Recs for Mexican, Indian or Thai - Orlando

[mamaseto]

We will be in Orlando for a few nights and would love recommendations for a great Mexican, Indian or Thai restaurant.

Thanks Chow Hounders

[melpadilla]

Went to Sea Thai on Colonial by the mall and hands down its my new favorite Thai restaurant. Great atmosphere, service and the food was wonderful. They have a lot of different options then what I've seen at most thai restaurants.

[herbert1]

I went to Tang's over in the Dr Phillips plaze a couple of days ago and was disappointed in my meal. Don't know if it was a one off bad night or they have declined from their previous high standards. Anyone else been lately?

[alirn]

We love SEA Thai, and eat there often. It's got a great atmosphere and service, I love the food (try the scallops if they have them on special) and a very reasonable price point. It's our family's preferred birthday/celebration spot.

We get to pick a restaurant for birthday lunches at work, and this was my pick. None of my co-workers had ever tried Thai. When we left there were 8 new converts, we have been back several times since.

[gfr1111]

Don't miss Memories of India. I first heard about this restaurant on these boards and became a convert the first time I ate there. Try the lamb vindaloo and order the the green, highly spiced, garlicky sauce. The nan is excellent. They also have several Indian beers, not something you see very often in Florida. Try the Kingfisher.

I like the place better for dinner than for the lunch limited menu or buffet. The food just isn't as good when it has been sitting around a while. Go for dinner. The food is fresher and there is more variety (admittedly, at a higher price--but well worth it).

Memories of Indian is at about exit 73 or 74. It's the exit for Universal Studios. It's on Turkey Lake Road in a shopping center with a K-Mart. The restaurant is easy to miss, so look for the K-Mart.

[Rusyoak]

For Thai I love Thai Thani, it is one of the very few Thai restaurants in the USA endorsed by the government of Thailand. It has a lackluster, mini mall exterior, but it is nice inside, very nice atmosphere and excellent food. You can find it at http://www.thaithaniorlando.net/

[qwertop]

i have to disagree on thai thani. underspiced and sauces that are more like thick gravy.

[askdrtodd]

Thai Thani is really good for certain dishes, the red curry being one of them. apps are also tasty and pad thai is pretty solid.

[LuckyMike]

Thai - Siam Garden - 1111 W Webster Ave, Winter Park, FL
Mexican - Panchos Mexican Food (Formerly -Beto's ) 103 Semoran Blvd
Fern Park, FL 32730-2106 - panchosorlando.com
No idea on Indian - I only eat it when I travel.

[starbucksbrew]

Indian: Memories of India is unbeatable (two locations: Orlando and Lake Mary). If you're here on a Sunday for lunch, their buffet is the best way to try a variety of things. My absolute favorite is the mutter paneer, and don't miss the mango ice cream.

Mexican: For a quick meal, Tijuana Flats is my standby. I eat there about once a week. For a longer meal, Paxia in College Park has outstanding pork tacos. I've heard from many people that Los Generales is excellent but haven't been there yet.

Thai: Napasorn in downwtown Orlando is more upscale and has amazing panang curry and garlic dishes. Tasty Thai on Curry Ford looks like a dive, but you can't beat the food. Both have excellent Thai tea.

[Sandwich_Sister]

It's funny because it seems to me that most of the Orlando Florida foodies seem to disagree a lot on what mexican restaurants are good. I honestly think it really has to do with what you consider "mexican food". We obviously aren't going to reccommend Taco Bell or Del Taco but if you want a nice sit down authentic mexican cuisine you may have to check out a few places and then since it's popular there are chains and while we try not to reccommend chains since you want something unique to the area sometimes a certain chain is worth mentioning.

So there is an inexpensive but good category the includes a local chain and I think these a great for lunches, or after the bar type meals.
* Betos
* Tijuana Flats

A second tier good prices and including local chain and western chain both favs of mine
*Azteca
* Girabaldis
* Cancun Cafe

A thrid tier they consider themselves more mexican Cuisine
* Los Generals
* Taquitos Jalisco
* Agave Azul

I want to try more of Los Generals, Went there for margarita and appetizer one night, and I was interested in ordering more. Taquitos Jalisco didn't really impress me, but I am still a fan of Girabaldis, they have a kissimmee restaurant on 192 if you near the disney . area. Also Azteca, the OBT restaurant, even though its not just a florida chain, the service is wonderful, and the food is good, it's a lot on a plate for a decent price

Betos is awesome for lunch or after bar, I haven't been there in quite some time, but if they are still the same way it's worth a try.

[pdpredtide]

there is also a garibaldi's next to the Florida Mall on Sand Lake

[bkhuna]

I don't get this place. It's awful. The one on Colonial and Semoran is good, but the mall locations might as well be classified as a food court establishment with alcohol.

Bad. Very, very bad.

[beachmouse]

Tijuana Flats isn't authentic Mexican and will never try to be. But it's quick and reliably tasty food for under $10, they use reasonably good quality ingredients for that price point, and they cook their beans in house.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Orlando is really spread out. What parts of town will you be visiting? Here are my favorites, but they may not be anywhere near you.

Mexican -- Chilango's in Winter Springs. A tiny little storefront with a few tables, but the most authentic, delicious Mexican food I've ever had in Florida. Run by a very sweet family, and incredibly cheap too.

Thai -- Thai Singha in Waterford Lakes, a sprawling shopping center in East Orlando near UCF.

Indian -- Kohinoor in Altamonte Springs (very close to I-4). Always amazing, whether you catch the lunch buffet or order off the menu.

[melpadilla]

I really enjoy Red Bamboo for Thai. Out of the several Thai places I've been to around town I think they are one of the best.

My family (not me though) has dined at Cantina Laredo (mexican) off of Sand Lake Road and said its great. Its also getting really good reviews.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I've only eaten Lunch at these two places but I've had great experiences each time I've gone.

Red Bamboo for Thai - Decent prices stardard Thai Food all delicious
6803 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32819

Memories of India - I've only had the lamb vindaloo here but it was delicious and just the right amount of spice
7625 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819

[Rona Gindin]

I second Memories of India. For Thai, I'm fond of Sea Thai on East Colonial. In fact, I just taped a show there. If you have access, try Bright House channel 300/Food/On Dining/Sea Thai to get an idea of what the place is like. As for Mexican ... I'll let others answer. I haven't found one excellent place yet.
RonaGindin.com

[drew5720]

Go to Thai House of Orlando @ 2117 East Colonial Dr. Fantastic Thai food.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I loved Thai House too. I read somewhere that the Red Bamboo owner is a relative of the owners of the Thai House. I really enjoyed both but for lunch I would say Red Bamboo, for dinner Thai House, but that is only because I haven't had dinner at Red Bamboo.