Patch Blog: Have You Been to Saladang Thai?

Have you ever had a meal that you know you will consume at least 100 times before you die? Well, I have. When I was fifteen years old and living in South Pasadena, my mother took me out to a dinner that forever changed my palate and life.

She took me to Saladang Restaurant 363 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105  for my first taste of Thai food.

…Hold on for one second while I wipe the drool off the keyboard…

Okay, we’re back!

Saladang doesn't make a single bad dish. Their menu is impeccable. I however, only order two things when I eat at there - the Plagoon Shrimp Salad and Chicken Yellow Curry.  

When I was living in New York City for four years, I searched high and low for a Thai restaurant that made curry as good as Saladang's. I'm am sad to report that that search was in vain. It was a disappointing four years, curry-wise. However, now that I'm back in California, I make it my mission to get my curry fix at least once a month. It's simply the best Thai curry I've ever known. 

What makes Saladang’s curry so special you ask? For one thing, they use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the meat. Thighs tend to be more tender and don’t dry out as quickly. The brilliant chefs also slow cook the thighs in the curry sauce so they are fork tender and falling apart. I have learned over the years that this attention to detail and texture is rare at most Thai restaurants.

The shrimp salad on the other hand is this fresh, perfectly acidic creation of mixed greens, shallots, tomatoes, cilantro, butterflied shrimp and a spicy chili dressing that haunts my dreams. 

Saladang is Zagat rated and yet their prices are extremely affordable. Not to mention they have a killer lunch special for less than $8! The staff treat you like family and the service is spot on and extremely quick. You could get in and out of there in 25 minutes if you needed too.

Next time you get the craving for Pad Thai, Curry, Chicken Satay or Sizzling Beef, head on over for some dang good Thai food!

Erin Shaw is a native of South Pasadena, CA and a freelance food and travel writer. You can read more of her restaurant reviews, recipes and traveling food finds on The Happy Mouth.