When you're in Hampton Roads, VA, ya gotta eat at these two Thai restaurants - Bangkok Garden (Virginia Beach) and Rama Garden Thai (Norfolk)

Bangkok Garden

2029 S Lynnhaven Pkwy
Virginia Beach, VA
Tel: (757) 282-6189

Last week, we ventured into the deep south of Virginia to enjoy a few days on the beach.

Wherever we go, we always seek out Thai restaurants, well one of us does anyway, and the other one accommodates.  Seriously, folks, isn't that what marriage is all about?  So, when we were on a short beach vacation, we Yelped Thai restaurants in Virginia Beach and came up with Bangkok Garden.  It is located in a nondescript strip mall along a major traffic artery in Virginia Beach, which, as we recently found out, is the largest city in Virginia. 

It is a large restaurant with two traditionally decorated, though a bit darker than we prefer, dining halls and tattered seats... and the food is delicious! For under $9, each lunch entree comes with a veggie spring roll and a salad, so the value is way great. Service is attentive and friendly. Considering the plethora of lunch options in the area, there were quite a few patrons here, which is definitely a good sign for us. 

In short, we had a great experience here and would come here again next time we are in the area.

Salad with delicious peanut ginger dressing and veggie spring roll

Garlic Vegetable Stir Fry $8.50

Pad Ka-Na Chicken Stirfried with Broccoli $8.50

Rama Garden Thai Cuisine
441 Granby St

Norfolk, VA
Tel: (757) 616-0533

Just a short drive north of Virginia Beach in Norfolk, when we (well, one of we) was again craving Thai (admittedly, a natural state of existence for some of us), there was another pleasant surprise (Yelp to the rescue!) - in the quaint walkable, downtown area - lunch at the Rama Garden Thai Restaurant. This downtown area has quite a few cute restaurants and shops, it is clean with lots of little mini parks with benches and is dog friendly. And though during lunch time this area seemed a bit deserted, especially compared with the crowded walking areas inside the Beltway that we are accustomed to, Rama Garden was quite busy with lunchers. There was only one waiter, who did a great job serving all the tables.

The decor here was a blend of traditional and nouveau fun, service was wonderful, and the food delicious! We ordered the Papaya Salad as an appetizer, and altough it was served along with the entrees, which is not what we expected, it went along perfectly with our entrees as a side dish. The Papaya Salad was not spicy, like you'd get, say at Bangkok Golden at Seven Corners, but fresh and delicious. Both entrees we ordered - Siamese Beef and Spicy Mango with Veggies - were served kinda soupy, which was a bit different, but absolutely great. And great value, too!

One of us prefers their food dry and not spicy, the other one loves spicy and saucy (yes, we are opposites, that's why we're married) - and we were both very happy with what we got here.  The Spicy Mango dish was seasoned so perfectly that no additional sauces were needed and the medley of vegetables was fabulous.

Will definitely return here, maybe will even seek it out next time we're in Norfolk!

Papaya Salad (bottom left) ($5.95), Beef Siam (top) ($7.50) and Spicy Mango with Veggies (bottom right) ($7.50)

• Business website

Tara Thai - Falls Church, VA (re-visited many times)

7501-E Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
tel : 703.506.9788
E-mail : tarathaifallschurch@gmail.com

Just a quick update that Tara Thai in Falls Church is still awesome. We have reviewed it previously, but just wanted to let you know about the consistency of the food, the service and the overall quality of the dining experience in this neighborhood strip mall restaurant.

For those who like ethnic dives, Tara Thai does not have the ethnic dive vibe.  Its large windows let in a lot of light, its aquarium decor is well-maintained and bright, and its staff all speak excellent English, are cheerful and knowledgeable.  Just needed to get that part out of the way, now on to the restaurant.

There is no dish here that is not absolutely delicious.  It's one thing to have a great selection on the menu, it's quite an added bonus to execute each dish the same way every time for a reliably undeviating experience when you've got the yearn to satisfy that specific craving. Tara Thai Falls Church is a hit every time.

Service is also consistently attentive, friendly and flawless.  Staff here are clearly knowledgeable and happy, while courteous and efficient.  

Last night we decided to stop by for happy hour. Their menu selection is typically listed on the wall. All drinks are half-price (wine, beer and cocktails) and there are about 8 appetizers that are also heavily discounted. Their wine selection during happy hour is limited to only "white or red," so if you'd like a wider selection from their well-stocked bar, be prepared to choose from the non-happy hour menu.  The happy hour appetizer selection is available only at the bar and a few tables nearest the front door. Theoretically, sitting so close to the entrance on a cold January night can feel drafty, but the vestibule is heated and insulated perfectly, so it's quite a comfortable location.  

We have mentioned in previous blogs that the Num Tok (beef salad) here is excellent.  This is an appetizer for those who enjoy intense flavors.  A particularly savory flavor is in the liquid that remains in the cradle of the plate once the beef, red onion, green onions and cilantro garnish are gone.  Their fried calamari appetizer is also excellent.  It comes glazed in a medium-intensity sweet and sour sauce, which is more on the savory side, with diced onions, green peppers and red peppers.  The Spring Rolls are delicate and perfect for finger-food type of snacking with a deliciously-mixed Cosmopolitan or a nice wine.  The Curry Puffs (two to an order) are delicate fried and potato-ey, accompanied by a clear sauce with small jalapeno pieces, which is more sweet than spicy.

The happy hour  section can get quite crowded, but luckily, Tara Thai accepts reservations for that section, which is quite unusual and definitely welcomed!

One thing that we did notice over the many years we have been regular customers at Tara Thai in Falls Church is that the entree portions seem to have gotten smaller.  The small mint that used to accompany the bill was discontinued several years ago.  There were some other changes, that appear to have been a result of needing to meet the bottom line.  Though these small changes are noticeable to folks like us, we still consider Tara Thai to be a wonderful place for a great dining experience and a terrific meal.

We could not sign off without noting that not all Tara Thai's are alike.  We have visited the Tara Thai in Ballston, VA (Arlington) several years ago. Our experience there was nowhere close to the one in Tara Thai Falls Church.  It is no wonder that Tara Thai in Ballston closed.  We have also visited Tara Thai in Vienna, VA and reviewed it here. Our experience there was also far inferior to what we describe here for Tara Thai Falls Church.  Be mindful of these differences and please do not judge them all by your experience in one.

  

 Cosmopolitan with what's left of the Num Tok appetizer (sorry was too excited to dig in before remembering to take a photo)

Spring Rolls appetizer