Wednesday, May. 27, 2009

Old Siam brings Thai food downtown

Old Siam opened in the space occupied until recently called Tavern Off Broadway last week. The basic design of the restaurant remains the same, other than the framed posters of Thailand and various wall hangings and knick-knacks.

And, of course, the scent of curry as you walk in the building.

Lunch is a bargain. For $6.95, you can get an entree with your choice of beef, pork, chicken or tofu. It comes with a salad with lemon grass dressing and a fried Thai spring roll. Entrees include four types of curries, six kinds of noodle dishes and several rice dishes.

Soups include Chicken Coconut Soup (Thum Kha Gai) or Hot and Sour (Tom Yum). Both are $2.95 for a cup; $5.95 for a bowl. The Thai Beef Noodle Soup (Guay Tew Nuea) is $6.95.

Salads include Yum Yai (the house salad) for $4.95 and the Yum Nuea (Thai Beef Salad) for $6.95.There is a soup and salad option for $5.95. At dinner, entrees run from $9.95-$15, and include many of the items from lunch plus more.

Steve and Orapid Pharis owned a similar restaurant in Savannah, before opening Old Siam in Columbus.

Old Siam

14 11th St., 706-507-0993

Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Atmosphere: In the old Tavern Off Broadway location, owners Steve and Orapid Pharis have added a little Thai flavor to the restaurant, with framed posters of Thailand and wall hangings.

Starters: The Fresh Salad Rolls with hoisin sauce topped with crushed peanuts and a splash of chili sauce cost $4.95 for two. You get four Thai Crispy rolls with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for $5.95. Steamed dumplings are $6.95 and are served with a soy vinaigrette dipping sauce.

Beverages: Pepsi products as well as Thai iced tea or coffee. A liquor license is pending.

Main dishes: The national dish of Thailand is Pad Thai and you can have either chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, squid or tofu with the noodles. Other favorites include Pad Kee Mao or Drunken Noodles and Matasaman curry.

Side items: Jasmine rice for $2; peanut or sweet and sour sauces for $1 each.

Specialty diets: Any of the dishes can be made vegetarian by using tofu instead of a meat.

What to wear: Casual, but lots of work attire at lunch.

Who to bring: Anyone who likes Thai food.

Of note: Guests can tell servers what level of spice is desired.