Three ladies walk in looking for a decent lunch. Three ladies walk out, half impressed, none full.
We were on a quest to have Thai for lunch one day since one of us had never had it. I suggested Thai Orchid because I'd been there before and hadn't had a terrible experience. The location is pretty decent, but parking is kind of hidden (you have to go behind the restaurant, but if you miss the sign, you're SOL).
When we first walked in, we stood waiting for a while because none of the staff knew we were there. I guess having an entrance at the back of the establishment doesn't mean having a host/hostess at the back of the establishment. Once we were acknowledged, we were guided through the maze to find quite a full restaurant. Based on all the people eating, we figured lunch must be good.
The start of the confusion/mediocrity started with the menu. It's quite confusing since the lunch section just shows styles of dishes (some listed with meat some without). Since I'd been here before I knew that you could choose a style, select a meat, determine spiciness (if desired) and be on your way. My co-eaters didn't get that at first.
I went with the chicken, broccoli, and rice dish (as did the newcomer). We also ordered a side of peanut sauce for adding to the dishes. The daring one of us went with the pineapple curry. Before we received our meals, we received the starter soup. Now, I've had some absolutely divine soups. This one, on the other hand, was, for lack of better word, blah. It was a clear broth, with about two flakes of cabbage and a couple cubes of tofu. Needless to say, none of us finished it.
Now onto the meat and potatoes (figuratively speaking). The broccoli and chicken was spot on, but nothing extraordinary. For the newcomer, it had enough flavor and wasn't too heavy but it didn't blow her brains. I would definitely eat it again. The peanut sauce was a dud. It tasted like a bowl of peanut butter with a pinch of vinegar. Not the kind of sauce you want on your food. The pineapple curry just didn't deliver. The pineapple seemed to be from a can, and the rest of it was just bland. We ate enough to not starve back at the office, paid the bill and left.
Ah, the bill. This is NOT a place that will break the bank. You can get away with each person paying about $10-12 for lunch (including drink).
Overall, if you've got no other choices, this place is half decent. Just don't expect to be blown away with flavor.
Location: 866 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell CA
Website: http://thaiorchidsiliconvalley.com/
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