Thai Chef Street Food

This place is a little gem! A friend recommended it while I was in town for a conference so I saddled up to the bar with a book and settled in for a great meal. They have unique cocktails (coconut rum + Thai tea? What’s not to love?!), solid appetizers and their green curry was delicious and reminded me on another great spot from when I lived in Dallas (the green curry has the perfect amount of heat, it’s deliciously spicy but not so much so that it’s painful to eat). I’d easily come back here again and recommend it to anyone!

The restaurant decor and vibe was great! But it was packed and only 2 servers. We ordered soup and salads for appetizers and waited over 25 mins to get our order served even people ordered after us already half way finished their meal. And the dishes were good but extremely spicy. We have to serve ourselves water.

Came with a reservation for a large party, and I’d recommend making a reservation even for smaller parties as well. This place is great. Food is delicious, with many different options for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. The decorations are brightly colored and eclectic. The service is decent. The pricing is fair. If you drink alcohol the cocktails are fun, and if you don’t they’ve got some delicious juices (that come in fancy cups garnished with mint) and the classic Thai tea. I love me some good Thai food and this place scratched that itch quite nicely.

Thai food is slowly but surely becoming my favorite cuisine and I'm on a mission to try it wherever I travel! This wonderfully colorful atmosphere gives you a warm hug as you gorge down Thai Tea and some fluffy D.U.I (drunken) noodles! Warning: they give you HUGE portions!! I ate it all anyways.. :-))

This was my first time in the DC location after visiting the Rockville location (which was a lovely experience). Unfortunately, the service from the staff was disappointing. From what I saw from the other tables and my own we needed to call staff multiple times to ask for things whether it be a new drink or a water refill. The dishes themselves were excellent but my pad Thai arrived over 5 minutes after my partners dish. At that point my partners food had gotten cold from waiting for me to get my plate.

Came here on a Friday night with my wife while visiting Washington DC. We ordered the DUI aka drunken noodles with shrimps and basil fried rice with chicken medium spicy. The food came out in 5 minutes, piping hot and delicious. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Highly recommended.

Crab fried was delicious with a decent amount of crab meat put in top of the plate.. Chicken satay was good and papaya salad was delicious and full of flavors. Service was average.

The restaurant has a vibrant and colorful interior where they offer a variety of delicious Thai street food dishes. I loved everything and will definitely return to try more dishes when in the area.

Food came put in less than 5 minutes and was super good, great environment. Price is average

I am a huge fan of Thai food and Thai Chef truly impressed with its authentic and very flavorful dishes, attentive service, and inviting ambiance! My favorite dish was the poh tak seafood, it was exceptional! The dish was richly flavored with a perfect balance of spicy and sour notes, harmonizing nicely with the fresh assortment of seafood. The crabmeat fried rice was savory and generously portioned, featuring chunks of crabmeat that added a luxurious touch. The crispy, golden-fried shrimp were a delightful appetizer. The exterior was perfectly crunchy while the shrimp inside remained tender and juicy. We, also, ordered the cheese wontons, bkk wings, mango sticky rice, Thai tea, and other alcoholic drinks. Whether you're a fan of traditional Thai cuisine or looking for innovative takes on classic dishes, Thai Chef is a fantastic dining destination in DC that I would recommend!

I was in Dupont Circle and in the mood for Thai food when I came across this restaurant. It was nearly empty at 3 pm, with only three other tables occupied and the second level deserted. Ambiance and Decor The decor was a mix of gaudy flowered wallpaper and red banquette seats with conspicuous patches of red tape. Chairs emblazoned with the restaurant's name added to the eclectic and somewhat disjointed aesthetic. The bathrooms were functional but uninspiring. Drinks and Appetizers I started with the Crazy Thai Lady cocktail, a mix of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tequila, and rum, with a salt and Thai chili garnish. It was reminiscent of a margarita and was delicious. The Thai Chef dumpling appetizer, featuring steamed dumplings filled with pork, crab, and shrimp served with a sweet chili sauce, was decent. Main Course I ordered the kapow with shrimp. This dish included shrimp, red pepper, string beans, basil leaf, brown sauce, and a fried egg atop white rice. Nice aroma; however, the shrimp added little to the dish. Another protein might have been a better choice. Additionally, the plating was awkward, with a large, empty gap on the large plate that made it seem like something was missing. Service Service was minimal, making the entire experience feel uninviting. Overall Experience None of the dishes stood out in terms of flavor or presentation. Additionally, the service was lackluster, making it a no-go for a return visit!

