Bai Som Thai Kitchen

The most flavorful nam tok Neua (waterfall beef) that I have had outside of Northeast Thailand! They make it with the traditional roasted rice powder. Chorp maak!

Patty Baisom opened this small, cozy restaurant in the Outer Richmond District ten years ago. A culinary marvel in longevity and consistency, Baisom Thai remains an outstanding destination for lunch, dinner or take-out. There are a plethora of Thai restaurants in the Bay Area, including many within blocks of this tiny gem. However, after a decade, I still have found no equal in consistently outstanding food, fresh ingredients, genuinely warm and inviting service, and reasonable prices. Baisom is less formal than Khan Toke Thai with its more modest yet equally authentic Thai decor. But Baisom surpasses its more well-known, elegant neighbor in its beautifully balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, excellent value and welcoming feel. Patty has infused her restaurant with the gracious spirit and charm of the small village in Thailand where she was raised. Befitting her namesake eatery, this diminutive and delightful lady is part of the magic of Baisom Thai. If you are fortunate to chat with her, you will be touched by her modesty, graciousness and depth of kindness for others. I'll never forget one evening when she surprised fellow diners by removing her charm necklace and presenting it as a gift to one who had earlier admired it. Patty had worn this beloved Buddhist charm daily for seven years, but she took great pleasure in sharing this token of good luck with another, a newcomer to her restaurant. The spontaneous gesture seemed to summarize the energy of the place. Whether its the delicate wave of delicious flavor in that first mouthful of curry, the sweet comfort of her Thai ice teas or the warm smiles that greet you and accompany your departure, you leave graced by the experience and reminded of a gentler, more harmonious world.

Great food, great service, and great atmosphere. Great Isaan dishes. Some dishes taste just like they do in Thailand. Arroy mak, mak.