DINERS DISH: Bangkok Gardens

Fifteen years ago, when I first arrived in Columbia, I was working on a project to move a restaurant from the downtown area.  My restaurant was closed and in boxes, but scrumptious smells were wafting in from next door.  I was starving and John Pham's phabulous Thom Yum Gung soup would be my first meal in a downtown Columbia restaurant.  

 

I've been hooked on his establishment, Bangkok Gardens, ever since.

Many people don't know that Pham is a certified French chef, a training and sensibility that makes his sauces and curries among the best I've tasted in Thai restaurants across the country.   I've dined at Bangkok Gardens many times over the years, bringing family, friends, and business associates to savor what I've long enjoyed.  More recently, I've been on a dumpling soup kick, ordering the veggie version of this filling meal each time.

Bangkok Gardens gets 3.5 out of 5 stars at Yelp.com, and 4 out of 4 stars at Urban Spoon.  

 

Here's what other diners have to say.  

 

"I've been a Bangkok Gardens fan for a long time.  They're spacious locale on Cherry Street just west of 9th St is bright and airy, with upstairs and downstairs dining areas. Their pad thai is stellar, and their curries are awesome as well.   They have Thai beer (Singha), which, in my opinion, gives Bangkok an extra boost above most Thai places."

"The service can be a bit on the slow side, especially if you're mouth is on fire and you're waiting for a refill, but Bangkok is still one of, if not my favorite restaurant in Columbia."

"The food was alright.  The ingredients seemed fresh enough.  The veggie egg rolls were especially fat.  I liked them.  The rest was just ok..."

 

"Excellent Thai food.  Nice selection of typical Thai dishes and unique dishes with exotic flavors.  Good Service.  Fair prices.  Appeared very clean.  What more can I say?  Give it a try."

 

Check out Bangkok Gardens at 811 Cherry Street, just off 9th Street in the Downtown District. 

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bangkok-gardens-columbia

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/116/878088/restaurant/Bangkok-Gardens-Columbia

 

-- Mike Martin