Came here after the Embassy Row events. I was seated right away. They were busy so the waitress was busy between multiple tables and the bar but she provided good service. It's small in the inside. The tables are extremely close but it's worth it. The decor is full of vibrant colors. It was loud but not to the point you can't hear yourself. The food! The food was delicious! I'm a fan of Thai food and this place has been added to my list. I got the spring rolls for appetizer. Crispy and flavorful. For my entree I chose the Kapow. It was very tasty. I love that an egg came with it. My boyfriend had the beef noodle soup. I tasted it. It was surprisingly delicious. I thought the beef broth was going to be bland and I was totally wrong. It was flavorful. We had the Thai tea for drinks and it was great. I'll be back. This is definitely going to be a new frequent spot for me.

Food: I ordered the southern comfort and pork Kapow and these 2 dishes were okay. The veggies were not cooked at all, rice was a little on the harder side, and overall both dishes were on the saltier side than my liking. The portions are on the smaller size compared to other Thai restaurants I've been too and for the price ($20 each) I don't think it was worth it lol I was highly disappointed when coming here as I heard great things. :( Drinks here may be their speciality than the food. They have a variety of drink options including alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Not sure if their other food is better or not such as their street food appetizers but these 2 dishes was very disappointing.

Immediately impressed with the cute interior upon walking in. It was a busy night and we had 5 people but they were able to accommodate us. We ordered and within 5-10 minutes already had our orders! The food was delicious, some of the better drunken noodles I've had. Only changes I'd make were adding more vegetables to the dish. Otherwise, affordable place to eat with a small group!

Would say this is a cute spot for drinks and quick and fresh Thai food! Food isn't the BEST Thai food, but still hits the spot for Thai food cravings around the area. But I'd definitely recommend this place more for their cocktails. Staff is attentive and friendly, and the place itself is a nice vibe!

Solid choice in the busy restaurant neighborhood of DuPont Circle. I've visited several times always with good service and tasty meals. This time I had the Panang Curry with extra broccoli and added bell peppers. It was flavorful and very good. The spice was mild but present. Once again, good service at the bar. Very crowded Thursday night. Give them a try and let me know what you think!?

I thought the moo-ping was underwhelming but the other dishes that we got were stellar. The clay pot noodles were delicious and light and the catfish curry is one of my favorites. The taro tapioca dessert was also so yummy. They let us walk in on a Tuesday evening and the wait staff were very friendly and efficient. The decor is very bright and warm. This was my second time here and I've always been satisfied with my dishes here.

In past years their food was tasty, but now (2024) food is a hard thumbs down. Staff were nice.

10/10! I was in the area and randomly stopped in during happy hour. I'm so glad I did. Everything from the cocktails to the entrees were really good. It's a cute, quiet place to grab a quick snack or to bring your laptop and work.

This spot is beautifully decorated and fun with all the pops of color! The service was good. I was definitely tempted by all the stuff I saw on Insta. Do you desire your food to come out fast like at Mickey D's? Search no further. Our appetizers came out two minutes after we ordered them then our entrees came out 4 minute after that! Which seemed almost too quick. No exaggeration. Thai iced tea was tasty. Spring rolls were good with the sauce. DUI noodles were very noodle heavy with only 5 shrimp and very few veggies with light flavors. The Massaman curry was delicate and more bland unlike other massman curries I've had before. The rice also came out not very hot and had some hard grains, perhaps we got the end of the rice. Would like to try this spot for happy hour to see what the cocktails are like.

Excellent Thai food and fast service. The food is fresh and the space is small but cute.

