Thai Thai restaurant located at 221 East North Street, has been in operation for the last three years. They say it’s the best in SD. Now, I am not a super fan of Thai food, but figured it is much like Chinese and I love Chinese food, so I thought I would give it a try.
There are only two Thai restaurants in Rapid City, others have Thai food on the menu but Thai Thai specializes in this cuisine. In general, Thai food is hot and spicy, while Chinese food is milder. Thai cuisine makes use of more herbs and spices. Thai vs Vietnams’ food, while using the same spices Thai food is generally spicier because they immerse the spices in the cooking process. Thai vs Japanese cuisine, while using much of the same spices Thai still comes out hotter. Iconic Thai food can be created with a sweet, salty sour, bitter and spicy finish.
Upon arriving at Thai Thai, there was only one car in the odd shaped parking lot. The restaurant sits on the lot at an angle, which makes parking a bit of a pain. I was a bit concerned that it was after 5:30 and there was only one table occupied, not always a good sign. But let me tell you by the time I left Thai Thai every table was full and there was a bit of a wait to get a table.
The restaurant was very clean and nicely decorated. I do have to say that the carpet has seen better days, for a carpet that is only three years old, it has not stood the test of time, I for one am not a fan of carpet in any restaurant. It looks like seating for about 50 and by the end of my meal they used every seat and then some.
I was meet at the door and seated, but it took a bit for someone to greet me. I ordered half order of egg rolls with house made sweet and sour sauce and Cashew Stir-Fry with the combination meat, beef and shrimp, my total was $19.65. The combo meat consisted of beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp, but I did not want two out of the four so my server said they would add extra beef and shrimp, and your choice of rice, fried rice or noodles.
The half order of egg rolls (2) were tightly wrapped and super crispy and the homemade dipping sauce was very good. Just the right amount of heat. The dish is described as crunchy cashew nuts, onions, celery, pineapple, bell peppers, baby corn, water chestnuts and carrots in a special sweet chili sauce. My meal arrived and it looked good, I will have to say there was plenty of beef but just a few shrimp, four to be exact, I was a bit disappointed in that there should have been more shrimp since I did not get the chicken or pork, and I will have to say that this dish says it’s spicy, but I was a bit let down with the spicy level, I am not a spice eater, but this had very little to no spice. And I have to say the beef was all over the place, some were cooked just right, while others were dry and tough. The shrimp was cooked just right (all 4 of them)
Over all the meal was good was not a big fan of the fried rice, but after adding some of the homemade dipping sauce it added some flavor. Thai Thai is receiving 3 ½ stars, although the food was not bad, the consistency needed work, and if you are going to charge me extra for the combo meat, then I expect more than four shrimp. The service was good and the place was clean, would I go back? Probably, but if I had a choice for Chinese or Thai I would go Chinese all the way. Thai Thai is open 6 days a week dine in or carry out from 11 AM to 8:30 PM closed on Wednesday.
Until next week with our triple digits drink plenty of H2O and find some shade. Good eats.
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