was. The vibe felt authentic, though I’ve never been to Thailand. The decor was nice, and the place had a relaxed atmosphere—it was half full on a Saturday night. I overheard a waitress welcoming a customer who had visited two days in a row.
We learned that the waitress was married to the owner. My wife, a curry lover, asked her favorite curry. She mentioned “Panang curry,” and my wife responded that she likes both red and panang curry. The waitress shared that most people prefer the first curry they try.
Massaman curry, often referred to as the “king” of Thai curries, caught my wife’s interest. Thai Thai’s version was aromatic and rich. It was packed with spices, coconut milk, potatoes, onions, and peanuts, served with a generous portion of jasmine rice.
For our appetizer, we couldn’t resist the spring shrimp rolls. I’m obsessed with the peanut sauce they come with—it’s that good!
The menu was extensive. I played it safe and ordered beef broccoli. I loved it, and surprisingly, the “six” on the spice scale didn’t overwhelm me. My wife found it a bit too spicy for her. Thankfully, she had Thai tea to cool her down; it’s a refreshing blend of spicy chai tea with a layer of coconut milk.
To finish, we shared coconut ice cream—a delightful treat.
Curious about the restaurant’s opening, I asked the owner about choosing this location. He mentioned having another restaurant in Vista and noted that business has been surprisingly good. He seemed friendly but preferred short answers. His wife later jokingly described him as a man of few words.
I gathered their contact info and inquired about their names and cooking specialties. I wanted to know more about their culinary style and how the owner learned to cook Thai dishes. Unfortunately, I never received a response.
Expert Insight: The popularity of Thai cuisine continues to rise, as reflected in a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, which lists Thai as one of the top three growing cuisines in the U.S. More and more people are embracing its unique flavors and fresh ingredients.
As Thai restaurants like Thai Thai flourish, they bring a piece of another culture to our communities. The experience of shared meals in these cozy settings often leads to memorable moments—something that keeps bringing diners back for more.
Related Fact: Did you know that authentic Thai cooking emphasizes balance? The harmony of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy is vital to its signature flavor.
In the end, dining at Thai Thai was an enjoyable experience. It’s a place we’ll definitely revisit, even if I have to remind myself to order milder next time!
