Thai Villiage - A Taste of Thailand in Waipio, Hawaii
November 25, 2008 Hawaii Restaurant Review No Comments
I heard rumor of a new Thai restaurant in Waipio, so I checked it out last week. I’ve done many bar reviews, but here is my first restaurant review. These reviews are not paid advertisements and are honest assessments!
Thai Village is located in the Waipio Shopping Center just past Food Land. The restaurant replaced a Korean Restaurant and laundry center this August.
The Food
In my opinion, there are several main staples of a Thai Restaurant in America; Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai and any of the wonderful curries like red, yellow or Panang. I’ve been to Thailand twice (for 10 days each) and feel I have eaten enough authentic Thai food to gauge a good Thai restaurant in America.
I tried the Papaya Salad and Panang Curry with some sticky rice and a Thai ice tea. The Papaya Salad was simple and very tasty. I got it medium spiced, but it had a good kick to it. It was refreshing and flavorful, but if you can’t eat spicy food get it mild. The Panang Curry was outstanding thanks to the fresh, high quality ingredient. Three of the other places I have been on Oahu served their curry with low quality meat and vegtibles. Thai Village used premium chicken and firm, fresh string beans with a fantastic Panang Curry sauce. The tangy, spicy Papaya salad and flavorful curry was a great mix. The Thai Ice Tea was as good as any other place I have tried in Thailand or on Oahu.
The Service
The service was outstanding. My water glass was never empty and the waitresses are extremely friendly and always available even during a busy hour. There were two waitresses/cashiers to cover roughly ten tables. The staff managed a full restaurant and took several take out orders while I was there. You can expect great, friendly service with a smile even during peak times.
The Atmosphere
Thai Village has some nice Thai Decor and was very clean. The restaurant is small, so you way be waiting for a seat during peak lunch and dinner hours. The tables were spaced out well and you should have plenty of room/privacy if you come with a date, friends or family. I’m not sure the restaurant could handle large parties or events as they did not have any large tables or private areas. If you want to have a luncheon at Thai Village, call before you go!
The Price
Thai Village offers great food at a responsible price. Most places give you small portions and charge you Oahu prices. Thai Village is affordable (average meal was $8.95) and you are likely to have some food left over for a next day snack or lunch. Note: Thai Village stated on their menu that prices will increase soon due to the cost of operations.
Final Take
I have tried four other Thai restaurants on Oahu (Siam Garden Cafe on Nimitz, Singha Thai Cuisine on Ala Moana, Kularb Lao on Farrington Highway and Souvaly Thai Cuisine on Kamehameha Highway) and Thai Village is now my #1 choice for Thai food on Oahu. The only other Thai restaurant on Oahu that compares to Thai Village is Singha Thai Cuisine on Ala Moana down in Waikiki. If you are on western Oahu there is no reason to travel to Waikiki for some great Thai!
If you visit them tell them you read the review on Hawaiitopi.com! 
Directions to Thai Village in Waipio
These directions get you into the general area. Take the second left on Waipio Uka St and Thai Village is just past Food Land on your right. Check out their website for more details, menus and contact info.
