Thai food for the 1st time

[tuxedo]

Okay, yet again I need help from chowhounders!

Going for Thai food after Thanksgiving - Where in Monmouth or Ocean County do we go?

I have avoided this cuisine in the past due to my dislike of curry, but am now willing to give it a go.

Any suggestions as to what should be ordered would we helpful as well - spice level mild!

Thanks in advance

[jackie1982]

(Know Turkey Day has long passed, but wanted to weigh in.) Bamboo Leaf in Howell has authentic Thai at a reasonable price. Large portions and great flavor. I highly recommend the peanut chicken and the Siam beef. The coconut milk soup has a nice kick to it.

If you get up to Middlesex County, Thai House Rock in Colonia is a fantastic little hole in the wall. My favorite Thai in NJ.

[ambrose]

Almost five years ago, when I knew essentially nothing about Thai cuisine, I posted a question asking what to order in a Thai restaurant. Here's the thread, which may be of interest to you:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/375136

[equal_Mark]

Siam Basil in Sea Girt is also an excellent choice.

http://www.siambasil.com/

Curries are a significant percentage of entree selections on most Thai menus, but there are always many other choices. Appetizers can include satays, samosas and dumplings. Thai soups are excellent and can potentially be served as an entree. They are generally divided into versions based on clear broth & Lemongrass Vs. ones made with coconut milk.

Entrees other than curries can consist of a variety of stir-frys with choices of different meats, veggies and sauces. Many Thai places also offer a variety of dishes featuring crispy roast duck also prepared in with different veggies and sauces. Thai duck dishes are often my go-to choice at many places.

[tuxedo]

Thanks all for the suggestions and help....The one dish I hear most about is Phat Thai ( spelling? ) Is that something for a "novice"???

[seal]

Yes, Pad Thai is a mild noodle dish that many folks who don't care for spicy food enjoy.

I also second EqualMark's rec of Siam Basil on Rt 35. I love their Som Tom, or Papaya Salad, but it is a wee bit spicy.

[BeeZee]

as far as dishes for newbies...mussuman curry doesn't taste like "curry" - the general taste people associate based on the flavors of Indian food. It is rich and slightly sweet, coconut milk and peanuts. People who are new to Thai and not looking for spicy dishes usually like it.

[MGZ]

Siam Spice is Toms River is the best Thai in the Mon/OC. You can see their menu on-line and they are pretty accomodating with adjusting spice levels to suit customer demands. I typically suggest trying papaya salad (Som Tam) as an introductory taste of the cuisine.

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Siam Spice
1174 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753