This is THE cutest spot for Thai food in DC! They have a massive menu, but every dish packs a delicious punch. The service is super friendly and make sure to grab a cocktail (if you drink). They have all your favorite traditional comfort Thai food as well as traditional dishes. I highly recommend sharing and branching out of your comfort zone. My favorite two dishes were: Drunken Noodle - the wide needs are perfect and I love the spice Southerners Comfort - Not your average Thai dish, but I loved every bite! You really can't go wrong though. All the dishes have great flavors that will have you begging for me.

Came here for Happy Hour catching up with friends in the summer! Thai Chef is a smaller Dupont restaurant, but has decor packed with rich colors and a lively staff making it a pleasant atmosphere. I order the Crazy Thai Lady drink (what tasted like a classic margarita) alongside a plate of Chicken Fried Rice. Portions were big, flavorful, and truly hit the spot after a long day of work. Great prices - truly a bang for your buck! I'm excited to head back to Thai Chef to try their menu items.

Full disclosure: This review is based on a delivery order through Grub Hub. It's was a nasty night and I needed some food asap. I was starving after a whole day of bike riding. I decided on massaman curry with shrimp. I also ordered a bowl of Tom Kah soup with veggies. I decided to reward myself with mango sticky rice for dessert. Everything was delicious. It was delivered when promised.

One of the best Thai meals I've ever had. This brightly decorated hidden gem just north of DuPont Circle was delicious start to finish. Servers were attentive and we got a table right away though they were full on a Wednesday. We shared the shrimp bikini and sticky tofu appetizers. The shrimp was encased in egg roll paper with ground pork and a sweet and sour sauce. The sticky tofu was airy and lightly dressed with a sweet peanut sauce. The chicken satay with peanut sauce was enough for an entree and the pad Thai had was made with chewy noodles and full of chicken and veggies. And $50 for everything. Highly recommend!!

Amazing Thai spot in DC. Flavors are on point. We loved the crabmeat friend rice, chicken satay and the DUI which is their version of drunken noodle. Prices are fair. We went with a party of 3 and I think our bill was around $70? Lovely interior, it's colorful, floral and lively. Great spot for brunch/lunch. I highly recommend.

Very cool place tucked away in DC, with both great food and service... Came here with some friends on New Year's Eve. Found this place through social media and it looked awesome. The ambience is great, with really cool decor... Chose to go with the duck noodle soup, and it did not disappoint! The duck was flavorful, and the soup was also amazing. Additionally, the food came out within, what seemed-to-be only a couple minutes. Overall great spot, Will definitely come back here.

This food is too good to be true!!! We ordered twice from this place..and both times (particularly the 2nd time) were absolutely delicious. The pad Thai chicken was a big hit..and the spicy basil Thai fried rice was truly spicy and very tasty. The curry puffs and crab wontons were wonderful appetizers. everything was packaged properly, and our hot food was delivered within 45 mins. Overall, highly recommend!

Everything ordered was delicious. Very good pad thai. Good service, casual vibe. Nice menu.

Thai Chef Street Food is hands down the best Thai restaurant in all of DC. Each visit leaves me more impressed than the last, from the mouthwatering red curry shrimp to the delectable happy hour pad Thai. Whether you're stopping by for dinner or happy hour, you simply can't go wrong with this place. The flavors are authentic and perfectly balanced, making every dish a delight. I highly recommend Thai Chef Street Food to anyone craving exceptional Thai cuisine - you won't be disappointed. The service is perfect as well. The ambiance gives elevated casual.

Delicious! My husband and I dropped in for lunch on a Friday. Around 1:30 it wasn't too crowded. We started with a couple drinks - the panda-mic was so refreshing and crisp while the Crazy Thai Lady had a nice spice. The Chicken Curry Puff Empanada was a great starter. It comes with 2 so it was perfect for us. Don't sleep on the sauce-type veggie oil that it comes with. Not sure what it was but it was delicious with the puff. Then for the entree. We got the Duck Curry and split it. We weren't too hungry so that was the perfect amount of food. This is weird, but I didn't like the duck curry with the rice. It was so delicious just by itself, but with rice it drained the flavor. It's a cool, eclectic vibe inside and service was great. I definitely recommend!

