Oakland Does Thai  (and other South East Asian Cuisine)

By OtownEate

Traveling through Thailand, I often found the most amazing meals came from small, sometimes unsettling alleyways, I happened upon accidentally after taking a wrong turn. When looking for good Thai food, don’t be afraid to explore “less traveled” areas of Oakland, and definitely remember the idiom, “Don’t judge a book by its cover!”   You will not only eat for less, but you will leave feeling as if you have just been transported to Bangkok on holiday!  Here are a few places I like to go, where two people can eat a full, hardy meal for under $25.

Champa Garden never disappoints.  The wait can be long, but order a $2 Beer Laos, and take in the delicious aromas as you wait.  Located in a residential neighborhood just past the Lake Merritt (Lakeshore/Grand Ave) area, this unassuming hole-in-the-wall serves inexpensive, well portioned, flavorful foods from Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Start with the Champa Sampler: a combination of fried rice ball salad, Laos sausage, fried spring rolls, rice noodles, mint and parsley, which one wraps in a large lettuce leaf.  Also try the fresh spring rolls with tofu or chicken, and the papaya salad (I prefer the Thai style over the Laos style) with mild to medium spice level (medium is enough to make you sweat, so be warned).

Directions for eating the Champa Sampler:

1)     Combine some of each ingredient on the sampler boat into a lettuce leaf (Including a few mint and parsley leaves).

2)     Add sweet chili sauce, hoisin, and any other toppers you desire from the condiment tray.

3)     Wrap like a taco and enjoy!

For shorter wait time, larger portions, and equally delicious food, try Vientien Cafe or Chai Thai Noodles.  Vientien is nestled in a residential section of the Allendale neighborhood.  I didn’t know what to expect when I first drove up to Vientien, but it has since become a regular dinner stop.  Two dishes will allow a dining couple to leave with leftovers, and since dishes are under $10, you can eat for under $20, with tip included.  Chai Thai Noodles is also a pleasant East Oakland surprise.  The menu is extensive and again, prices are all under $10.  Order up your favorite Thai dishes, or try something new, and these eateries will have you coming back again and again!

Finally, nothing brings me back to the islands of Thailand like the country cooking of Old Weang Ping.  Also in a residential strip of MacArthur Blvd. (don’t drive too fast, or you’ll surely miss it), you often have to wait outside until the owner opens the door for you (no more the 2 minutes).  Owned by a husband and wife, and cooking out of what feels like their own family kitchen, they serve up the most authentic food I’ve had since my travels.  You must try the Exotic Herb Salad, and the Pad Thai Noodles with shrimp is truly addictive. Mix up any of your favorite meats and vegetables with any of the traditional sauces (my favorites are the Peanut Sauce and the Sweet Basil).  In addition, feel free to bring a bottle or two of wine to enjoy, as there is no corkage fee.

So when looking for inexpensive, yet tantalizing Thai food, remember the words of poet Robert Frost,

Summary:

1) Champa Garden
2102 8th Ave.
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 5-25 minutes
*Small space, so better for smaller groups (6 or less)

2) Vientien Café
3801 Allendale Ave
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am – 9 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

3) Chai Thai Noodles
545 International Blvd
Ste. B
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

4) Old Weang Ping
6217 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94605

Hours: Tue-Sun 5 pm – 9 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0