Chao Phya Thai Restaurant

Love the food here! Have been eating here for years and the food never disappoints me and my family.
The atmosphere is a little different now it definitely seems more cozy and welcoming and there are always new special out which is very nice. However it does seem like the service has gone down a little though. Hope it improves because the food is really great!

I was not impressed with the Thai food here. I ordered something basic (pad Thai w/​chicken) and it tasted like it was sitting out for a while. I was never asked about the level of spice and the noodles tasted as if they were just recently slathered with something artificial. The customer service was decent which is why I’m giving this place an additional star.

This place has been here for years and we have been going on and off. For the most part, our experiences have been great. Especially recently. Great food and great service. They jam a lot of of tables and chairs in there but it is not cramped.
The four star vs five is just because there were a couple of times in the previous years where the service was slooooow and the restaurant was empty. But that seems to not be the case anymore. Yummy food, close to home. Gotta love it!

We were a party of six. We had excellent, quick service. Fantastic explanation of various plates were interested in. Food arrived promptly. The presentation as excellent. The tastes were fantastic. We shared our five plates. At the end, the owner presented us with a new dessert creation. Loaded with fruits, chocolates and other delicious tastes. Our experience was fantastic and at a reasonable price. I definitely recommend this restaurant for those desiring a similar experience!

Amazingly improved our last visit!!!
Great menu.
Fresh paint, fresh furniture, fresh decorations. it was really a pleasure. Killer desert!!!
Definitely coming back

fyi Honey (bbq) Beef is simply steak salad + additional $ 3 just cuz. Pad thai very wet/​watery, flavor not terrible.

Time for a Review Update of Chao Phya Thai in Kaneohe:
Remodeled: New outdoor seating area. Interior updated with tasteful Thai Art and Decorations. The large Mural is still there and over all it is a nice upgrade that was needed.
Menu: The old menu is intact, as far as I can tell, with all of the basic Thai dishes that one would expect at Chao Phya Thai Restaurant.
New Specials on Dislpay: Upon entering the dining room and telling the hostess or waitress how many are in your party, customers are asked to look at a table which has examples of the nights specials. There were about six specials fully plated so that the customer could see exactly what they would get. One was a Rib Eye Steak that looked good and was $ 25.95. The Mung Bean Noodles dish is what got my attention as it was clearly meatless/​vegetarian/​vegan at $ 15.95. Having had the chance to see this dish first convinced me to order it. This is actually a good idea that I wish other restaurants would follow. I’ve had specials described to me at other restaurants that were disappointing. They sounded good but were much different in real life.
Roving Chef: So as far as I can tell a new chef has recently become a partner in this restaurant. We came in right before peak dinner time and noticed the Chef at several tables describing the specials and appetizers and eliciting some orders from the customers. I heard him selling prime rib, oysters and scallops and soup of some sort. The customers seemed to be happy to get extra information on what new was available.
Food: We ordered the vegetarian spring rolls, Panang Chicken, rice and the Mung Bean Noodles special. The spring rolls and Classic Panang were off the old menu and were excellent as always. Great flavor with fresh thai herbs and seasoning that was better than ever. The Mung Bean Noodles was 5 Star excellent. I’ve never had anything like it. I’m not sure if it is an authentic Thai dish or more of a fusion sort of entrée. But I loved it and was very happy that an excellent meatless special was prominently featured. I felt that the price was reasonable considering the variety of vegetables and prep that went into this dish.
Vegan/​Vegetarian: There is a vegetarian section on the menu. Thai cooking lends itself to vegan dining nicely anyway. Most Thai places just substitute tofu for meat in order to accommodate non meat eaters. This is usually successful because Thai Spices are so vibrant. I was even more impressed when the waitress described a cauliflower fried rice dish that was available but not on the menu. I’m really interested in trying that one out. The Mung Bean Noodles were 5 Stars as I already pointed out.
Dining Room Confusion: I did notice some unnecessary confusion at a couple of tables when the Chef took some appetizer orders that the waiter/​waitress was not aware of. Plus the time looking at the specials table caused a bit of delay in being seated and orders being taken. I noticed this but felt it was just a minor disruption. We were both happy with our choices and enjoyed our dinner. I’m sure some customers appreciate having some new options and an enhanced menu.
Some recent Unilocal reviews have been mixed. But being a long time customer I’ve noted the improvements and changes. We were happy with our latest meal and we will be going back sometime in the future.