We stumbled upon this Jim after arriving into our embassy row hotel. We were considering Italian, but it being a Monday, many of the restaurants were closed. So we popped into this little restaurant partly because we love Thai food and partly because of the unusual decor. Sadly, I wasn't able to take pictures as this was a business dinner. Very eclectic and artsy. We ordered pineapple fried rice, green curry, and drunken noodles. Everything was excellent. Service was super fast and the food came out way quicker than we expected. We also had hot tea. Portions were generous and with tax and tip, it was around $70. Quite a bargain for the area.

I really like the vibe of this place for a Tuesday afternoon lunch. The food is pretty good and the service is quick. I like the decor inside for sure, but the food takes the cake. I'm never a huge fan of Thai street food, but I really had a hankering for Thai food today. Got the curry puffs, dumplings, and Kapow. Everything was really good. I would highlyyyyy recommend. The kapow has really good flavor and spice.

I came for a midweek lunch because I was staying nearby. It's a super cute place. The waitress was helpful but not overly friendly. The Thai fried rice was delicious. I chose the gluten free preparation and added shrimp as my protein. The shrimp were plated whole with the rice (as in not cut up in it) with only about 4-5 shrimp which was likely enough but I felt like there should have been more. Flavors were there. I devoured the plate. I gave it 4 star only because I felt like they lacked opportunities to offer more Gluten free entrees and I wasn't quite confident the waitress could tell me if other common foods could be adjusted to accommodate. That said, I stuck with the 2-3 things that CLEARLY stated gluten-free optional. Hope they offer clearer menus in the future.

Trendy ambiance, excellent service, delicious small plates, and great value for the real estate. Whether it is for a few cocktails and bites or for a larger meal, this spot is the real deal!

Our first dining experience in DC was a success! Arrived early around 5ish (long travel day) and was a little nervous for being the only diners. Within 15 minutes, the place was packed! Started with the fried spring rolls. Some of the most flavorful we've enjoyed and the dipping sauce was sweet, sticky & spicy! Hubby ordered his usual (Pad See Ew) and I devoured the shrimp Pad Thai. Both were phenomenal. My dish was very hot for a medium star but packed with great flavor, fresh ingredients and lots of grilled shrimp. Meal came to $50 with a generous tip. I would definitely return!

Newly infatuated with this place. Fishing in Mekhong is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, hands down. The Pad Thai (my litmus test) was great and had a generous portion of shrimp, and the crab in the crab fried rice tasted really fresh! Would be remiss not to mention the pleasantly tart papaya salad and yummy curry puffs. Can't wait to return!

The food is quality and reliable. I've tried the pad Thai, pad si ew, spicy eggplant, veggie delight and clay pot noodle. The flavors are strong and they give good portions. However if you're looking for more spicy Thai food, this is not the place. The spice level is below mild and even though I asked to make it spicy they don't add in enough. They don't have the spice wheel, just a side of chili flakes. It's a bit small inside but has an eclectic decor with flowers in the wall, colorful light fixtures and textiles. It's perfect for a quick lunch.

Delicious panang tofu! Very good panang sauce. My garlic-chive cake i wish was more garlicky but was nice to try. Service was a bit spotty but i liked the intimate atmosphere and my cocktail was good- the one with lychee and butterfly pea tea. I eould come back for good thai food!

I highly recommend this street food Thai cafe located the in hip DuPont area. Efficient service and delicious food! Like authentic street food places in Asia. I ordered the Kapow and it was delicious! The spice was flavorful without overpowering the dish. The sauce was perfectly done with hints of basil and fish sauce. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the portions were generous. The rest of my party ordered the pad see ew and it was delicious with good wok hei. Will definitely return.

Run, do not walk, to get here. Place is amazing. So many good options to get. I got something called the Southerner's Comfort. It was delicious! Party of four, each got something different and each waddled away fat and happy. Staff were attentive, place was really cool, great vibe. Go early or expect to be waiting outside.

