Restaurant Review: Aroy Thai Cuisine in Manhattan, KS

Manhattan is a small town, boasting few chain restaurants, if you eliminate fast foods. It's an unlikely place to find genuine ethnic cuisine, but somehow it's there. The small Thai Restaurant is located at 3003 Anderson Ave Suite 1005, tucked into the corner of Anderson and Seth Child. It's across from Wendy's and Burger King and a stone's throw away from the DMV. It doesn't stand out among it's surroundings which is a shame.

I've been a regular at Aroy Thai Cuisine ever since I started attending Kansas State University. Almost as soon as you enter the restaurant, Anna who works at the front desk greets you. She's always friendly and lively. I've become quite fond of her over the years. Not only is she a sweetheart, she also makes an effort to know her regulars by name and if they have a regular order. She's proof that service with a smile and a little extra effort goes a long way in keeping your regular customers.

The waiters and waitresses are always impeccably dressed oriental style-clothes. Were I more cultured, I would know what they were called but I don't. My point is that they really try to go for an authentic feel. From the music, to the portraits and paintings hanging from the wall, the fountains, plants and ambient music there is a little bit of Thailand right here in the middle of Kansas.

My regular is the pineapple fried rice and curried duck. Once in awhile, I'll go out on a limb and get something barbecued, but my usual just happens to be my comfort food and I have gone there on a really good day, on a really bad day, every time I have had a surgery and every time I have been sick.

I think their food is perfect, rich and spicy! Always in huge servings. Their food is a little pricier than some of the restaurants in the surrounding area, but the quality and authenticity is well worth it!

I'm always a little disappointed that they're not bursting with business like I think they should be. They seem to have a moderate amount of success. They've recently bought a new fountain for their waiting area and it looks like some of their furniture has been updated. I just wish that more people in the Manhattan, Kansas area were bigger fans of Thai Food, or had a population that didn't mostly consist of college students who resort to fast food.

Overall, the food is delectable, the atmosphere great, the staff is fantastic and the price is fair. I would consider this the best restaurant in Manhattan. I almost wish it would change locations so that it could gain a little more exposure.