In a town known for its culinary homogeneity, the Bangkok Thai Restaurant offers a great alternative for anyone looking to escape the pizza and burger vortex that is Charleston cuisine.

Located on Lincoln Avenue in the former home of China 88, Bangkok Thai has been a breath of sweet and spicy fresh air for Charleston dining since opening its doors in January.

With a wide variety of Thai favorites available, ranging from noodle dishes, fried rice and curry to soups and salads there is sure to be something to fit every taste. Entrees are offered with beef, chicken, tofu or shrimp options though several vegetarian alternatives are also available.

Before venturing into Bangkok Thai on Tuesday evening, I was only vaguely familiar with Thai food. I had enjoyed the three or four times I had visited other Thai restaurants but I was trying not to get my hopes up too high. I was mostly wondering how the new kid on Lincoln Avenue would measure up.

As with any new dining experience making the first choice can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with most of the items on the menu. Fortunately, the menu came with enticing full color pictures of the options to aid my decision-making. After some deliberation, and glancing around at near-by plates, I settled on the dinner special for the evening, the pad se-ew with crab rangoon as a side.

I settled in and admired the decorative fans, large photos and paintings lining the walls of Bangkok Thai, giving the restaurant a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nothing spectacular, but it was enough to make me feel content while my hunger and anticipation grew.

Within 10 minutes the plate arrived steaming hot, strewn with broccoli and other vegetables, thick noodles and tender slices of chicken. Whenever trying something for the first time, it’s natural to approach the first few bites cautiously, almost reluctantly, until you can judge whether your adventurousness has paid off. So I began slowly, but it was not long before I was digging into my pad se-ew like I’d been eating it my entire life.

The spice was enough to make me keep my water glass close at hand but was not overwhelming, and the taste was enough to induce a significant lag in dinner conversation. I was beginning to understand what has made Bangkok Thai such a popular Charleston restaurant in only five months of existence. I finished up and felt the hearty satisfaction of a good decision setting in.

The only part of the evening that even slightly soured the sweet taste lingering in my mouth came at the end as I headed toward the cashier with bill in hand. My meal had included the discounted dinner special and a glass of water and the total price came to $7.50. Considering the amount of food that came with my meal I would consider this pretty reasonably priced, but for college kids looking for a cheap way to keep fed there are less expensive alternatives in town. Lunch specials are available for only $5.95 and dinner specials for $6.95 before tax. Most other dishes are in the $7- $9 range. Drive through and delivery services are also available.

It takes time to really get to know something well enough to fully judge it, but first impressions mean a lot. I do not know how my experience with Bangkok Thai will take shape in the future but I left the restaurant that night with my stomach full and high expectations fulfilled. My first experience with Bangkok Thai had gone well. Before I left the parking lot I found myself already looking forward to a return visit. The food was served hot and fresh with friendly service in an enjoyable environment and I do not think I could ask for much more than that.

Bangkok Thai has filled the void left by China 88 and if nothing else, given those of us looking to get away from the pizza, burgers and late night trips to Taco-Bell that dominate our lives, something to rejoice about.

A serving of the Thai meal Pad Kee Mao. Kristy Mellendorf/The Daily Eastern News

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