We had considered staying at Volcano Village, though had finally decided it was more practical to stay in Hilo four foray on the east side of the island. Still, we (in particular Michaela) were quite hungry by the time we were finished exploring Volcano park and wanted some chow right away. I had read that Thai Thai served very good Thai food, so we decided to go there for dinner.
Volcano Village is not a village per se, but a road with a few stores and many B&B’s separated by hundreds of feet. Thai Thai was closed to the beginning of the road, next to the True Value store. The restaurant is quite nice, decorated (of course) with Thai scenes, including a large silk hanging identical to the one we have in our living room, and a large picture of the Thai king. That evening the electricity in the whole village wasn’t working well, so we were almost turned away. The hostess (whom I suspect of being the owner) was apparently concerned that there wasn’t enough light to go to the bathroom and/or that the water supply wasn’t working on the bathroom, I wasn’t too clear. Other parties that came after us were turned away (though offered take out) but she allowed us to have dinner once we told her that we were staying in Hilo (couldn’t really do take out, then). We’re glad we stayed, our dinner there was definitely the best we had in the island and the food matches (but does not surpass) some of our favorite Thai restaurants here. Indeed, if Thai Thai was in this area we would go back without hesitation.
The menu was your basic Thai menu, emphasizing, as you would expect for a restaurant in Hawaii, seafood. The prices were a little, but not too much, in the high side, most in the low to middle teans, but portions were very generous. A chicken satay appetizer was listed at $16, more than twice what we usually pay for it, so we decided to skip it this time. Instead, Mike ordered his usual Pad Thai and I had my usual masaman beef. Both were very good. The beef was tender and the sauce was deep and complex, as Mike said, anything in that sauce would taste good. I’d prefer the potatoes to have been cooked a little more, but that’s a pet peeve of mine with this dish. Mike also liked his Pad Thai though found the noodles strange, rather than being flat they were thin and round, like vermicelli. Though the portion was generous, he finished it all.
Service was quite good and the restaurant was almost full when we got there soon after sunset on a Sunday night, it got full while we were there. We didn’t go to the bathroom so I still don’t know if that was the problem.
Thai Thai Restaurant
19-4084 Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
808.967.7969
I have been to Thai thai a few times, for lack of ideas what to eat. They are steps away from my home here in Volcano…but I must say I would almost rather go to Sombat’s in Hilo for better Thai food. Thai Thai is something else…they were not born to be cooks–let’s just say–they had a different calling and they ran the other way…now they run a restaurant. But, wait…before you run down to Hilo to chow down, spin right around, drive the other direction for a hundred miles…it is worth the trip, I assure you. You are headed to Su’sThai Kitchen on Palani Street, just above Alii drive in Kona. In the Kona shopping center…not far from Ross…behind the Gelato shop…oh my God…bring your appetite and not so much cash…It is the BEST DEAL in That food, the best flavors this side of the South China Sea…most ono! Forget ThaiThai…move on down the trail to see Su…She has the recipes, dude!! And it doesn’t kill your bankroll!! ThaiThai wishes they could grow up to be like Su’s, but I don’t know..they seem really unmotivated to do better!!