Authentic Thai that will have you coming back for more

Growing up we only ate Italian, Mexican and “typical” American foods, we never got to branch out to other types of cuisine. Once I was on my own I tried it all. Thai food to me always had such a fresh and delightful flavor combination. Recently, I ate at Natalee Thai in Venice California.  Natalee Thai describes itself as an authentic Thai restaurant offering traditional Thai dishes. I have eaten a lot of Thai food over the years but I would not call myself an expert on the authenticity of the meals, but I will tell you that I’ll be back for more. The staff at Natalee Thai were extremely friendly and helpful, but best of all very knowledgeable about their dishes. This gave me a lot of comfort to trust them to be sure my food was gluten free. If they could make the dish gluten free they would without any fuss. If it was not possible, the explained and suggested other dishes. This made my whole dining experience very pleasant.

The restaurant itself is very clean, open and welcoming, with a modern decor (I’m not an interior designer so don’t quote me).

The dining area

The sushi and bar area

In a brief conversation with the manager she informed us that the recipes are prepared with only the freshest ingredients and that they use of the fresh local products whenever possible. As in Asian cultural tradition, all meals are served “Family Style.”

We started our meal with an small appetizer that not only looked good by was just as fresh at the name says –Natalee Fresh Rolls. A cool and fresh blend of shrimp, lettuce, mint, cilantro and vermicelli noodles rolled into a thin and delicate rice paper. Two pieces served with sweet chile dipping sauce and crushed peanuts. (GF sub was only peanut dipping sauces)

From there we added a “salad”-Chicken Larb. for the Larb you have a choice of minced chicken, pork or beef mixed with red and green onions, cilantro, and roasted rice kernels tossed in our own Thai lime-garlic dressing. Served with baby romaine lettuce leaves. We ordered chicken. This flavor combination is something I crave. I just love the spicy freshness that the lime, cilantro and red onion give this dish.

For our main dishes we stayed safe with the ever popular Pad Thai.  Shrimp, chicken, eggs, green onions, bean curd, sweet radish and bean sprouts are quickly wok fried in our own Pad Thai Sauce. Served with chopped peanuts, fresh bean sprouts and chili powder on the side. After you try this dish, you will know why it is so popular.  This is one meal I wish I could recreate at home.

 As a side dish we added the Pineapple Crab Fried Rice.  Crab wok fried with rice, onion, egg, carrots, green peas, chopped scallions, tomatoes and fresh pineapple chunks. Served with cucumber and a lime wedge. SIDE NOTE – the pieces of crab in this dish are very generous! I highly recommend this dish.

 You can’t have Thai food without trying a Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee.  I have only one word to describe them both – DELICIOUS!

 Just when you think you can eat another bite they offer up Fried Banana.  A fresh whole banana is sliced, dipped in a sweet batter then deep-fried golden and dusted with powdered sugar (ours was served with ice cream, but I am not sure if they is how they always serve it).  I’m really not sure how I managed to find a spot or two for this very decadent dish.

It had been a very long time since I’ve had Thai food but this trip reminded me about how much I love it. I also made a Thai food lover out of my cousin who had joined me for dinner that night. We decided Natalee Thai would be the destination of our next Girls Night out. If you are in the market for fresh, very flavorful and your are ready to branch out of your ordinary routine, make Natalee Thai one of your next destination.

Natalee Thai Locations/Information

Beverly Hills
998 S. Robertson Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90035
Telephone: (310) 855-9380
Fax: (310) 854-9037

Venice
10101 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90230
Telephone: (310) 202-7003
Fax: (310) 202-7729
BONUS: This locaiton has ample free parking