This restaurant has made some needed upgrades and really stepped up their game. The restroom is no longer creepy. For me the food has always been yummy… especially the crispy mahi and cashew nut tofu. The coconut ice cream is to die for. I love the pad thai. The service has improved a lot. I’m so happy.

Have dined here a number of times. The food is tastey enough. Two reasons why the lower rating. Very disappointed to have experienced this.
One thing that really causes a Thai restaurant to stand out for me is whether they have the more chewy rice wrap spring rolls over the more commonly found egg roll wraps. Phuket Thai Restaurant has them. Thai Village in Dillingham City Square has them. When I asked the waitress if their spring rolls were made with rice wrap she honestly said she didn’t know. The owner who was standing nearby and who was listening in on the conversation, was adamant that they were. I reconfirmed with her and she said, «yes, yes, rice wrap!» We excitedly ordered some. We also ordered two entrees and soft drinks. You can imagine how disappointed we were when the egg roll wrapped spring rolls came out. When the owner walked by again, I commented to her how they were not what she said they were. I guess she expected these two «non-​Thai» people to not know the difference, as she replied, «well, they are really good yeah?!» I told her they were «ok, but definitely not what we ordered.» She never offered to make up for this outright deception. Never offered to take the dish off our check. Never offered an apologetic replacement. Not even «I am sorry for lieing to you» to get you to spend more money at my restaurant.
The second reason why a decrease in stars. The food is not as good as it used to be and there are a number of dishes they no longer make still on their menu. Dishes and utensils were covered in black dust. I will not be going back to this place if it’s my choice.

Amazing food and friendly service. My girlfriend and I had good time here. We will definitely come back here and try other dishes.

Just had dinner. They are very friendly. I think the owner was the one greeting everyone and showing the specials that they cook for real and it’s on display.
Food is OK. The curry was watery and really broken.
But, we would come again because we like the hospitality.
Atmosphere is ok. They have outside dining.

I guess you have to be a regular to get treated like a customer. Walked in just want to sit down while there were plenty of tables available but was stopped by a lady wanted to talk up a storm about their special of the day which were displayed at the front counter like I was at Kailua Farmer Market which I love to go for food too.
I been there before many times but no one to like the attention where they will remember me kind of person. I love Thai food and definitely for the food, not the price/​portion, not the individual attention from the chef or own because you ordered their prime rib. This is Thai food restaurant, if I want prime rib I will go to Haleiwa Joe’s. I just like to go eat and leave with them providing me with what I need in a timely matter.
I was been treated ok staff were friendly and ate then took me just about the amount of time from asking for my check to actually leaving to noticed how they treated one table and ignored most of the other tables. Table 1, party of four ordered their prime rib, chef came out to talked to them. They had brought in their own wine and most be a regular because the owner was talking to them too. Table 2, walked in and sat. 10 mins went by no one care to take their order. Their body language was like they want to walk out any minute or they were just a by stander like myself watching the chef, the chef’s wife, and the owner helping table 1 like no one else was around. I’m all for customer service and be attentive but not at some other customer’s expensed. While three other table were done eating just waiting for their checks. I feel bad for table 2 so when my server came to give me my check I said they need help there looking over table 2’s direction and she immediately noticed which table I was talking about but she decides to clear my dishes before going over to take their order. I hope table 2 enjoy their food at least.
This is way longer than I want to typed but I’m just not for this kind of treatment in general. Don’t want to be the vip or ignored. Please treat everyone the same. Who is with me on this one?

