Thai Express

We have patronized Thai Express over many years, and we can truly say their food is delicious and authentic Thai. Most recently, we hired them as caterers and they did such a fantastic job. Not only were their dishes very flavorful, but also the presentation, especially for the appetizers, was beautiful. Our guests really liked all the dishes. The Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup) stood out. We highly recommend them if you want an event catered. They are very professional, courteous, and hard working. They will make their best effort to make your event wonderful. At the Thai Express location in Clifton, they will greet you with friendly smiles. You can have a seat and watch as they cook your dishes. One of our favorites to take out is Pad Gra Pao Gai (Thai Holy Basil Chicken). Overall, we really recommend that you visit Thai Express! You will be very pleased with their food and service.

This is easily the best Thai food I’ve had in Cincinnati so far. So flavorful, and really nice portions. The fried rice, Pad Thai, and spring rolls are my favorite. ❤️

I’ve been coming here for about 25 years. Simple , very high caliber Thai food. Love this place . One of the only places you can get crab pad Thai with real crab meat . Excellent

Very good pad thai and fried rice for a great price. Meant for takeout mostly. If you cant handle spice ask for under a 5 maybe and 3 or 4

I'm gonna say maybe it's cause we ordered take out but I suggested Thai Express because someone on Reddit said it was the best Thai food they'd had in Cincinnati. Buuuuuut idk - I got the soy sauce noodles and while the portion was admirable they tasted somewhat sour? Maybe idk wth soy sauce noodles are supposed to taste like but I was expecting more salt, less sour. My wife got the red curry and was disappointed with the flavor (wish I'd tried it tbh). They forgot our Rangoon's but I would LOVE to try those at some point cause shrimp and crab?? Ok!!! I'm in! Finally, we did get the chicken satay we ordered and it was good! I love a peanut sauce and theirs did not disappoint! Overall I will try this place again but I think I'll try dining in and see if the quality is different. Not that the ingredients were bad! On the contrary, they were excellent - the flavor is what got me confused.

The adjacent parking lot runs a racket with At Your Service Towing with rigged meters that count minutes as seconds. Looking at other reviews, it seems they’ve been running this scam for years. Will be reporting them to the appropriate authority and better business bureau. Shame on them

You walk in to what looks to be a family of 3-4 generations running the kitchen you can see all of. Very clean and fast. Best Asian food in Cincinnati.

Love this place. The owners are super sweet. It’s literally like having your aunti cool for you. We had a basil dish and Panang Curry. Both were brilliant. Leave them a big tip, they deserve it.

Fab place for carry out! I had the pad thai and crab rangoons delivered for a night in. I ordered a 2 on the thai spice which was perfect for me. It was still hot (but did not look hot). If you don't like any heat, get a 0 as 2 was decently hot but perf for me.

Still the best. I love it here. I love the food. I love the service. I love how busy it is. I love the reasonable prices. I would still respect you if you don't agree, but there is empirical evidence that suggests you are objectively wrong.

One of my favorite hole in the walls. Authentic Thai food and carry out only. Worth the trip

Without a doubt, this is the best Thai restaurant in Cincinnati! The charming mom-and-pop atmosphere really makes it feel like you're enjoying a meal at your Thai aunt's house. You absolutely have to try their holy basil with fried egg and crab cheese; it's amazing! Trust me on this: I've been to Thailand before, and their holy basil dish actually contains holy basil. In most other places, they often substitute Thai basil instead. This is the most authentic Pad Kra Pao you can find outside of Thailand.

After 20 years of eating here, it's nearly the same place and I order almost the same thing every time. You should definitely get food here!! This is a perfect spot to get some authentic dishes at a reasonable price. It's on the UC campus with a small fenced-in metered parking lot next to it. The Thai ladies working here are always the best! Check the specials on the board. The 3 flavor tofu went from $8.00 to $11.50 in 20 years...seems reasonable. It's an amazing dish with great flavors and plenty of tofu. I like the tomato wedges in it. The sweet helps cut the spicy. The spring rolls are small, but fresh. For your dish, they ask 1-10 on spice level. I get a 6 and it's fairly spicy.

Amazing food and friendly service! This place is a hidden gem of Cincinnati. It's one of those mom and pop's place. You won't be disappointed!

Mom and Pop Thai food. Not much seating, so you gotta do takeout. If you like Thai food, you'll love this place!

The customizable spice made me very grateful! Level 2 and 3 were perfectly delicious for us, who do not have mouths of steel. They do mostly carry out business (DoorDash, grub hub, Uber eats) because there are only 5 seats and the interior is not beautified. Friendly staff speaking fluent English. Authentic Thai cook staff. A local said it was the best Thai place in Cincy. We're from out of town but we'll be back!

The best Thai food in the city. Not even close. All that Pad Grapow you've been eating elsewhere doesn't even have Holy Basil in it.

