What typically happens when you get back from your trip to a different country and you love their cuisine and start comparing them to versions you've had back home? You become a snob and nothing is good enough. Wrong! Only assholes do that. I've traveled to at least 26 countries and if I had that attitude/ mentality, I would never dine out again.
My recent trip to Bangkok, I had the pleasure of eating the best pad Thai ever from Thip Samai and I thought I will be ruined for life because nothing compares to it and that I'll come home with a snooty 'tude. Fresh local ingredients, the water, age-old recipe, ambiance and even ones personal state of mind/ emotions at the time all affect how we feel about food.
I've been craving for Thai food since I came home. This tiny restaurant is across the street from UNLV but from my building, it's a hike I was willing to take on a rainy day. I got here and realized I had forgotten my wallet in my car. I dug out $15 from my backpack. Ha! They have lunch specials for $6.60! No UNLV student goes hungry today.
I had the Pad Thai lunch special that came with a soup and salad. The soup is a clear broth with veggies. The salad was a tomato (that I can't eat), carrots and lettuce with a nice dressing. The pad Thai though...man, was I surprised! It was similar to Thip Samai minus the egg wrapper. They were generous with the yummy sauce. The noodles were well-coated with the sauce and it was a remarkable deep orange. Unlike the other Thai restaurants in town with pale looking pad Thai.
Thai restaurants have the best service compared to all other Asian restaurants. Always friendly, attentive and eager to please. This place was no exception. However, seating is sparse so you may have to wait if they're busy.