Royal Orchid

Excellent food and the warm and friendly staff and chef make this the best Thai food in the Twin Cities! I think the Pad Thai is delicious, but I also love the green curry. And don't forget the sticky rice and mango for dessert!

I have eaten here since the early 1990s when Pat was cooking at the old location near Uptown, and I still go back even though I now live in Washington, DC. I've had Thai food all over the country, but have never enjoyed eating Thai for dinner more than at Royal Orchid!

Pros: Food quality; friendly service; inexpensive.

My girlfriend and I have eaten at the Royal Orchid a couple of times and each time it's been awful. And to add insult to injury, the food is quite expensive. It really hurts when you leave with that unsatisfied feeling, and you had to shell it out as well. I'm new to this site (citysearch) and I was getting excited that we could find some great restaurants without kissing a bunch of frogs. But with the ratings on the Royal Orchid so high, I think now that some of the restaurants are getting pumped up by people who have another reason to rate them highly....and it's not for good food.

Pros: No waiting as the restaurant was always empty

Cons: very bad food at high prices

Took some colleagues here for a business lunch and it was seriously the worst Thai food and lunch experience I've ever had. We should have known when we walked in and there was no one in the place at 12:30. Everything tasted like it had been saved from the night before and just reheated. Noodles were soggy, the little lunch egg rolls were completely sogged out and mushy. Just as if you put it in the microwave! Seriously, it was very embarassing and it was so obvious that nothing was prepared fresh at all. If you want good Thai, visit Chang Mai Tai in Calhoun Square and you will see the difference. Stay away from this place no matter how nice the owners are.

Pros: Parking, Price

Cons: Food qulaity, taste, freshness

I love this restaurant! They prepare fantastic Thai food. The servers are so nice and the chef is the most friendly and happy guy. He often comes out to visit with customers and smiles so big when he sees a regular. You can tell that they really want you to enjoy your food.

The listing says that it's a lunch spot, but I have only been there for dinner. I've eaten here often with friends and family, and none of us has been disappointed. It's a little place across the road from the Rosedale mall.

It might actually be the best Thai food in the metro area.

Pros: Food, Friently staff, Convenient location.

Cons: Ambience is a little lacking, Menu can be hard to read

Like the other reviewer, I agree that this place is not worthy of what past reviewers have stated. It makes me wonder if the regulars have even tried some of the other Thai places around the cities. The pad thai was just ok, but the red curry dish that had what appeared to have frozen or canned peas and carrots. Maybe it's just my personal preference, but I like large, fresh chunks of vegetables in my Thai food. Service was fine, ambiance was what I'd expect from a strip-mall restaurant. I'd recommend readers try True Thai on Franklin, or Tum Rup Thai on Lake St.

Pros: inexpensive

Cons: not fresh

Worst attempt at Thai food. I am trying not to be malicious as I write this considering the low quality of food. Do not confuse this place with the restaurant Royal Orchid on Market St. in Minneapolis. The food was prepared in 5 minutes, not very much time to prepare decent food. It was obviously frozen and heated in the microwave by flavor and texture. Cheese wontons at least tasted ok. The other menu items in our party were severly dissapointing. The meat, if you can call it that, was over processed and flavorless. All semblence of flavor had been boiled out. The rice was ill prepared instant rice. Sauces were bland. We had takeout so unable to speak for ambiance.

Pros: Cheese wontons, Fast, close to Taco Bell

Cons: Flavorless food, nasty food, mushy food

We've been going to The Royal Orchid in Roseville for several years now. We have never had a bad dish, or a bad experience in any way, in all that time. FANTASTIC THAI FOOD!!

Pros: Inexpensive, Good Parking, Pleasant atmosphere

The foods are always tasted fresh and consistantly tasty. Never disappointed. When they are busy, you are expected to wait a little. However, I have never have any bad service as other claimed. Frankly, I am surprised by the prior user. You should have mentioned to the Manager if you experience such service. They are always nice to me. I know that they they take your comments seriously. It was not constructive and seem that one just want to put them down because they are the best. There was no mention of the food either.
Regardless of what other said, this place is always the best.

Pros: fresh , authentic, great taste

We have gone to this restaurant couple of time since we like Thai Food, but every time we went to this place we had to wait for the waiter to show up and then Water to show up and then food to show up. The service is exteremly poor. I would not recommand any one this place, food is so so.

This was not the first time I experienced their poor service. They give the priority to takeout orders. Therefore people like us had to sit at the table waiting over half an hour to get our food. This last time, we didn't get the appetizer until half an hour later after we had asked about it two times. And what we finally got was not even the one we ordered. I would recommend takeout if you want to taste their food without having an unhappy dining experience.

Pros: Good flavor, Decent price

Cons: , Too Crowded

I have a lot to say, but will keep it short.

One bite of the food here, and you are in high heaven. Everything is fresh and not sugarly sweet like other Thai place that I have eaten.

Just love it. Will be back again and again.

Pros: Fresh food, taste great, good host

This is the only place outside of Thailand that I can find exactly the same food I have in Thailand.

I know that this restaurant have reputation about being authentic. The food also taste very good and well prepare with Little or no MSG. I have Pahd Thai at other place and it give mea a headache.
I have no such reaction here.

Keep up the good work.

Pros: great food, Fresh curry, great taste

I have been to nearly every Thai restaurant in the area and there is none better in terms of authenticity and flavor. Several years ago, I even went with Pat to Thailand, and he showed my wife and I the restaurants that inspire his cooking. (He might take you, too, if your interested.) I'm telling you, Royal Orchid isn't just close, it is the real thing!