Not a happy customer today, food was cold, noodles way too greasy, Thai ice tea too sweet, charged extra to my friend for extra rice, I will try it one more time, will update my review soon, I hope…

I give 2 ½ stars.
Small portions and over priced. Service wasn’t good either!
It wasn’t even busy when we came. I ordered an iced coffee 5 mins went by another table sat down and got their Thai tea. 10 mins went by another table sat down got their Thai tea and iced coffee. Our food came before my coffee. «Oh yea your coffee» server brings my iced coffee in a smaller cup than everyone else’s WTH?!
The portions are extremely small and don’t include rice you pay extra! All the food just looks fancy, but it’s really just bland and boring.
Tall white male, maybe the owner? Was obnoxious and loud and yelling at employees.
We will NOT come here again!
The only reason I’m giving any stars is for mama toy she was sweet. But unfortunately not sweet enough to get more stars

+One star for service
+One star for the volcano fried rice
I think that my family MAY HAVE came on a bad day. Their AC stopped working which made it extremely humid in the restaurant. The food was sadly nothing special. The chicken satay’s sauce was watered down and the yellow curry’s portions were sooooo tiny. Unbelievable. You’d think for it being as expensive as it was that they’d give you a little more. However, what did impress me was their volcano fried rice! It was delicious! And after asking the waiter to take back our papaya salad to make it spicy (their fault not ours), that was okay too. I did really love their service though. The owner apologized and said her AC had stopped working that morning and I could see that try were swamped. The food came out at a glacial rate, which upset everyone at my table. Overall, two stars.

It took me 2 more visits to LOVE this place.
Visit #1
Stopped by here for dinner with my other half and Unilocal friend Kristine C.
My very first time,
Our orders:
Pad Thai: ¹⁄₅ stars (chosen by me)
Cashew Nut Chicken: ⁴⁄₅ stars (my other half’s pick)
Panang Chicken Curry: ⁴⁄₅ stars (Kristine’s pick)
1 order Sticky Rice & 1 order Jasmine Rice
The food came out cold, I enjoyed the 2 dish but not the PAD THAI.
It was different, different from all the Pad Thai, that I had.
I am not use to having a scramble/​fried egg on top of the Pad Thai
& the taste, it was sour, ketchupy taste.
I was disappointed at this dish.
The service that night: 2 stars.
Our waitress wasn’t that friendly.
When I asked for a few items she didn’t smile, she wasn’t happy.
I was afraid to ask for any thing else.
My very 1^st experience was bad! but I sure enjoyed the company!
Visit #2
I was in the Kaneohe area with my mom, so I remember, I enjoyed the Panang Curry.
so this makes visit # 2 with my mom.
I searched for another noodle dish since, I was afraid of the Pad Thai experience
& so happy to have found it.
I ordered the Spicy Noodles & Chicken Panang Curry.
Wow! I really enjoyed the Spicy Noodles. (with chicken)
The spicy noodles has chili, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, roasted peppers, mushroom & chicken with their flavoring. Its very tasty!
Me & my mom really enjoyed these entrée.
She mentioned the food taste better than the last Thai place we went to.
I got mild since she couldn’t handle the spice level & I asked for chili sauce & powder on the side.
We were stuffed & still had a little food left. (home lunch for work)
The waitress was a big difference, she was very friendly & very helpful!
Visit #3
I was thinking about the Panang Curry & Spicy Noodles all week so
this makes visit # 3.
I also wanted my other half to try the Spicy Noodles that I raved about so
we went here for dinner on a Friday night.
No tables were available in the restaurant so we dined outside during this visit.
It was nice sitting outside.
They have a few tables outside of the restaurant
The only junk part: waiting for the waitress to come out to check on us.
I ordered the same dish, spicy this time. wow! the spice level was spicy!
We really enjoyed our food!
Just one thing that I noticed, the Panang Curry: portion was smaller, than the other 2 visits. Portion size should be consistent.
The price are reasonable– entrée prices: starts from 10.95
sticky rice/​jasmine rice-2.95 per order
Overall, I will be back! We really enjoyed our meals during the last 2 visits & I will not let that Pad Thai hold me back from visiting Chao Phya again.
& Thank you to Unilocal friend Kristine for introducing me to Panang Curry.
I would never know there is such a thing…
Last note: since Starbucks is nexts door to Chao, we picked up SB’s Wifi on our mobile device. Hint… Hint… Hint…

