UYE @ Sala Thai

Of course like many of the fine locations around Honolulu, you probably drive by Sala Thai every single day on your way to work, or from work on your way to a bar — or even, late night on your way to look for a «good time.» It’s ‘somewhat’ hidden location definitely shouldn’t be a sign that it is no less amazing than any other restaurant. If anything, this epitome of a hidden gem sparkles like no other I have ever enjoyed.
The GOOD: Fried fish cake. without a doubt, in my best Forest Gump impression, «I could eat about a million and a half of these.» They are perfectly seasoned little nuggets of sensationally seasoned medallions of fish cake. They are battered, coated and fried to perfection, almost like a hushpuppy of the sea. Not only that, it’s paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce and comes in a pile of about 8 – 12 pieces. Most likely a good reason I would come back to Sala Thai would be just for those morsels of magic. In addition, the rest of the food was amazing. Yellow curry was spicy as hell, but left a great burning sensation that paired well with a nice, ice cold Reisling or sticky rice. The beef pad thai was flavorful and made me want more. It had an abundant amount of beef and just the right amount of lemon zing in every bite. We also enjoyed bite size spring rolls, beef broccoli, and an even more spicy red curry. All of them amazing to say the least, however the Fried Fish Cake is what my dreams are filled with.
The BAD: Parking is nearly impossible, and to be honest, Sala Thai is more of a bar scene than a full on restaurant. Thats not to say that these are truly bad things about the location, but if I have to bitch about something, it would have to be those two things. Not really first date scene, or a location to bring the book club, but you would most likely enjoy a stop in for a pre-​game before a night out with the buds.
OVERALL: I find it that Sala Thai is a winner for many reasons. AMAZING food, but more special is the owner and amazing hostess, Pooh. As I was told that may be the correct spelling of her name — apologizes if its not. Nonetheless, she was excited to have us, happy to serve us and a superstar in the kitchen. All reasons that Sala Thai earns every single one of its STARS. It is always a combination of things that makes for great locations. Not just looking at a dive bar and getting scared that uncle in the corner is wearing sunglasses, on a cloudy day, in doors, in a bar. Many folks are going to get scared of this place the moment they walk in — but to those folks — their loss.

Big mahalo to Russel M. for organizing such an amazing dinner, the food was incredible! A rather nice turn out, with spill over from Sunday’s Brunch Boozers 11 that added to the already great vibe. A huge shout out to Pu (?) and her gang of ladies that pumped out the grinds and libations for an amazing banquet that showcased Sala Thai’s talents.
Nice to reconnect with Unilocalers old and new. Nice to meet William E. and Toni M. for the first time. Always great to see old timers Erika A., Russel M. and «Alejandro» or Esteban W.: You guys rock, but you already knew that. A perfect evening of amazing Thai food, among rock star Unilocalers.

I remember when my father first told me about drinky bars when I was seven. He had gone to Guam on a business trip and had «inadvertently» gone to a drink bar with his friend. A woman asked him to buy her a drink for $ 20 which caused my father to spit out his drink and laugh at the absurdity of the offer. Yes, this is just one of the reasons why I had a warped view of the world growing up.
Thanks Russ M for helping me expand my culinary world of experiences with a UYE at Sala Thai. I normally do not go to drinky bars and would certainly not venture to one for a meal, but I had to make the exception for what Russ describes as «the best Thai food in Hawaii.» The gauntlet had been thrown! There were about 10 of us that showed up for lunch and we cozily sat together in a booth. The bar was dimly lit and I joked that they left it that way because it makes everyone look better. You really had to be there for that to be funny. We ordered about several dishes to share and so began our journey into drinky bar Thai fare. Spring rolls, papaya salad, green curry, pad thai, coconut soup, evil jungle prince curry, and a green veggie with beef. It was all good but my favorite by far was the coconut soup. I could have drank that creamy broth all night long.
The woman who served us and cooked the entire meal was really nice! Not that I’d pay $ 20 to hang out with her at night, but I can see why some men would do so.
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #93/​365 (The Drinky Bar)