Other Thai restaurants don't even seem to understand what a fresh Thai chili pepper is. Jalapenos? Dried red pepper? The taste is not the same. Royal Orchid mixes highly savory sauces that are light, not syrupy, and the flavors jump out. The peanut sauce starts with peanuts - not peanut butter as some other restaurants.

If you don't like Royal Orchid, you don't like real Thai food.

Pros: Authentic, Friendly, Tasty

We have tried many Thai places ( claimed to be authentic ), but none can keep up with this establishment. We have Curry Noodles and Pineapple Curry which no other Thai place have, and both are out of this world.

Pahd Thai is heavenly tasty. I can't think of the best word to say.

Just love them all.

Pros: superb food, friendly owner

From California to New York, I roamed. I discovered many Thai restaurants with the
best food that is truly authentic. Let me at this one to my list. I have been in the cities for
a few days, and I have visited a few others, but none was up to my expectation.

Too bad that I do not live here or I would eat at Royal Orchid everyday.

Pros: Good food, Authentic, friendly

I have Pahd Thai here every week. I don't eat Pahd Thai anyway else. Do you know why, I try everywhere else, they all loaded with MSG and made differently, some even look dark like soy sauce, some with ketsup. Furthermore, I notice that my mouth get so dry after eating at other Thai restaurants.

I am no expert, but by comparison. Royal Orchid is the best. You have to try it to know.

Cons: , friendly, lot of parking

I tried many attempts at Thai places to get extremely hot Thai food, and always got food that was "toned down" because they were sure I couldn't handle it. I finally challenged the Chef here and said there was no way he could make it as hot as I got it in Thailand. Although skeptical, he accepted my challenge. My temperature rose the second the food hit my tongue. By the time I finished, there were tears in my eyes and I was sweating profusely. It was absolutely wonderful.

When I say hot, I want hot, not what someone else thinks I can handle!!!

We are loyal fans of the Royal Orchid -- consistently stellar food and service! The friendliness of the owners and servers lends to the charm of the restaurant. I tell all my friends about it!

Pros: Excellent food, Service friendly

I was sad when they closed up shop in Minneapolis two years ago,but was relieved to find out they relocated to Roseville. Don't let the appearance of the location fool you. The food is just as good as it was when they were in Minneapolis. They are one of the few Thai restaurants that serve Tod Mon in the area.

Pat and Nita Sukhtipyaroge, owners of the Royal Orchid, do a great job in their culinary presentation and are very personable people. They especially made my parents feel welcome when they were in Minneapolis in November for the Thanksgiving holiday. Pat, Nita, and my Thai mother seemed to enjoy each other company. My mom thought it was some of the best Thai food she ever had and said when she comes back to visit, she will definitely stop by again. As for my family and I, we'll be back too!

Best Thai food between LA and Chicago. I've eaten at dozens of the "best" from both and in between. Ambience is quirky but one bite and you'll forget where you are. Beef Panang is outrageously good as is Satay appetizers. Pad thai noodles with chicken are a favorite. As for "heat" remember the old adage of: "careful what you wish for". I've found it difficult to taste after a dose of flesh-searing spice so keep plenty of water on hand. Service is always good and the owner has always made the rounds while I've been in. Royal Orchid is a mainstay I plan on keeping in my restaurant registry.

Pros: Authentic as it gets, Excellent service, Clean restaurant

Cons: Hours blow, Small dining room, Never enough water

Best thai food I have eaten across the country. No other Thai restaurant in Twin Cities (and I have eaten at them all) even comes close. Panang (medium spicy is out of this world). Unique and well-prepared authentic desserts. Pat and Neda are gracious and accomodating hosts. They are always present to make sure your food is well prepared and always willing to satisfy their customers. Take-out will not disappoint as it is as delicious as eating in!

Small restaraunt and hard to find, but well worth it! The BEST crispy rolls I've ever had anywhere (similar to eggrolls.) Very courteous staff, and prompt service. Reasonable prices, and absolutely wonderful food, and the chef/owner came out and greeted each table individually (tell Pat, that Chris sent ya!) I recommend the Pahd Thai, the Chicken Pangang, and the Cripsy Rolls. I will be a repeat customer for sure!

Pros: Great Food!, Inexpensive, Very courteous

Cons: Hard to find

I have travelled the world, including Thailand, and have never found a restaurant that served better food than does the Royal Orchid. I prefer Thai food because of the delicate spices and the sometimes subtle tastes, and it always feels like I'm eating healthy food. The owners and staff are extremely friendly and they are never short of creative dishes that continue to astound me and my family.

Pros: best food, friendly owners, creative new dishes

Cons: in a shopping complex

I am a long term customer. Needless to say how much I enjoy the food there. I always ask the manager for some suggestion since they are a bit different than other Thai restaurant around. I found many items which was not offer in other restaurant, except in Thailand. You should ask for suggestion if it is your first time. I enjoy the special treatment of having the chef came out to greet me. This place is most friendly and authentic.

Pros: Friendly, Real Thai food, Best Pahd Thai

You can always tell when you've found a place that makes real pad thai, and this is the best in the cities! Try the mango and sweet coconut rice for dessert.

Pros: Lotsa parking, Take out available

Cons: Bit of a drive

The Twin Cities now have many fine Thai restaurants, but none offering better, more authentic Thai cuisine than the Royal Orchid, now located next to the Barnes and Noble near Rosedale. The menu may not be as extensive as Sawatdee, and the decor can't compete with The King and I, but the food is superb. A friend who has visited southeast Asia and developed a fondness for Thai cuisine claims that the Royal Orchid is the only Thai restaurant that serves the real thing in the Twin Cities.

Pros: Authentic, Delicious, Casual