This is not Thai food. It's not good. I was so excited to try it. Got the Thai fried rice, the Thai beef jerky, and the chicken soup. I've had better from a no name Chinese buffet in the 90's. So very disappointing. It's bad.

Visited good ol Clifton to see a friend in UC and grabbed lunch at our fav place near campus. As usual, this is a takeout place. There's negligible seating arrangement and it's not a dine in experience at all. My friend got Green Thai curry with chicken and I got the Honey Basil Stir fry with fried egg. It took about 15 minutes for our orders to be ready. My friend enjoyed his curry. He found it wholesome, flavorful and delicious. His exact words. My dish was tasty as well. The honey and basil combination was interesting to venture into. The quantity that these guys give really last for two meals. My order costed $13 and I'd call it fair for the quality and quantity both.

Unbelievably good Thai food! I literally cannot describe this place in any other way besides, absolutely amazing! Watch out though, their spice levels are no joke!

owners are incredibly nice, and the food is authentic coming from someone who has been to thailand. very delicious and i will be back again

You walk in and immediately I'm reminded of a homey kitchen. It's purely a take out place and they are super fast. It's cheap Thai food made by Thai aunties in the kitchen. It fast, easy, and delicious. The fried rice is my personal favorite but the pad thai is extremely popular for a good reason.

I picked up some Chicken Pad Thai today and it was the best Pad Thai I have ever had. I ordered it at a medium spice level but it was spicier than any medium I've ever had before. I guess I should have ordered mild. That would have been perfection. Tbat was my bad though, i still recognize how amazing the flavor is, and still loved it. I ordered Chicken Satay as well. It was good but not my favorite. The salad It came with was delicious though. My sister got the sweet basil stir fry. She said it was good but too spicy. So, I recommend getting a level less spicy than you would get at other restaurants. The price is good and they give you a lot. I definitely recommend it. The only bad thing is lack of parking.

The hole in the wall exteriors often lead to the BEST food! Well worth the fight to find parking for their pad thai alone. Level 3 is good for most with enough heat but not a burn. Lots of vegetarian options! We are transplants from Seattle and we're skeptical that we could find great Thai food - we found it here! Call ahead for quick takeout. Very limited seating inside.

I'm interested in Thai cuisine. I ordered online, where it had decent reviews. So I ordered a Holy Basil stir fry with shrimp, as well as spring rolls. Maybe I got someone elses order, but it was awful. There was no basil or shrimp in it--just a pile of mushrooms and chicken--in fact, two huge lumps of limp, undercooked chicken skin. I paid through the nose for it--in excess of $80 for 3 orders of this stuff. It was disgusting.

SO SAD (Closed on Sundays!) Guess I'll just have to come back during the week. Best Pad Thai in either Cincinnati or Placerville, CA!

I ordered this food as takeout and i was not impressed. Im in town on a work trip and decided to order after seeing so many positive reviews, but it lacks in flavor. Im from California and this wasnt as good as what i get over there, so it may just be a difference in taste but thats just my opinion! I also thought it was odd they didnt offer sides of chili paste or the different spicy condiments im used to. That shouldve been the first red flag

Speedy and friendly, this is the place to come get your fix for Thai food. Call to order ahead and make sure you allocate time for parking as you might need to circle the block a few times to find a spot. This is great for college students on a budget. The place is open with two tables in the front where you can eat in on the fly. This is a very casual spot where you can make friends with the cooks and owners.

This might be a 'hole in the wall' but don't pass it up if you enjoy Thai food! We phoned in an order of crab Rangoon and Pad Thai with chicken. The crab Rangoon was finishing frying as we walked in and the Pad Thai was ready. Both were good. However the Pad Thai was absolutely delicious. Probably one of the best I've had in the Cincy area recently. Price is reasonable. There is no indoor or outdoor dining, just take out.

Ordering over the phone proved to be a tad difficult initially but I can't speak more highly of my customer service upon pick up. The lady who checked me out was very nice, outgoing, and apologized for any confusion when I had called. Overall, we ordered the chicken pad Thai, black pepper garlic store fry with beef, and massaman curry. All were very good! I'd certainly order again from this spot but do note they mostly do take out.

Great consistent Thai food. The family that owns, cooks, and runs the restaurant is so friendly and welcoming. Despite not being on any of the big food delivery apps, they are well worth driving or walking to and picking up yourself. If they did deliver you would never get to meet them and that would be a shame!

Thai Express is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Clifton, everybody deserves to know about it and try this place. Best Thai food in Cincinnati for sure.

Went to location for a carry out order. I called it in and was told 20 minutes. When I got there, the order hadn't been started. It's a small space that doesn't hold many but clearly popular. I ordered two fried rice with low spice. He cooked the food while there. When I tried the rice it was definitely more spicy than my request. The peppers were clearly visible and took away from the flavor of the rice. I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have, had there been less pepper. It was good and flavorful. I would return but would not get peppers in my food. I want to enjoy the taste and flavor of the meal. Staff was nice and clearly from the customers that they have a following.

