Westgate Imports Thai Restaurant:

I was craving thai flavors and did what any foodie with a smart phone does, opened yelp. This place caught my eye and I wanted to give it a shot. Best decision ever. This place did not disappoint.

This restaurant is definite proof that only good food matters at a restaurant, it has 3 tables and a cute old couple running the show, an older man took our order, he was pleasant and advised us on the spice level of 1-12, adding that 1-4 is for american palates, I can handle spicy food so I went with 8. I ordered Tom Kha Kai soup, Pad Phirk Khing (beef), Panaeng Neu (beef) and the Khao Pa (shrimp), everything was to go.

A cute old thai lady came out and said hi and took the order slip, it was a 20 minute wait and you can look around the store, the food is made fresh to order. I also noticed what any good thai place has at its tables the spicy chili oil and the dry chili mixture, when the food was ready I asked for some of that to go as well.

I reached home expecting to eat what is good thai food, put on a movie and had the soup first, it was the best Tom Kha Kai I have every had, it was a burst of refreshing lemon flavors (Kaffir lime, lemon grass etc.) not too much coconut milk, just enough. I was floored, my wife loved it as well.

I was all excited for the main course, they gave enough jasmine rice for 4 people, I always mix the white rice with the dry chilli mixture for added flavor, The fried rice was perfect, the Pad Phirk Khing was awesome with green beans sauteed to perfection and the Panaeng Neu was to die for. The spice level of 8 added with my dry chili mixture would have put me at a 10, it was refreshingly spicy, it was challenging but not overwhelming and I enjoy that.

At the end of the meal, I felt like I had visited a thai grandmother who sent me home with a packed lunch. If I had the money I would definitely invest in their own restaurant but I think the food and the grandma that cooks it is what matters here and I will be defnitely be returning. Best thai food bar none and it is in Columbus OH....