I got a to-go order from Thai Chef to enjoy at the board game bar across the street. After walking in to pick up the order I was taken aback from the beautifully decorated interior. The food was good. My mother, who has never had Thai before, really liked her pad see ew. The only issue was they didn't give us any forks with the order, and the place we were at only had leftover plastic knives and spoons from a previous party engagement. (They don't have a kitchen hence having us bring in outside food). So we awkwardly stabbed and scooped up our noodle dishes. The next time I am in the area I am looking forward to having a dine in experience there.

Food was very decent. Chive cakes and dipping sauce were quite tasty, as was the sweet taro dessert. Ambiance is eclectic and fun. Small location with limited seating but with kind staff. Pad Thai was average but good. Green curry had nice flavor and spice.

A very good Thai restaurant in DuPont Circle. I recently went here with a couple friends for a late-night dinner and we were able to put in our orders (and received them) extremely quickly. I got the duck noodle soup extra spicy. Although I would have preferred the spice come in a different form than two small plastic containers of pepper flakes, the soup was a great portion size, with lots of duck and noodles. The duck was perfectly cooked and flavorful, and the vegetables were well-cooked. I would recommend Thai Chef for a casual, reasonably-priced dinner in DuPont Circle.

The inside is super cute and really aesthetic. We were originally seated at the bar but the waitress was really nice and moved us to a table when we requested it. The bar was super fun because we were able to watch the bartender make drinks. I ordered the kapow and my friend had the panang curry. The kapow was super flavorful and definitely worth a try. I overate this dish, but it was worth it. My only recommendation is to come early because it's a small restaurant and there was a large crowd while we were waiting and whilst we were seated.

It's a small spot but cute and lively (great ambiance) with good food/drinks and great service! We sat at the bar (I love sitting at the bar). No reservations for a party of 2 and no wait. There is a second floor but no one up there on this weekend afternoon. I'd call ahead if you have a big group. FOOD | The egg rolls were so good (according to my friend), so good that they ordered another. The chicken pad Thai was so yummy I forgot to snap a photo before we devoured! The wings were also delicious, I had to stop myself from ordering more! The wings were saucy yet still crispy and so flavorful. I love wings!! And these did not disappoint! DRINKS | The alcoholic Thai iced tea (Fishing in Mekhong) was good but I liked regular Thai ice tea better so ordered one of those as well. My friend got the elderberry old fashion - cute drink and yummy! PARKING | Street parking was rough, but it's like that most places in DC. We always find a spot with a little patience : ) I would definitely return!!!

The Thai food here is top-notch, and the drinks are absolutely delicious! Every dish I've tried has been exceptional, always served fresh and hot. I was pleasantly surprised by the margaritas; they're among the best I've had in DC, despite not being typically associated with Thai cuisine. The service is excellent, with waiters promptly greeting guests and taking orders. Although the space is small, it's roomy enough to allow for comfortable spacing between guests.

Great Thai restaurant. The Penang curry is very flavorful, probably the best of all the things we ordered. Good portion of the food. Sticky tofu was crispy, but the sauce wasn't quite the sweet chili sauce, the sauce was sweeter. Great service and the staff were very friendly.

First time here since we were traveling from California to DC for a business trip, whenever I travel I'm always craving some sort of Asian food! I was hesitant on trying this place out since there were mixed reviews on Yelp + tik tok but I'm so glad we got to try it. Everything was jam packed with flavor! The D.U.I - does not look very flavorful in the picture, but boy was it yummy! I think typically this dish is darker due to using dark soy sauce but my bf and I enjoyed it. 10/10 must get! Papaya salad - 10/10 so much flavor and I asked for extra spicy and they delivered. Ingredients were super fresh and right amount of citrus/fish sauce. I usually lean towards lao style but this was amazing! Tom yum - 9/10, super yummy! I'm more used to red Tom yum but this has a burst of flavor. I would say by the end, it did get a little salty but would pair so well with rice. Panang curry - 10/10, my bf loves Panang and he gave this dish an approval! It was bursting with flavor and he said to go back in 2 days for it, before we leave DC! Drinks: I forgot what we ordered exactly but they were so refreshing! Service: amazing, despite it being crowded we were seated in about 5 minutes and the service was so fast and amazing. We got our foods fast, huge portions, and they do a pretty good job on checking up on you despite how busy it is.

