Azeka Mak'ai Shopping Center
The owner/manager was very hospitable!
From Thailand, and a Thai Dancer, her dance costume from past performances,
were dramatically displayed in a glass case. Some of the pieces were taken-out
so I could touch the gold inlaid patterns and experience the weight. The head-dress
was heavy. She encouraged me to try it on, but thought otherwise. This seemed unusual
for me, not to play Thai Dancer, but I was on a Date...so I cooled-down. Cultural displays
add to an ethnic restaurant! It extends our human senses to be further interested in
food choices and preparation, always waiting for the unexpected.
New for me, was Thai Ice Tea...a chilled, tall-glass beverage with a definitive
coconut flavor! So, magnificently refreshing to the palate! Had two servings! With our entrees,
hot tea was ordered. A serious tea drinker, I was disappointed to receive my tea warm. In
fact, it tasted like tap water warm. I definitely could not drink this tea. My request
for a refill for hot boiling water tea, could have been exercised, but, somehow to make
this request would have been an insult to an Asian restaurateur...so my restraint was
preferred. The Whole Crispy Fried Fish, deeply scored for an appealing pattern of crispy folded edges, was served with generous well-seasoned julienne cut vegetables, all of which added dramatic color and texture to the plating. Although too well done, not tender and flaky, the whole fish was "accepted" for the moment, as "thick well-flavored fish pieces." Rice was served in a Thai traditional rice basket.
I was more impressed with the rice basket, as the rice was too sticky for me. Of course, I was told it was suppose to be "sticky." For years, rice for me was always steamed packed and fluffed, but not sticky! If I wanted to, I could have ordered "regular" steamed rice, but it was an inventive Thai experience. Just a cultural preference. Finger type service, of Chicken Sateh on a Stick marinated in peanut flavored dipping sauce was absolutely tender and delicious. Attractive Spring Rolls were large and delicate in appearance, yet each bite heavily fulfilling of shrimp, vegetables, basil, and spices....with four of these rolls, it could be a grand vegan meal...delightful.
A hospitable environment with gracious wait help is a definite positive for Royal Thai Cuisine. It was like, eating in the warmth and comfort of home. Parking was plentiful and conveniently nearby the restaurant.
3 STAR RATING
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