Thumra Thai

Not very impressed

by mavhayley at Citysearch

I'm confused by the multiple five star reviews of this restaurant. I've eaten at a LOT of Thai restaurants and I was just not impressed by this one. I'm a newcomer to the Eastside and hoping that this is not all the Eastside has to offer.

The food was not terrible, but not great. Pretty bland, veggies in my dish were overcooked and the food just didn't have a lot of zip. It took a long time to get someone to take our order (for takeout, no less) and the whole time we were waiting, I could hear the microwave beep-beep-beeping in the background. NOT what I want to hear when I'm in a restaurant!

Decent food in a pinch, decent serving sizes, decent prices. But really nothing to write home about.

• Pros: Easy parking, not crowded
• Cons: Slow service, food not very tasty

Excellent

by Jared R at Citysearch

My roommate discovered this place last year when we got all of the snow. It was the only place we could find that hadn't closed due to the snow and the only business that was even open in the plaza. Fate lead us to one of the best family owned and operated restaurant's I've been to.

I think the restaurant is owned and operated by a three person family. I started going here a lot while I still lived in the Kirkland area. But that night we were served by the "mother" who served us every time but maybe once. Alone that night she was keeping the restaurant open despite being completely snowed in herself.

The food is great, the prices can only be beat by fast food joints, and the service is one of a kind. I don't know if I should share this story or not... but the second to last night I was there I noticed a decoration that reminded me very much of a piece my grandmother used to have in her living room. After dinner I nostalgically admired it and after a moment or two drummed up the gumption to ask if I could buy it.

It wasn't big or expensive, but it immediately had some intangible sentimental value to me and I was prepared to pay maybe... $50 - $100 for it? When I asked "mother" if I could buy it she immediately unplugged it, took it from it's place and offered it to me refusing to take any money whatsoever! I was shocked and haven't before or since felt so humbled the generosity of a stranger. Well maybe not a stranger... certainly not anymore.

I realized though that between having the only "open" sign on in a totally desolate snow covered parking lot, and serving each customer like their a family friend... this is the care that goes into each meal that's served.

Please don't start asking for their decorations... but please DO take a moment to enjoy some of the fruit of their hard work. The back of the menu tells a story about who their family is, how they came to the states, and how they opened Thumra Thai. Your taste buds and even your wallet will thank you!!!

• Pros: Best Service and Thai Food in Town

Deelish, would go back time & time again

by heatherinseattle1234 at Citysearch

I absoluely love this little hidden gem in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland. I have tried 5 things off the menu so far and each of them have been full of flavor and perfectly seasoned & cooked. After discovering this place about 2 mos ago I have since brought 2 people to experience Thumra as well, both of whom loved it.. Great staff, great food & great prices!!!

• Pros: food, flavor, service, pricing, parking...all and all it's a 10!
• Cons: None

Absolutely the Best Thai food around

by dolphinali at Citysearch

My best friend told me she had the best Thai food ever at this little place in Totem Lake. She was right! It's in a little strip mall and I wouldn't go there if I drove by myself, but I she took me and I'm officially hooked. It really is the best Thai food I've had. I love the story behind the restaurant too. It makes it that much better! The service was great and everyone is soooo friendly. I will drive WAY out of my way to come back here. I hope that more people try Thumra Thai and continue to bring more family and friends and help make this restaurant a success. Try the Phad See Ewe (?) and have the coconut ice cream for dessert! So deelish!

• Pros: Everything!
• Cons: Nothing!

Best Thai on the East side

by r2thefoodie at Citysearch

This is a small, cozy place with the most delicious authentic Thai food on the East side. Don't go there if you're expecting a fancy upscale dining experience. However, for fresh, tasty Thai food that's very flavorful, and cooked just right, this is the place to go to.

The first time I walked in here, I wasn't sure what I was in for. I was expecting an average meal at this tiny, empty place in a Kirkland strip mall. But the lady welcomed me and brought me the freshest plate of mussels in red curry ever. I keep going back, and I have never understood why more people don't know about this place. The food is delicious, I have never been disappointed.

The lady (who is the only server there, her husband prepares the food) is very kind, too. I've been there a few times, and the second time I was there, I was sick, and she brought me hot tea (on the house!) that I didn't ask for, and she said it would make me feel better! This is the sort of friendly environment combined with great food that keeps me coming back for more.