Banh Somtum

For all the spice enthusiasts out there, Banh Somtum is an absolute haven that guarantees an unforgettable journey through the fiery and flavorful world of authentic Thai cuisine. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The aromatic blend of Thai spices in the air set the stage for what turned out to be a sensational culinary adventure. As someone who adores spicy food, Banh Somtum’s menu was a dream come true. I started my spicy escapade with the Thai boat noodles and papaya salad , a classic Thai dish known for its fiery kick. Banh Somtum’s rendition was an explosion of flavors, with the perfect balance of sourness, sweetness, and a generous dose of heat that left my taste buds tingling with pleasure. The chunks of chili and papaya salad making every spoonful a burst of deliciousness. Moving on to the main course, I opted for the pla lad ma nao and lemon shrimp that delivered a punch of spiciness that was both intense and addictive. The tender pieces of shrimp and fish and the medley of vegetables were coated in a rich, velvety sauce that was a symphony of chili heat and aromatic spices. Every bite was a rollercoaster of flavors that made me appreciate the complexity of Thai cuisine. To satisfy my craving for some crunch and spice, I couldn’t resist trying the Som Tum salad. The combination of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili peppers created a textural masterpiece that was both refreshing and fiery. The spicy lime dressing tied everything together, leaving me yearning for more. As a finale, I indulged in the Pad Krapow Moo, a stir-fried dish that featured minced pork sautéed with Thai basil and chilies. The fragrant aroma of basil paired with the intense heat from the chilies made each bite a revelation in spiciness and flavor. Banh Somtum not only delivered on its promise of authentic Thai cuisine but also catered to my love for all things spicy. The attentive staff were quick to accommodate my spice preferences and made sure my dining experience was exceptional. If you’re a spice aficionado looking for a genuine Thai culinary adventure, Banh Somtum is an absolute must-visit. Just be prepared to embark on a journey of heat and flavor that will leave you craving for more.

Stopped in for lunch with a friend. We had the Chicken Pad Thai, Lad Na (Rad Na), and fried spring rolls. The Rad Na was perfectly savory and not too sweet (some places make it very sweet, but I prefer it to just be savory), the chicken was tender, and the noodles were extra wide. They even asked me how spicy I'd like it, which I don't think is typical for Rad Na, and "medium" spicy was just a hint of heat - I'd probably kick it up a notch next time. My friend's Pad Thai was delicious as well, as were the fried spring rolls. The restaurant is small, probably 10 tables or less, but is obviously a popular destination as all the tables were full for lunch. Staff was friendly. A solid choice for Thai food, worth the drive up from my office for lunch.

Was craving papaya salad, saw this restaurant was closed to where I was at and thought I give them a try. The reviews seemed promising. Got there around 1:30 the place was pretty empty. I ordered the beef larb and the lard ko ( Lao-Thai) papaya salad. The plating was nice, the larb was good, but it need little more lime for my taste. The papaya salad was good. I specified 2 peppers and it was still pretty hot. I also ordered the beef jerky. That was a total disappointment after the first 2 dishes. The bland beef was thinly sliced and fried. It had little or no flavor. The amount of food given could be more generous as they fluff and garnish the plate with cabbage and cucumber. The pricing is ok, but if they improve the portion size, it will be better.

So we went in for a small lunch. Total fail! Seven outstandingly fan-DAMN-tastic dishes later and a bunch of to go boxes we were stuffed, fat & happy. Small little place but it was almost full at 1130 on a Saturday morning. Great service too. Plus as a bonus they have some really cool art in there. I should have taken pics of that. So as if the great food wasn't reason enough to go back, taking art photos certainly is.

Came here twice this week. Once on Thursday and again today, Sunday (Easter). Don't be fooled by the outside, inside is a cozy, very clean, genuine Lao/Thai restaurant (I wish I found this place sooner). On the Thursday I came, it was quite and I had the pad see ewe. Everything was fresh and delicious. I had it medium spicy and it had a good level of heat that I enjoyed. What I loved is they did the proper flat noodles which made it more enjoyable. Service was good and it was enjoyable lunch. I came again today, Sunday, but this time with the family. The food is still really good, however this time it was really really crowded (which makes me happy since it's good, genuine Laotian food). There was lots of takeout and lots of people dining in. I think they probably could have added one more person since it was so busy the service was lacking - drink never got refilled, which is okay since we all ordered water. The food took longer to come out but it was well worth the wait. I definitely probably won't come here during the weekends since it just very busy and the restaurant is very small. Overall, so far, I think this is the best Laotian food I have had here in Houston. The menu is small but what they have is very good. Once the summer gets warmer, I will probably try their salads. Definitely will recommend this restaurant if you are looking for something different.

Great food in this small, cozy, establishment. We ordered tom yum noodles, boat noodles (dark broth with wide noodles), pineapple fried rice with added shrimp and fried spring rolls. Everything was delicious. The depth of flavor in the boat noodle broth was amazing. The Tom Yum was some of the best I've had. Usually fried rice with shrimp has small salad shrimp or shrimp that is cut up into it but this had whole medium to large shrimp that were properly cleaned and shelled with just the tail of the shell remaining. Seemed as if every dish could be adjusted heat (spicy) wise from 0 to 5, five being most spicy. Not knowing what to expect I got level 1 for the boat noodles and found it to be fairly mild. Next time, as there will be several next times at this little spot of awesome, I'll be more adventurous and bump it up to at least a 3. Great flavors, everything was fresh and served hot and quickly.

Glad I was introduced to this place, I love it. They really know how to make a dish spicy and flavorful, I always get the 5 on the spicy scale, be prepared to cry a bit. Great place for getting many dishes to share. I recommend the papaya salad, wings, and sausage. Definitely try this place out. And get the Thai tea.