I bought a groupon, $ 12 for $ 20 worth of food. I hardly ever go to Kaneohe side but this place seems good with all the good review. So sure why not. that’s what Unilocalers do. we explore new places. It’s located in Windward Shopping Center.
We walked inside, not busy at all. stood there waiting for someone to seat us down. No waitress or any workers in the front. Oooookay. Then a waitress appeared few minutes later. She sat us down. Looking at the menu we decided to order the shrimp pad thai ($ 10.95) and the satay chicken ($ 10.95).
Food: The shrimp pad thai that comes with only 3 piece of small shrimp, a small side of bean sprout, some crushed peanuts and a thin layer of an egg omelette. There was also 3 long pieces of chives on the side. I don’t know is those chives for decorations or you actually can eat it. The taste of the noodles were okay. Not special. It was sweet. The satay chicken comes with a tiny piece of grilled chicken on each stick, total of 10 sticks. The chicken does not tasted like it was seasoned or marinated at all. It came with a peanut dipping sauce, some pickled cucumber and some onion and carrot noodles. The onion strings had some black stains on it which was kinda of gross, did they even cleaned the food before putting it for presentation. Ewww.
Cleanliness: The place was quite dirty when it comes to utensils. The plates had flies on it, there were also stains on it. When we asked for straws, the white paper thing that wraps the straw had bits of stains like it has been sitting there for years. We were afraid of using their forks so we asked for chopsticks. The walls and tables looked really old.
Service: There were only 3 – 4 tables total and there was 2 waitress and 1 cashier. The service was slow as ever. What are they even doing?! They are always going inside the kitchen and it’s like forever until they come and check on us. Water isn’t refilled. They don’t seem happy there except one lady who’s always smiling. It seems like they’re so new.
Price: It’s really expensive for the amount and quality you get. It wasn’t worth it even if I had the coupon.

Fresh food but «Americanized» for local tastes too much. Laap needed a side order of line juice, fish sauce, chilies to add flavor. The ground chicken seemed to have the ground rice mixed into it, instead of freshly toasted and sprinkled on top for texture.
We asked about the fish in the special and it was Swai. Hawaii has great fresh fish, too bad they use an Asian import. We didn’t order it.
The mango sticky rice had fresh mango, but it was partially black so not the best offering. Also served with canned whipped cream and a strawberry and caramel sauce!?! Again, made for the average public — not authentic Thai ingredients.
The very friendly staff helped make up for the food.

I came here about 2 months ago with a friend. And I was so glad I made the drive out. Every second of driving (I hate driving) was SO WORTH IT.
I had a bit of difficulty finding the restaurant since I had never been to this shopping center in my entire life (despite living on Oahu for nearly my entire life). I finally found it on the far right side, scored parking nearby, and walked in to find my friend waiting for me.
We ordered some delicious coconut soup and panang tofu curry with brown rice. We also discovered that on the weekends (I think Fridays and Saturdays?) the chef makes little tasting plates for the diners. Our plate came with some pieces of chicken. It was easily some of the best chicken I’d ever had in my entire life. It was perfectly crispy with moist and tender meat. I am practically drooling just thinking about it.
There was live music playing, and there were happy people all around us. The entire time I was there I felt a sense of community and welcome-​ness that only comes with phenomenal service. A+ to the workers at this establishment. Great food, great service, and great prices. What more can you ask for really?
I wish I could just pick them up and drop them in Salt Lake: P But then I would probably be fat. So maybe it’s a good thing that they aren’t too close to home.
Will definitely be back again, especially on the weekend!

Came here when they were having a Valentine’s dinner buffet. There was outdoor seating and a buffet that cost $ 44 per person. We weren’t that hungry so we did not partake in the buffet.
I really like the outdoor seating and I am not sure if that is a permanent thing. The inside of the restaurant isn’t too crowded.
I had the vegetarian pad Thai and it was amazing! The prices are also not too bad!
It’s also BYOB! They have wine glasses and will pop the bottle for you! We will definitely be back!