Sala Thai Restaurant

On a recent visit to friends in Phoenix, we all decided to try something different for lunch that wouldn't break the bank. We had 2 vegan diners s... more

Have been going since it first opened. Every meal has been outstanding. The pumpkin curry is exceptional. The dessert banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream is the best version I have had in Phoenix or San Francisco, save room for it! Highly recommended. Pros: delicious dishes Cons: tiny restaurant but worth waiting for a table more

I've never been in a Thai restaurant that looked at me like I was crazy when I asked for the condiment tray and then still didn't know what I was talking about when I described the four usual suspects. Today was my second trip to this restaurant. Both times I had Pork Laab and Thai iced tea. The first time I was there (3-4 weeks ago) the Laab was sweeter than I've ever had it, but had an overall nice flavor. They underspice here as far as I'm concerned but I like stuff really spicy. Today I ordered a 4 out of 5 spice and still needed to add more heat. Today's laab was not as good as the first time. The meat was not diced up finely enough for how tough it was, and the flavors weren't as present. It wasn't as sweet as last time, which was nice, but it also wasn't as limey or minty either. The first time I was there I was alone, today my mother came along. Since there were two of us we had an appetizer of Chicken Satay. The meat was very skimpy even at only six bucks. Five skewers came with two small bites apiece. The flavor was nothing special. My mom ordered the spicy basil fried rice. The flavor was decent, but the basil was put in stem and all, so she had to work at getting basil in any bite. I've eaten a lot of fresh basil in my day and I've never seen a cook leave it on the stem before. From my last time to now it would seem that the food is either inconsistent or getting worse, not too sure. The one thing that could save them is service. Unfortunately, the service does not compliment anything. No two dishes came out at the same time today, including the sweet rice with coconut ice cream and the coconut ice cream, she and I ordered for dessert. The first time around the service was slow, but they did get pretty busy about 15 minutes after I got there with every table filling up. I would like to return on yet another occasion and see if the food is different, I'm not yet ready to give up on them, plus I want to try their Pad Thai and Kra Pow chicken or beef. One of the best things they have going for them is the sheer size of the menu, page after page of deliciousness!! Don't forget to look at the specials, they are under the glass on the table, both times I didn't see them until after I'd ordered but am usually stuck on Laab. Pros: Location, menu size Cons: Service, lack of consistency, no four flavors?! more

I've been on a quest to find a real authentic Thai restaurant in Phoenix since moving here almost 2 years ago and I've finally found it. This is a small, cozy family-owned restaurant with very simple decor. The walls are lined with letters written by children commenting on their dining experience at Sala Thai (very cute). There are about 5-6 tables inside and 1 table for outdoor seating. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. The menu has an extensive selection with many variety of dishes to choose from, much more than I've seen in other Thai restaurants. Becareful when deciding the degree of spiciness; the chef is serious about his spices. It ranges from 1-5 with 5 being the spicest. If you choose a 3, be warned: You will burn your tongue. Pros: Excellent food Cons: Ambience more