Thai Hut

A building that has housed a variety of greasy spoon diners over the years is now an outpost of Thai cuisine in the cultural district situated between the Downtown and Midtown areas of Phoenix. Directly across the street from the Phoenix Art Museum and just a block east of the McDowell / Central Avenue Station, Thai Hut offers southeast Asian cuisine in a casual environment. Even the counter and stools from the old diner design have been left intact, creating an interesting mix of retro looks and exotic food.

Thai Hut's food is not terribly different from the Thai cuisine served in strip malls throughout the area, but the combination of tasty food and friendly service in an area of town not usually known for Asian food has made Thai Hut, which was originally established in Mesa, very popular in its new Central Phoenix location. Thai Hut meals begin with an array of soups, salads, and appetizers. The som tum, or papaya salad (center photo below) is particularly good with a combination of initially perceptible sweet and tart flavors and a nice afterburn that follows from chilis and an occasional whole clove of garlic. The soups (right photo below), on the other hand, seem underflavored, although they may be good choices for spicy food novices.

Entrees include a wide variety of curries, stir fries, and noodle dishes all prepared with a choice of chicken, pork, tofu, beef, or shrimp. There are also several hearty noodle soups that are meals in themselves. For dessert, there are a variety of homemade options. The combination of mango and sticky rice, when available, is a great way to finish a meal. Beverages include sodas, fruit juices, and Thai iced tea made with condensed milk.

During weekday lunch hours, Thai Hut does not offer its normal menu, but instead provides a list of a dozen lunch entrees each priced at $6.95. At first glance, the lunch menu is confusing because it suggests that only chicken entrees are available. Upon closer inspection, the fine print reveals that substitutions of tofu, beef, and pork are all possible. Each lunch special comes with a spring roll, vegetable soup, jasmine rice, and a beverage. While the inability to order from the standard menu on weekdays before 3 PM can be frustrating, the low prices and quick service associated with the lunch specials are certainly appreciated. Thai Hut is open seven days a week until 9 PM. There are high chairs available, and the restaurant is suitably casual for dining with children.

101 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix AZ, 85004
(602) 253-8631

Reviews from Other Sites:


AZ Central
Chow
Feasting in Phoenix
The Expatriate Mainer
Java Magazine
Phoenix New Times
Yelp