On the most Southern stretch of Broadway you will find the new location of Thai-Lao Orchid. While the restaurant has been in business in San Antonio for a handful of years now, they recently relocated to this downtown spot that is seeing new restaurants and shops begin to reclaim the abandoned storefronts. I had noticed the restaurant while training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon, and was finally able to stop by for a bite before a show at The Majestic.
The first thing that I noticed when walking in the building was the smell – all the aromas from the kitchen came out into the dining area. I knew that this was going to be good. The seating area is a little cozy, and we selected a seat that was in a nook by the front door that looked out on the street. It was fun getting to people watch on this particular stretch of Broadway.
I got an order of eggrolls to start the meal and with Pad Thai for my main course (I am not very adventurous when it comes to Thai food, I kind of stick with what I know; feel free to leave any suggestions of what to order next time in the comments). The moment of truth always comes when a waitress asks you how spicy you want to get it, and this time I didn’t hesitate in telling her “spicy” because I wanted to get it with some heat on it.
The eggrolls were fantastic; a thin, crisp shell held in some piping hot ingredients. The sweet dipping sauce was nice, but the eggrolls themselves had so many flavors you didn’t want to muddle it with the sauce that came on the side.
San Antonio Jane wasn’t that hungry, so she decided to split the Pad Thai with me. The dish was hot with heat, but I was very hungry and started chowing down. There was just the right amount of sweetness and the noodles were exceptional. I was so hungry that I didn’t initially notice the heat from the spice (I think that this might also have to do with the fact that I was also eating it when it was hot with heat). My wife, on the other hand, let the dish cool down before eating it and found it to be too spicy! This was amazing: it was the first dish that she had ever had with me where it was too spicy.
If you are a fan of food that will set your mouth on fire, be sure to ask for your dish “Thai Hot.” I was impressed that the flavors could still come out in spite of that amount of spice. However, be warned – if you ask for something “Thai Hot” at Thai-Lao Orchid, they don’t dumb it down. You’re going to get the real deal.
Thai-Lao Orchid, 116 Broadway Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: M-F 3:00PM – 8:45PM, Sat 12:00PM – 8:45PM, Sun closed
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