Wow! Made me wish I had a second stomach because there were so many good choices. I finally decided on the cucumber salad that was tangy, salty, refreshing goodness. Then the chicken ka pow for the entree that was spicy, little garlicky, and just a hint of sweetness. This is a ground chicken entree which is an interesting change from the usual. I totally recommend this! The restaurant is beautiful with a fun, casual vibe. As for the service, let's just say the woman that took my order didn't appreciate my dumb questions and requests. I forgot all about the attitude once I took my first bite and all was forgiven.

My go to restaurant for ordering Thai food. I especially adore their red curry and panang curry-- so so good!! Definitely need to visit the restaurant next time to try out more dishes, and check out the ambiance and service.

Was quickly sat for a lunch with a friend. Our server was prompt and friendly. Decor is nice and place is clean. The food left much to be desired though. I ordered the chef dumplings to start and neither of us enjoyed the dumpling or sauce paired with it. We did get the dui noodles and they kind of saved the meal. I got mine with shrimp and my friend with chicken. The noodles were spicy as indicated in the menu but needed a tad more flavor. Overall the noddles were good but not enough to write home about. I'd entertain trying it out again.

Thai Chef Street Food was a great time! The servers were quick and courteous, and our food came out so fast. The restaurant had a really cool vibe to it also! As for the food, I enjoyed every dish! My one comment may have been that I wish the fried rice had a bit more spice. Overall, a great Thai option if you're in the area!

So I revisted Thai Chef. You needn't worry, the food remains delicious. However, the service remained sketchy. We actively were not checked on during our meal. It was unclear who our waiter was because we had to keep calling whoever walked by for what we needed and to order. But on to the food! The drunken noodle and pad-si-yu were delicious and flavorful. The wings were big, juicy with a delicious bbq style sauce. My absolute favorite thing here is the chicken curry puff. It's absolutely delicious. Crunchy outside with a perfectly cooked chicken and potato interior. Definitely dip it in the clear sauce that comes with it. It's perfectly sweet and a great complement to the puffs. Hope you enjoy!

This is the DC location. There is another location in Rockville, MD. I ordered the Beef Fried Rice and Drunken Noodles which were both delicious. The beef fried rice was delicious however I did expect more of a Thai vibe with spice and layered flavor. The rice also lacked the darker color I expected of Thai fried rice. The Drunken Noodles are spicy, however delicious. The Shrimp Bikini also lacked considerable flavor and is bland without the homemade sweet & sour dipping sauce. This place seems to be a very busy restaurant on weekends, so order online or over the phone in advance. Keep in mind that only street parking is available. And at best street parking is limited. I will certainly return to try other menu items and reconsider a 4* review. Give them a try.

I really enjoyed the mild duck curry and it was interesting that they had lychee nuts in it. The sweetness paired well with the creamy sour. I highly recommend the curry. We also got chicken wings and the crab fried rice which were bad too. I liked the pandan-mic cocktail but I couldn't taste the pandan that much. The fishing in mehkhong cocktail was good too and it's delicious if you like Thai tea. The ambiance was cool and nicely decorated and the restaurant had good service.

Thai Chef is great casual spot for Thai food and good drinks that don't break the bank. With that said, the inside of the restaurant is a little tight and small, and I personally don't care for the acid trip aesthetic of the interior design. The Thai Chef Dumpling and Shrimp Bikini appetizers I tried were average. The drinks here are tasty and relatively affordable. I was happy with the Crabmeat Fried Rice and Shrimp Kapow entrees that I tried; both dishes were flavorful and well-prepared.

This is an awesome Thai restaurant in DC. I liked all the food and drinks. From the food I liked the after school wontons and the red curry. The wontons were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. For the curry I liked that they didn't skimp on the soup portion. From the drinks I liked the elder flower old fashioned which was also a pretty drink. The restaurant had an open feel with the high ceilings and the service was great. I would definitely come back the next time I'm craving Thai food.