Good Thai in Montgomery County, Laurel or Columbia?

[Mallomar]

Looking for a good but not too expensive place where a group of four can have a weekday leisurely late lunch or early dinner without feeling rushed. We're coming from various directions so anything from Wheaton to Columbia will work. Would also consider Chinese -- I like New Kam Fong but welcome any other suggestions. The Birthday Girl would really prefer Thai, though. Went to Benjarong two years ago and it was really good, but I'm hearing that it's not the same now. I like Ruan Thai, but I think the chairs are a bit uncomfortable for a lengthy stay.

TIA for any recommendations.

[rcooperman]

You might also try Siriwan Thai. It's a quite good, small Thai place in a strip mall off New Hampshire Avenue in Cloverly, MD near the Safeway. Consistent quality food and good service. It's about 2 miles north of the intersection of New Hampshire Ave and Randolph Road. It's a wee hard to find so here is their telco number is 301 879 2225.

[laraffinee]

Ditto - out of the way place that has been reliably good.

[mdfoodlover]

That is pretty close to me, i should try them.

Any particular dish you would recommend. I'll probably try carryout.

[rcooperman]

For startres I have liked their Kyozo and summer rolls. As to entrees I have liked their Ka Pow, Panang and red curries, crispy basil duck and pad thai. I have not had a bad dish in the two years I ahve been eating at Siriwan.

[mdfoodlover]

We had the Ka Pow and Ka Na Racha last night. Both were quite tasty, & I prefered the seasoning mix of the Ka Na Racha.

Upon arrival I saw they had 2 daily specials on a hand written board that both sounded delicious. Next time I'll go & place my order in person so I can see the specials first.

I do appreciate the heads up for this hidden spot!

[dining with doc]

ruan thai expanded and i dont recall any problem with the chairs

i also like Thai Pavillion in rockville town center

[Mallomar]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just found out there's a Thai place in Germantown -- Sabai Sabai. Anyone been there?

[DanielK]

Yes, Sabai Sabai is excellent. On it's best days, as good as Ruan or Nava IMO.

[KWagle]

And they offer a discount of up to 20% off on Mondays.

http://www.sabaisimplythai.com/

[DanielK]

Nava Thai, also in Wheaton, is good, but I have no memory of whether their chairs are comfortable for a long sit.

[Mallomar]

Last time I was there, which was quite a while ago, the chairs were hard as rocks. At the time the food was very good, but I've heard that the food has changed.

[DanielK]

So, I think the answer is go to Ruan Thai or Nava Thai, and bring a seat pillow.

:-)

[Steve]

The Floating Market Noodle Soup at Nava Thai still packs quite a punch. It's a 'must order'.

[reiflame]

I am really anxious to try this now that I have had noodle soup at an actual floating market (50 baht for 2 bowls!). It might have been the best thing I ate on this last trip.

Thai House in Gaithersburg is also very good. They focus on southern Thai cuisine.

[Steve]

My favorite FMNS in the area are at Nava Thai and the Songkran festival up in Silver Spring, but both are very different.

The former is a potent concoction that made my lips burn and it was quite the experience to finish the entire bowl. The one at the Songran Festival is sweeter, lighter, but tremendously delicious. The woman who does this attracts a REALLY long line plus she seems to fill just as many 'advanced' orders as she does for the people standing in line.

Thanks for the rec of Thai House.