Located in the heart of Cranford, New Jersey, Thai Mama has quickly earned a reputation as one of the area’s go-to spots for authentic Thai cuisine. Hearing this, I headed over to 110 North Avenue West to taste for myself what the buzz has been all about. Here’s an honest review.
From the moment I walked in, I noticed the restaurant’s warm atmosphere. The space they have is relatively small, but they are still able to accommodate around 10 small parties of guests. The staff was very friendly over the phone and in person. All my food was ready at the time they gave me, making pick-up very efficient.
The highlight for me was most definitely the food, and while for a restaurant review that might be pretty obvious, the food was seriously impressive. From Thai mama, I ordered Pad See Ew with duck, Curry Puffs, Pad Thai with both shrimp and chicken, Duck Makam and their version of the traditional fried tofu with peanut sauce.
I must say that the portion sizes are generous. I got so much more protein than what I was expecting– it left me very satisfied without feeling that I overpaid. The duck had a phenomenal char; it paired very well with the sweetness of the noodles and the tamarind and was full of Umami flavor. The tofu was a little on the drier side, yet the chili-peanut sauce completely revitalized it and made it delicious.
My favorite dish I got from Thai Mama was definitely the curry puffs; for those who don’t know, these look like mini empanadas, and they are stuffed with a highly seasoned curry filling–they are absolutely a must-get if you go. Not only were the puffs delicate and flavorful, but the sweet cucumber sauce they came with elevated them to a whole new level.
One thing I have to mention is that they do not mess around with the spice levels. If you do not like spicy, please do NOT order Medium or higher; the food WILL be spicy. If you are debating whether or not to order it spicy, simply order it mild. Also, Thai Mama is on North Ave, making parking a little scarce, so you may need to walk a minute or two if there are no street spots available. While these hiccups did not take anything away from my eating experience, they are worthwhile to mention to first-time visitors.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Thai Mama. The combination of authentic flavors and friendly service definitely made my night, and it very well could be a place I start to frequent. While there are a few small inconveniences, the quality of the food definitely makes up for them. For anyone looking for top-notch Thai cuisine, or even a new restaurant in general, Thai Mama in Cranford is certainly worth a visit. I give Thai mama 4.5/5 stars.
