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| - Truly what I'd consider a 5-star Thai restaurant. Naturally, people's opinions & tastes differ, but having lived in Thailand and eaten Thai food in hundreds of places in the US I consider Thai Lahna one of the best, spot-on Thai restaurants going. This is a family owned and operated restaurant that's been in Phoenix for over 30 years now. A lot of the family leaves for their annual visit home, and the restaurant is closed for the month they're gone, which is a huge bummer for me.
Whenever I go to Thai Lahna I normally get carry out, and usually stock up so I can have several great meals out of one trip. But once in awhile I'll dine in when they're not that busy so I can get a chance to chat it up with Tom, the owner and main chef.
I've read some reviews where people felt put off by the service, but all I have to say about that is that few Americans really understand Thai culture. Thailand is renowned as "the land of smiles" but what people don't realize is that although they're known for being friendly, if you're a fuss pot, act rude or pushy, they'll shut you down in a NY second without giving it a second thought. Too many Americans are used to getting what they want and when they want it, which goes over like a fart in church in just about every 3rd world country. So act humble and polite, and it'll pay great dividends in any establishment you go to, and Thai Lana's no exception to that rule.
If you can go there in a non-rush hour time, you'll probably get an entirely different impression and have a really enjoyable meal as well as be influenced to do what I've done, which is to make them your number one choice in Thai cuisine for the entire Phoenix Valley - or at least in this part of town!
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