It's a small order at the counter and either stand at the table or wait outside type of restaurant. These kind usually have some bomb food if you ask me. I wouldn't lie to you! THEY DO! The best Mango Salad in the Queen City hails here. It's always my go to. But everything on the menu is delicious. I wish I can work here for food!

Eaten more meals here than any other restaurant. Amazing to so good and amazing people. Don't miss Thai express!

We are from Los Angeles and wanted to look for authentic Thai food, and they have it! Thai fried rice and basil chicken were delicious! If we are ever back to Cincinnati this will be our go to Thai restaurant!

I got the wrong order and I wasn't even pressed, it was so delicious. To be fair, we decided to order from Thai Express at the worst most possible time, UC homecoming at 7pm. The place was extremely packed. We ordered a pad see ew, green curry and crab rangoons. we got a pad thai instead of pad see ew, but it was extremely delicious. I was a big fan of the spice level (I still didn't think it was as spicy as it could have been), but my partner thought it was a good level. If you're not a huge fan of spice, I would recommend asking for a lower spice level. The green curry was a nice level of spice too and just the right amount of flavor. I was also a big fan of the crab rangoons as well. Everything was well balanced. I can't wait to come back, hopefully, at a time when they are much less busy!

After working an OT shift at work I called in an order to this little spot. A coworker recommended. The staff were all so kind and friendly and helpful. They recommend items to try on my next visit, even circling them on a menu for me. I ordered chicken spring rolls and holy basil stir fry. I ate the spring rolls within 5 minutes of opening the bag. I have no picture to share as I ate them literally driving down the hill. They were small but absolutely delicious. I should have ordered 10! The stir fry was not the most flavorful. Let me say I've never had this dish anywhere before so I may not be a good judge. I will for sure return and try a different dish with my spring rolls.

Pad Thai was very sweet and too heavy on the sauce for my taste (even when ordering a 6/10 on spice). Quick and affordable though. Only a couple small tables inside; definitely intended for carry out.

Another Yelper's review made me realize that I have yet to review Thai Express. Thai Express is the real deal. Authentic Thai food with customizable spice levels. The Thai beef jerky is interesting. It is beef jerky made by frying rather than drying. This means just like all the other food, it is made to order. It can be a little on the greasy side, but otherwise good. Spring rolls have remained crisp even in the time it takes to get them home. We have tried a number of noodle dishes and curries. All of the dishes have been fresh. Vegetables maintain a bit of crispness. We have never had them be overcooked. Many of the dishes include white rice. Food is always full of flavor. It is hard to beat the quality and quantity for the price. Customer service is as great as the food. The woman we spoke to on our first visit gave recomendations based on the level of spice we liked. When my husband said he wanted a dish as hot as they could make it the woman got excited. She said she would have them make the dish the way she likes it made. My husband was not disappointed. My mouth on the other hand was on fire. They do not joke around when it comes to spice. Food is consistently fresh, and plentiful. We have yet to dislike anything we have tried.

Yum! I got the pork pad thai. It was my first time here and everyone working there is so happy. Such a great restaurant, would definitely recommend.

Always love Thai express. Getting the chicken pad Thai every Friday is the highlight of me week. It is fast service and wonderful full. No parking so plan to just put your hazards on, jump in and grab your to go order

Yummy food - great portions - good value. More of a take out not a eat in place. Pad Thai had great flavor.

Definitely the best thai I've had in Cincinnati so far. Mom is from Bangkok and I'm used to authentic spicy thai. Can't wait to go again!

I'm Thai and I can't live without Thai food. I mostly cook my own food but I suck at making padthai. So I love browsing around for it. I found this restaurant and wanted to give it a try. Turns out it is really great. Their Padthai test so authentic. Test just like home. Best in Cincy. No ridiculous stuff like broccoli or baby corn or whatever. By far love love love Ps. Love it even more because they give me extra bean sprouts and cucumbers every time.

They have gluten free options! I can't say that I'd trust that no cross-contamination is happening (I don't think they specifically clean the wok between sauces), but they do make an effort to highlight which dishes can be made without gluten. If you're not super gluten-sensitive it's a safe enough bet. They have two tables inside to eat, but Thai Express is mostly a place for carry out/pickup. They certainly live up to their name: I came in without ordering ahead and was impressed that the food was still ready in under 10 minutes. There's parking in the Willkommen Clifton lot next door (bring change) or on a nice night like tonight you can carry to eat on UC's campus.

I really liked their Khoa Soi I tried at Asian Food Fest. The building itself is super small and sketchy though, with no seating- it's just for carry out. The meals are a bit steep for carry out but I do really enjoy the flavors!

