Authentic Thai food is delicious and full of flavor. Experience the exotic cooking of Sombat Saenguthai at Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine. Sombat is from a small village in northeastern Thailand called Buriram. She began cooking at the age of seven, helping to prepare meals for her family of 14.
This restaurant has been voted “Best Thai Food” by readers of the Hawaiian Tribune Herald every year from 2007 to 2018. In addition to eating at Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine, you can pick up Sombat’s incredible Pad Thai Sauce at the Puanako KTA store, Cost-U-Less, and the Suisan Fish Market in Hilo.
Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine is located in Hilo, close to Hilo Seaside Hotel, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Wailoa River State Park. Currently, the restaurant is only open for take-out. Because of the excellent location, it’s easy to walk to the restaurant from a variety of hotels. You can grab your meal and enjoy it back in your room or outside near the Bay.
When you come to pick up your meal, the staff is friendly. Once the dining room opens again, you will find a clean and inviting dining space. The restaurant is very clean, but it is on the small side. Only a few diners can be accommodated at a time.
The menu is full of amazing Thai dishes. The chef grows many of the herbs and vegetables used in her dishes herself. You can also choose your level of spice for your dish. They offer a handy chart to help you find the right spice level.
Here is a look at some favorite menu items:
Chicken Satay
A tasty appetizer that’s served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad.
Coco Soup
With a base of coconut milk, this soup includes mushrooms and onions simmered in Thai spices. Choose from chicken, beef, pork, tofu, vegetables, shrimp, squid, or fish.
Beef Salad
Grilled and spiced beef with lime dressing and vegetables.
Somtum
This famous Thai salad is made with fresh local green papaya mixed with fresh lime juice and Thai spices.
Kang Massaman
A Muslim curry with onion, carrots, peanuts, and potatoes served with a bowl of jasmine or brown rice. Choose from chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or fish.
Pra-Ram-Long-Song
This dish includes steamed vegetables that are topped with peanut sauce. It’s served with jasmine or brown rice and includes your choice of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or fish.
Pad Thai
A classic that includes long rice noodles with bean sprouts. It also includes green onion and ground peanuts and is served with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, tofu, shrimp, squid, or fish.
Thai Tapioca
End your meal with dessert. The Thai tapioca is made with coconut milk and is sweet and delicious.
Sombat’s does not serve alcohol. However, there are tasty drinks available. These include Sombat’s herbal tea, hot tea, Thai iced tea or coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water.
Insider Tips:
-Thai hot means very hot. If you don’t like spice, play it safe and go for mild.
-The restrooms are outside and around the corner. You need to ask for the key if you need to use it.