At Ning’s Thai Cuisine, they go all out in creating truly decadent dishes using time-honored recipes. Then, they serve them up with a smile in huge portions that’ll leave you feeling completely satisfied. As if that’s not enough, they warmly welcome you to stick around for dessert, so you can end your meal with rich, tropical fruit flavors to remember.
To get a taste of their amazing recipes, you can order delivery or get takeout. But it’s often best to come enjoy your meal in their beautiful dining room if you have time. Although the outside of the building is not much to look at, their interior space is bright and colorful. They have eclectic accents and décor items at every corner, plus beautiful table settings at each seat.
If you want to dine in, just come through the doors and grab any seat you want. Their tables along the front window let you watch all the action on Keaau-Pahoa Road, but there’s really no bad seat in the house. Once you’re settled in, your server will drop by the menus and get you ice water. If you want to get a starter to kick off your meal, it’s best to ask your server to wait a second while you select one. Otherwise, you might not see them for a bit as they help their other patrons.
All their items come with the normal level of spice called for in the traditional recipe. If you ask to add more, you’ll build spicy flavor fast. So, be careful when asking for anything above mild plus. They do not offer any refunds if it’s too hot, after all. With that in mind, you can order up your entrees, sides, and drinks, and then kick back and wait for the home cooked goodness to arrive. Each dish comes in big portions, so don’t be surprised if you have to ask for a takeout box after getting your fill.
You definitely need to sample the:
Deep Fried Fresh Tofu
Kick off your meal just right by ordering their Deep Fried Fresh Tofu. They make this popular appetizer by cutting up fresh tofu into cubes, and then frying it until crispy on all sides. Then, they put it on a bed of cabbage to catch the grease and add sweet Thai dipping sauce alongside.
Pineapple Curry
For the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, go with the Pineapple Curry, for sure. When you order, you’ll need to choose your protein or just go with the vegetarian option – with or without tofu. Once you do that, the chef will whip up your selections while adding pineapples, carrots, and basil to the mix. Curry spices take the flavors to the next level, while coconut milk brings it all together with a pop of sweetness.
Scallops with Sweet Basil
Always tender and ultra-tasty, the Scallops with Sweet Basil treat you to all the best flavors of the sea. They make this dish by searing scallops just right. After that, they stir fry them with bell peppers, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and onions. Garlic and sweet basil come in at the end to elevate the flavors even more.
There’s perhaps no better way to cool off all the spiciness in your meal than with their delightful desserts. So, treat yourself to their Mango with Sticky Rice and Ice Cream. Or go all out by getting the Fried Bananas complete with their sweet coconut dipping sauce. If you want to keep things lowkey, then try the Thai Tapioca Pudding instead – or get the Hilo Homemade Ice Cream.
Insider Tips:
-If you’re in their service area, you’re welcome to order delivery through their website.
-Thai hot is deadly delicious, but you had better be ready for surprising levels of spiciness.
-All additions are an extra charge, as are many substitutions.
-Their entrees do not come with rice, so be sure to add jasmine, brown, or sticky rice to your order if you want it.