Not sure if I've been eating un-authentic thai food my whole life, but was pretty disappointed when I ordered Pad See Ew with chicken and it was made with pad thai noodles. Pad see ew is just not the same without the flat thick noodles. It also didn't have the sweeter flavor I am used to. My boyfriend got the Pad Thai and he said that it did not disappoint! He also had Drunkard's Noodles, which was just OK. The thai tea was average, a little on the sweet side and not that milky. We're from LA and frequent a few restaurants in Thai Town there, so that's where our definition of Thai food is coming from. Everyone who works here is super friendly and patient! The lady at the register kept apologizing for the long wait, but I mean, what else can one expect when visiting the best Thai restaurant in Cincinnati!? It was super nice of her to constantly check in on us, but definitely not necessary, since she had a million other things to do. Good for takeout since there's only two tables. It got crowded inside with people just waiting for carryout. If you're going during prime dinner time, I'd call in ahead of time! When ordering, you can choose a spice level from 1-10. I listened to the yelp reviews that said choosing spice level 3 was already intense, so I got 2... was sad to find that it wasn't spicy at all! My boyfriend got a 7 and that wasn't too bad either, but the spice built up as he continued eating. But we love spicy food so take this with a grain of salt! Also, portions are huge, so that's definitely a big plus. You and a friend can get different entrees and share, so you can try more of their menu :)

I am absolutely excited with Thai express. Keep up the great work!!! Food is awesome...!!! My first time ever eating at this place and it's amazing!!

Tried it for the first time tonight and just one word - wow! This has to be the best Thai food I have ever had, and I completely understand the hype surrounding this place. I recommend calling ahead of time, but I also saw people come in and order from there. It definitely is more of a carry out place because they don't have much seating. I ordered a Pad Thai with the spice level 3 and some spring rolls and it was truly decadent. The spring rolls were perfectly crispy and had a great bite and super fresh vegetables. The Pad Thai had a great kick to it and just enough bean sprouts, egg, and chicken to have a good balance. I live in Loveland and I would honestly go all the way to Clifton for this place with a smile on my face the whole time. If you haven't been here, you're missing out and you definitely have to check it out!

I tried this after eyeing it for a few months. I went in not really sure what to try but the lady suggested I get pad thai and it definitely did not let me down!! I got a 3 spice level and it was perfect. The thai tea from scratch is very good and cheap! I will definitely be back before I graduate. Definitely recommend the spring rolls as well

Our family favorite Thai restaurant in Cincinnati. No frills bare bones and fabulous. No goo. Why don't other Thai & Chinese restaurants get it, the goo is gross!! We have been fans for years of Thai Express!

It doesn't look like it'd be all that much when you walk by and inside seating is really small but it'satakeout place so it's ok... BUT, Thai Express is hands down the best Thai food in Cincinnati. Coming in the staff is really friendly and it's family owned with truly traditional Thai food. I always get the Black Pepper Chicken with nuts added and it is absolutely delicious, the hotness levels range from low 1 to 10 high and hot. I usually get a 5 or 7 and it's hot and a spring roll or two on the side they're really good. The Pad Thai is soooo good and flavorful too. If you love Thai food then I highly recommend going to Thai Express you won't be disappointed.

I used to order from this place couple times a month because it's close to my work and the food taste pretty good. However, this last time I placed an order and when to pick it up, they did not have my order. So I spent my lunch time leaving work to pick up my food and no food. They need a better business strategy and provide customer service because this is how you lose business. Not very organized and don't care sour customers.

Good, delicious, convenient food. Also very affordable. I ordered chicken pad Thai, beef jerky which was so awesome, and spring rolls. I ended up paying only 13.50. Very good for take out but the place is too small to eat there.

love the chicken pad thai! Its always quick service and it is never not to my expectations

If you're looking for authentic thai food in Cincinnati, look no further. This restaurant is in an understated building in Clifton, located right on one of the main streets, surrounded by other shops and restaurants. There's not much seating inside, however, so most people get this to go. You can also call ahead if you're in a hurry. Most times, I can order and be out of there in about 15 minutes, but some days it can take a little bit longer. If you order there, you can have a seat at the table and people-watch. You're also able to see them prepare your food in massive woks, which is always entertaining. Every single thing on the menu is great. The best part about this place, though, is the price. You get very generous portions of each item for an inexpensive price. My go-to order is chicken pad thai and spring rolls. I also love the curry and basil stir fry. They make all the food to order, no dishes are prepared ahead of time. You can alter your spice level on any dish according to your preferences. I've gotten takeout from here countless times, and each time my order has been correct, tasted delicious and was fast. The staff is very friendly here, and they remember frequent customers' names, which is always appreciated. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for cheap, authentic thai food in Cincinnati!