Yummy Thai - Merced (CA)

3 /5 SV: Quite the stand alone location for its kind. Met up with a couple people here who really enjoy the food here eating it two days in a row. It’s a small establishment and it’s an old building so I didn’t expect much for aesthetics. The menu comes as a single slab of particle board which I thought was neat. I ordered the “angel” wings, fresh milk pork skewers, and steak salad. I never understand places that serve appetizers and entrees at the same time. The “angel” wings aren’t the angel wings I’m familiar with (stuffed chicken wings). They were just fried chicken wings drizzled with a sweet chili sauce. It was OK. The fresh milk pork “appetizer” came out as a full on entree on a big platter served with rice, cucumber slices, and dipping sauce. More sweetened meat is all I have to say. The dipping sauce was also sweet. The steak salad was decent but the chili lime dressing was also… you guessed it! Sweet!!! This is why I stay away from Thai restaurants. My party seemed to enjoy their orders. One ordered and recommended the steak salad. The other ordered beef laap with sticky rice. The server was polite. Complimentary water comes with a hint of lemon in taste which I found refreshing. This place IS decent if you enjoy Thai food catered towards westerner palate. It’s just not for me. Thai food in general. I would like to try their curries but I’m guessing it’s going to be too sweet for my taste buds as well. One of my mates said this place is the only Thai restaurant that doesn’t shutdown midday for a few hours. Little does he know Bangkok Thai in downtown also does not anymore. I have my biases when it comes to Thai food. Definitely give this place a try. My party seemed to really enjoy it.

5 /5 ANDY: The best Thai food Ive ever eaten in the US as a short-term traveler traveling in California. The flavor is heavy, and is nearly authentic. Foods are fantastic over there. With some modifications that caters to the western flavor. As an Asian guy who are easily approached to all kinds of Asian foods in my country, you can trust my taste! The staff is nice although we have language problems when ordering food. However, its a little bit hot inside. Maybe they can upgrade their air conditioner.

5 /5 Jimmy S: Great service and great food. Love the presentation of the food. Would recommend. Had the Thai Boat, and it was very delicious. This time, I got spring rolls, which were very good and spicy beef salad level 8/10 spicy in which I almost regret. But the dish was very delicious and flavorful. Will be doing the spice level at 5/10 next visit.

3 /5 Jeff Thungc: As a visitor in town, we were excited to try Yummy Thai, particularly for their Thai Boat Noodle, a rare find in the US. The setting was promising, and we came with high expectations. Our party of four chose a mix of dishes: two opted for the Boat Noodle and the others for the Combination Pho. We also indulged in the platter appetizer and two versions of papaya salad, Thai and Laos style. The platter appetizer was satisfying, and the papaya salads were a highlight, especially the Laos style with its robust flavors and spiciness. The Thai salad, however, was slightly overpowered by vinegar. The combination pho was a delight, striking a balance in taste without being greasy. But the much-anticipated Boat Noodle was a letdown. Although it had the authentic flavor, the excessive saltiness was off-putting. Both of us who ordered it struggled to finish even half the portion, leading to an uncomfortable amount of water consumption. Customer service was another area where Yummy Thai could improve. We found ourselves repeatedly asking for basics like water and utensils, and the small water cups provided didnt help, especially with the salty Boat Noodle. A more attentive service would have greatly enhanced our dining experience. Overall, Yummy Thai has potential, but our visit was a mixed bag. While some dishes were spot-on, others, including the famed Boat Noodle, fell short of expectations. Combined with the lackluster service, Id rate it a 3-star experience, though I believe with some tweaks, Yummy Thai could easily be a 4-star restaurant.

5 /5 B T: A hole in the wall, but a must try! Best Khao Soy I’ve had in the States. It closely resembles the famous northern Thai Khaosoy dish. Noodles are a bit different, but flavor of the rich coconut curry broth is there.