I looked long and hard to find a Thai food restaurant in Asheville that was firing on all cylinders and boy did I find one. Located in the heart of bohemian West Asheville next door to a tattoo shop, Thai Pearl is a spicey delight guided by Thai Chef and co-owner Sujitra Chubthaisong. After learning the fundamentals from her mother back in Thailand, she honed her skills at the Royal Palace in Bangkok and then at Same Same in Brisbane Australia before moving to Asheville. Make no mistake about it, her food has its roots in the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand, known for its layered flavors, unique spices and textures. While the restaurant features all of the typical Thai favorites including the full array of curries, pad Thai dishes, soups, spring rolls, and salads, Chef Chubthaisong has taken liberties to bring some of the old standards to a higher level such as her wonderful spring rolls where she adds mozzarella cheese to the filling. Further, her Thai Pearl larb and papaya salads, along with the noodle dishes can’t be found elsewhere and are among her customer’s favorites. I am a curry lover and all of the ones I have tried at Thai Pearl are sensational. On my last visit, I boldly ordered an amped-up version of the green curry and when they noticed that I was using my napkin to wipe my forehead, they brought out a complimentary glass of Thai tea with cream to cool me down. A trick I will remember as it worked immediately to put out the fire. In addition to the daily standard menu is a separate sheet of Chef’s Specials which today included: Pad Ped “Spicy Stir Fry” (shrimp & pork with Japanese eggplant, carrot, mushroom, snap pea, bell pepper, bamboo & peppercorn in red curry paste sauce with Jasmine rice), Seafood Basil Fried Rice (stir-fried Jasmine rice with shrimp, mussels & calamari, Thai basil, egg, broccoli, carrot, mushroom & onion in basil sauce), and Wild Ginger Curry Noodles (choice of a protein stir-fried with aromatics and broccoli, Asian greens, bell peppers, and green beans, with wide noodles finished with green curry and topped with bean sprouts and basil). The portions are large enough for two in many cases, especially the salads so consider that before ordering. The offering of beers, wines and cocktails are way more than adequate but sits in the shadows of the exceptional Thai food. One last comment…Thai Pearl opens at 2:00pm every day and serves continuously through closing at 9:00pm. When asked why such a late lunchtime opening, the owner said, “we used to open at noon but people around here don’t start to show up until around 2:00”. This same non-conforming approach to accommodating the customer carries on through to her menu. I really connect with this place. Parking in rear.
Hours: 2:00 pm-9:00 pm every day
747 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 – West Asheville
Website: http://www.thaipearlasheville.com
PH: (828) 412-5905