Houston Restaurant Review: Thai Bistro

"As good as it gets. . . "

"This is Thai done right!"

"Excellent, Reliable, Thai Threats!"

This restaurant has also been noted as one of the best Thai restaurants in Houston, Texas and has been featured in Ultimate Houston 2007.

Thai Bistro is obviously not a here today, gone tomorrow restaurant as so many are in the Houston area. They began on the Southwest Freeway and have a second location on Westheimer Road near Wilcrest and Kirkwood.

When you enter Thai Bistro they have this very nice divider that allows diners to eat in peace without noticing everyone walking in the door. The décor is elegant without being overbearing and I appreciated the cloth covered tables and napkins right away. Real silverware and glassware make even a simple lunch a fine dining experience. It was nicely busy and became even busier at the lunch hour progressed. It can be a little difficult to find though because it's in a strip mall/store front.

As for the food, where to begin! Of course the Crispy Veggie Rolls were just that. Light, crispy and flaky on the outside stuffed full of delicious vegetables. Next I suggest the Tom Yum Soup which has also been featured on ABC Ch 14 Houston "Sunday Extra Recipes." Not only was the soup delicious but it actually had more than one tiny shrimp floating in the broth and the seasoning and herbs were fresh, not freeze dried.

The small house salad topped with homemade peanut dressing was crisp; with a fresh variety of lettuce and crisp carrot slivers and just the right size.

Now for the main course how to decide? If you like it hot, order the Chicken Basil Inferno. Made with Thai Basil, Thai Chili, nice size pieces of all white meat chicken, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers and garlic this is quite possible one of the best items on the menu. You can't go wrong with some of the Thai standbys like Pad Thai or Chicken Peanut Sauce which is one of my children's favorites. I like that there are vegetables in it and they don't seem to notice.

I admit to never having anything off of the dessert menu because after we all share these delicious dishes there simply isn't any room left. I also had large enough servings (even at lunch time) to take some of my meal home. It was just as good warmed up, but it sure is nice to have a friendly wait staff person to take care of things for you. I never had to wait for a refill; extra napkins were brought out with the meal without me asking for them.

I also didn't go into shock when I got my bill. Lunch dishes average $7.95 and include soup, salad rolls and a good size portion with jasmine or brown rice upon request. There is even a "to go" menu!

Overall, an excellent experience each and every time you visit.

Thai Bistro
11660 Westheimer Rd. Suite 115
Houston Texas 77077
281-496-5559

Sources:

Personal Experience
Houston Chronicl
Texas Monthly
Zagat Survey 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009