Bangkok Bay

Bangkok Bay is hands down the best Thai food that I have found in San Diego.  Yes, Spices has it followers but I have never been a fan.  Others that I have liked are Taste of Thai in Hillcrest, La Basil Thai in Bird Rock and I have not been to Chedi Thai in La Jolla but have hear that it is good.

Bangkok Bay is nestled in the corner of a small shopping strip with an unassuming sign that you could easily drive by.  Once you make it into the parking lot the group of people standing outside the door is a dead giveaway that the place is good.

They take reservations and if you don't want to wait on a friday or saturday, I recommend reservations, they do take out too.

The decor is quaint, thai and not overdone.  You are surrounded by fresh plants to give you that tropical feel and the seats and booths are comfortable.  Service is great and the kitchen behind the curtain must work at an amazing pace because food is constantly coming out and consistently perfect.

TJ and VJ are the owners and TJ is from northern Thailand so the northern style cooking is evident.   As for the food.  I have tried many things on the menu and I have not found something that I did not like.

For the apps.  My favorite is the potstickers.  Yes you can get them anywhere and you can even buy them frozen at Trader Joe's or Costco but these are the BEST.  Always perfectly cooked (panfried) and the sauce is just right, with that tang and sweet and spice blended with the care of an artist.  The summer rolls are nice too.  These are rice paper wrapped tofu, carrots, mint, cilantro and other vegetables served with a tamarind and peanut sauce.  The crispy spring rolls are good and served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce.  When the kids are with us we get the chicken satay (known to the kids as chicken on a stick) and they love it.  I usually can nab one and they are tasty, especially with the peanut sauce.

Soup.  We usually get the Tom Kha.  There coconut base is blended with the right amount of stock or water (not sure what they use) but it is not too thin or overly thick.  The added spice and aromatics work.  A little lemongrass without big chunks you have to spit out, a touch of galangal (if you don't know this think of ginger with a bit more spice) and kaffir lime balance the soups aroma and flavor.  Whether you get vegetables, chicken or shrimp is up to you but the soup is great.  I occasionally get the Tom Yum which is a spicy clear soup that hits the spot when I'm not in the mood for the creaminess of the Tom Kha.

Salads.  I ordered the Som Tom just so I could tell you about their salads. (You can thank me later).  This is shredded green papaya, tomatoes and carrots in a spicy lime dressing topped with peanuts.   It has some kick so don't think the green papaya dish a way to cool down you mouth after another spicy dish.  Its a great dish to share for the table and everyone can have a scoop or too.

Entrees.  Well, there are too many to talk about so I am going to highlight my favorites.  The panang salmon in a nice fish dish.  It is a nice piece of salmon covered with their Panang sauce and served with broccoli.  The salmon has always been well cooked and the sauce is so good you soak it up with the broccoli and then clean the plate with your finger.

Two others that I get frequently are the Hot Basil and Cashew Nut.  The hot basil has a very aromatic basil that is noted soon as the plate arrives and the tastes blend well with the onions and peppers.  The cashew nut is less spicy but very savory.

If you look for more of a peanut style sauce order the Pra Ram this is another one of my favorites.

I can't pick a best curry but I have had the green, red and yellow and I order depending on my mood that day but either way you won't go wrong.

Hungry Yet??  Check out the menu

What about the Pad Thai you ask?  I have never been a big Pad Thai fan but she is so I'm sure she'll comment.

If you have been thinking about going or have never heard of the place make a point of trying it.  Your taste buds will be happy.  If you can't decide on what dishes to order, order more than enough, it still tastes great the next day for lunch.

His