Nokham Thai

After a hectic weekend, hubby and I were exhausted and looking forward to a quiet Sunday evening. We didn’t feel like cooking but didn’t feel like pizza or Chinese. We wanted something fresh, tasty but not fussy; Thai would be perfect. All our regular spots were closed but I remembered Nokham Thai, a small restaurant in a strip mall not too far from home, that came highly recommended by my good friend Nancy and several other sources (Ottawa Foodies, Ottawa Xpress, Anne DesBrisay, etc).

We decided to dine in and made a reservation as I had read the restaurant is often full. Turns out I didn’t need to worry for that Sunday night; the restaurant wasn’t even half full (though there was a steady stream of clients picking up take-out). Décor is much like any other Thai restaurant (though my hubby noticed the flowers on the tables were fresh) and it looked clean. Service was quick, attentive and polite.

To start, I ordered the Tom Kha Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup with coconut milk and lemongrass, fresh mushrooms, baby corn and thai ginger) and my husband ordered the Poa Pia Gai (spring rolls with chicken and vegetables). My soup was a.m.a.z.i.n.g.!!! The best Tom Kha I’ve ever had – spicy, tangy, fresh! Yum! I think there was a drizzle of chili oil on top… delicious! I could eat that soup every day twice a day! My hubby received 4 large spring rolls, piping hot and absolutely delicious. The appetizers were perfect!

For the main course, we decided to share Pa Nang (red curry chicken with coconut milk and spicy peanut sauce), Kao Neaw (steamed sticky rice), and chicken Pad Thai (traditional fried rice noodles with chicken, eggs, peanuts and bean sprouts). The Pa Nang was good, comforting and perfectly spicy. It didn’t floor me like the Tom Kha but it was good. Steamed sticky rice is, well, steamed sticky rice. It was good too. The Pad Thai I had high expectations because I had heard and read it was excellent but I was disappointed; the sauce was way too sweet! (Dare I say, like ketchup?) I wouldn’t order that again, I much prefer the one I make at home or the one at Bon Thai in Vanier. Portions were on par with other Thai restaurants. Our apps filled us up so we brought home half the mains to enjoy as leftovers.

If I remember correctly, the total came to $46 (plus 20% tip) – I felt that was reasonable, especially considering I was totally stuffed when we walked out. I will definitely go again and Nokham Thai is sure to be our source for Thai take-out. I very much look forward to trying more of their dishes (and having more of that fabulous soup). Sadly, I didn’t take any pictures – I didn’t have my camera – but when I do order take-out I will update my post with pictures of the various dishes. Give them a try if you have the chance! Well worth it!

Nokham Thai
747 Richmond Road
Ottawa, ON K2A 0G6
613-724-6135
Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11 - 2
Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5 - 10