Finding authentic Thai food in Riyadh can be a challenge, which is why I was excited to visit The Thai Table, a newly opened restaurant tucked away in Olaya.
It is the kind of small, unassuming spot that feels more like a neighborhood establishment than a polished fine-dining venue, and that homely atmosphere is part of its charm. Seeing the owners personally welcoming guests added a warm touch that made the experience feel even more special.
We sampled a generous selection from the menu, including pad Thai noodles, tom yum soup, cashew chicken, sweet chili crunchy shrimp, crunchy beef dumplings, mango sticky rice, and a variety of drinks.
The pad Thai was one of my favorite dishes of the evening. The noodles had an excellent texture and struck a satisfying balance between sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
The sweet chili crunchy shrimp was another standout, perfectly crisp with just enough sweetness, while the crunchy beef dumplings were equally enjoyable and paired well with their dipping sauce.
The tom yum soup was filled with excellent shrimps and mushrooms, although I found it lacking the bold lemongrass aroma that usually defines this classic Thai favorite. It felt like a gentler version of tom yum, flavorful but not quite as vibrant as expected. The chicken satay tasted good overall, though the texture of the chicken could have been improved.
One surprise favorite was the restaurant’s homemade chili garlic sauce. It elevated nearly every dish on the table and deserves to be bottled and sold on its own.
Dessert came in the form of mango sticky rice, featuring beautifully ripe, sweet mangoes. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I would have preferred the coconut sauce to be served on the side to personalize sweetness.
The menu is still fairly limited, which is understandable for a newly opened restaurant, and not every planned dish was available during my visit. This actually gives me a good reason to return and explore more of the menu as it expands.
The pad Thai with shrimp costs SR58 ($16), while the green curry is priced at SR50 ($13). Guests can choose plain, garlic, or coconut rice to accompany their meal. Portions are on the smaller side, and prices may feel slightly high considering the servings.
The Thai Table may still be finding its feet, but it has the potential to become one of Riyadh’s favorite destinations for Thai food. I will certainly be returning to see how it evolves.
