The Rise and Fall of Bangkokheimer

Thai Bistro's new location is changing the game on the west end of Westheimer.

Comments (0) By Robb Walsh Wednesday, Feb 10 2010

With the English names on the menu, the mild spice levels and the formal service, Thai Bistro is obviously trying to appeal to the masses. I expected that would mean a lot of lame compromises and cheap ingredients. But I was wrong. Thai Bistro is a rare bird, a mainstream-oriented Thai restaurant that doesn't cut any corners.

The peppers aren't jalapeños; they are Thai peppers. The tart and sweet flavors come from expensive tamarind, not cheap limes and cane sugar. The curries are lovingly homemade from scratch, not whipped up from spice mixes. It's quality Thai food that both veteran Thai food lovers and novices can enjoy.

Troy Fields

The shrimp and pineapple curry isn't all that spicy, but it's fragrant and rich with coconut milk.

Location Info

Map

Thai Bistro Restaurant

3241 SW Freeway
Houston, TX 77027

Category: Restaurant > Thai

Region: Greenway Plaza

0 user reviews	Write A Review

Thai Bistro

11660 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77077

Category: Restaurant > Thai

Region: Memorial

Details

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Blazing noodles: $9.95

Pineapple curry: $12.95

Basil Inferno: $9.95

Papaya salad: $7.95

Lunch specials: $8

3241 Southwest Fwy., 713-669-9375

11660 Westheimer, 281-496-5559

More About

Which is probably why both Thai Bistro locations are packed, while other Thai restaurants in Houston are closing their doors. The Thai Bistro on Westheimer has set a new standard of excellence on the west end of Westheimer. We'll see how many other Thai restaurants on the stretch once known as Bangkokheimer can meet the challenge.