Tam’s Thailand Food

We got this as take out. We ended up throwing it away because it was so greasy and awful. We had three different dishes, and none of them was edible. I really can’t say anymore than do not waste your money.

My friend gave this place very high recommendation, So, I thought I’d give it a try. There was impromptu live music and plenty of available seating. The dining area is very casual and so is the service. I ordered the potato curry egg rolls and chicken massaman curry. The food came out relatively quickly, probably because I was one of three people eating in the restaurant. The egg rolls were killer and the massaman curry was almost just as good. So the food was great, the service was quite underwhelming. So they lose a star for the almost do it yourself dining, but, I would recommend this to a friend if and when my favorite Thai food place in University Heights was somehow closed. Good job on the potato curry egg rolls!

Amazing food. Tam is the cutest and runs the whole place by herself. Try the curry noodles and fried rice.

Thom Ka soup is exceptional! Layered flavors, fresh vegetables and lots of chicken, the right amount of spice and oh so rich and creamy! Healed me from my cold!

I have been to many Thai restaurants in San Diego and this one might be among the best. The fried rice is my personal favorite.
Most people take their food to go but the dine-​in is not that bad. It has a gloomy environment inside but the hospitality is amazing. I believe it is because it’s a family business and the owners are kind of old school. Anyhow the old lady working there is very very nice. To sum up this place deserve more popularity.

Just stopped by here for the first time today. The drunken noodles were awesome! Not too spicy, but enough of a kick to wake you up. Very fresh ingredients, and the staff seems nice. Definitely going to put it in my regular rotation of places to eat in Normal Heights!

Tam is always so friendly! Super welcoming and although the restaurant look isn’t top quality, my boyfriend and I like to come frequently mainly because of how sweet she is. There’s definitely better food elsewhere but I still like the homey vibe going on here.

The owner/​cook/​hostess was very friendly when we got there and through out the time we were there but the place was not your tidiest and well kept restaurant nor was it worth my $ 25. I will NOT eat here again because of several things…
BIG ISSUE I had was that I found a long hair in my food and my boyfriend found two in his food, the woman (only person working there) did not wear a hairnet and it was down so I can only assume it was hers. After coming to the conclusion we shouldn’t eat anymore we decided to just pay for it and leave because I didn’t want to make a scene for the only other couple there. I found her smoking out front, she came in and took my card and when I returned I came back to find her cooking something else after she had just put her cigarette out.
The food I did eat was not that great either. The noodles looked like they were from another dish with vegetables placed on top of it and my boyfriends beef wasn’t cooked enough to consume.
I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt but I couldn’t enjoy this meal.

I have no idea who thought their service was excellent. We went there because reviews said it is «authentic» and «mom’s food». First Tam the older lady who runs this place is a bit rude even without much provocation. I could have got over it with a laugh if at least the food was good because these mamas can sometimes be a bit senile.
Of three dishes we ordered, papaya salad was alright and other two terrible. Tam, who herself took our order, completely botched my wife’s order. Different meat, badly cooked and egg noodle doesn’t have egg! First she refused to accept it was a mistake. Then she gave excuses by asking her where she is from and she doesn’t know Thai food. Then she brought the beef and dumped into her plate. Finally she grabbed the plate away in anger and walked away «I don’t need your money.» Only one thing was never offered… «apology»!
You maybe lucky and have a good meal. You may be unlucky and get a bad meal and in addition get insulted by the owner. So visit at your own risk!
So much so for trying a new Thai place!

There is a Mediterranean place in the area that went out of business, so we needed a backup plan. Right before getting on the freeway we look over and there is this Thai place — so what the heck lets try it.
Kind of funny, the whole place at the time was run by one person. She took our orders and disappeared — turns out she was the cook that night.
Anyways, she recommends the BackYard Chicken, and I’m thinking alright oh man here we go…
Portions turned out to be good and wow the taste was fantastic!
Service — Lets face it, your not at Ruth’s Chris… If Tam is her name, well she’s got that old school straight up personality. I’m thinking I’d invite Anthony Bourdain to a place like this — only the initiated will understand :)
In summary A++

Like the place. Authentic food without losing the ethnic cleanse or added extreme salt flavorings. The steam rice is a nice twist from Mariposa or long grain! #24 curry chicken curry rocks!

The egg rolls were amazing! We had an order of the Noodle Delight, Orange Chicken, Thai Yellow Curry and Tom Ka Vegetable Soup with shrimp and everything was really delicious and would definitely want to come back. Tam is super sweet and the cooking is amazing!

When I was sick a few weeks ago all I wanted to eat was Thai food and wound up getting takeout from a number of different restaurants. I was optimistic about Tam’s, but ultimately I was disappointed.
The noodle dish I ordered (pad see ew?) just wasn’t very exciting. It wasn’t terrible, but there was just nothing very exciting and the flavor profile seemed off. I kept thinking that for a dollar less I could have eaten FABULOUS noodles from Sab E Lee.
In addition, the whole thing was swimming in liquid. So much so that it spilled out of the container, and leaked through the bag. Blergh.
On the plus side, the portion was HUGE. I got three small meals out of it. So I suppose it was a good value.

Very good! Excellent service and even better menu options! :) a fantastic place to relax and eat inexpensive yet tasty food. Would highly recommend this place to any travelers or locals who are looking for great Asian dishes! Will not disappoint

Aside from good curry egg rolls, the other two dishes we had were gross. Tam shouted and cussed a weird dude out, which was uncomfortable with my five year old present.

Well against my better judgement, my fiancé decided to give this place a second chance. He brought Tom Yum soup home for is to share. We both agreed it was absolutely delicious. 5 stars for the soup, 1 star for our previous experience. I’ll update again once we return :)

Almost everything I’m looking for in a restaurant. Reviews here shaped my expectations. I knew to expect:
— Great food
— Great attitude
— Friendly but not always fast service
— Fun but not pristine atmosphere
— Etc.
The food was great. I will go back again and again. Can’t wait.

Homestyle cooking!
Start with fried potato shrimp let appetizer then
Strawberry chicken yumminess for that crunch and flavor.
Can’t go wrong with Mongolian beef noodle .
Tam the owner is gracious and hospitable.

Common questions about restaurants you may ask:
How late are you open?
Do you serve beer?
What is the best items on the menu?
Tam’s answers will keep you coming back for more– When you’d expect a set answer at many chains in the area, you certainly won’t get a set answer from Tam.
How late are they open? As late as Tam feels like! Some nights we’ll head here after drinks and leave around midnight, not until after we’ve cracked a few beers inside anyway. But do they serve beer? Nope. Just grab a sixer down the road and bring them in with ya, or wine? is that your thing? Grab a bottle. No biggie.
Best item on the menu? My favorite are the sweet potato curry egg rolls and the Tom Kah. Not sure for yourself? Just ask Tam. She will customize your meal if that’s what you require, but otherwise you can expect the food is made with love, a bit of spice and certainly gonna leave you feeling nice and full.

I’ve been coming here several times a month (sometimes several times a week!) for years and STILL am amazed every time I try something new. Each time I do, it’s my «NEW FAVORITE»! heehee
We like to get a big group of friends together, and come in for dinner and bring some wine with us. It is ALWAYS a great time with great food and great atmosphere. On top of being the most amazing cook ever, Tam is both accommodating and entertaining and makes you feel truly at home.
The words ‘Potato Curry Egg Rolls’ have now achieved legendary status among our group of friends. One mention of them and we start furiously throwing around dates trying to find the next available time for our next get together. (Yet I still come in for take out quite regularly.)
Love, love, love, love, love, this place… a love which has only grown over the years.