Chai Yo Thai Cuisine

2116 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States

Chai Yo Thai Cuisine
About Us

Thai Food

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Customer Reviews
Diner Review №1

The red curry was light but flavorful. A little spicy for me so next time I will specify mild.

I tried their Tom kha soup and pad kee mao, both had tomato’s and their Togo sizes are quite small for the price.

Diner Review №2

Chicken wings, skewers beef noodles. All vegan and super tasty. Amazing place

Diner Review №3

Diner Review №4

Diner Review №5

Delicious food, i ordered chef special vegan duck, so crispy and yummy, loved their bbq fried rice too, the service is awesome and they are very informative on the ingredients if it is vegan or not. 5 star for the food flavor and customer service as well.

Diner Review №6

The food is tasty and not too sweet or greasy for me. I enjoyed the pineapple fried rice and pad se eew.

Although Google Maps mark it as vegetarian restaurant, you can still find meat option here

Diner Review №7

We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Thai food here. My son ordered Crispy fish with sweet garlic sauce, and he said it’s as great as the other Thai restaurant that we regularly patronize on the East Bay. I ordered the vegetarian Panang curry and it was delicious. It has fresh vegetable. When I looked at the menu online before coming (perhaps old info), I thought it was a vegetarian/vegan restaurant only . It is actually serving both meat/fish and vegetarian dishes, which fits our family perfectly. I would suggest the owner to change the restaurant description online as vegetarian / vegan friendly. And I would upload the latest menus which include meat/fish.
My son also shared my vegetarian curry and he likes it a lot.
The server was attentive and polite. Food was served fairly quickly.
We definitely will come back again, since it’s close by, to try on other dishes

Diner Review №8

Diner Review №9

Solid vegan Thai place with prompt service. I tried a number of dishes during several visits: curry with pineapple and duck, Thai basil, volcanic beef, Tom yum, gingerly ginger and a few others. Out of these volcanic beef did not really impress but it can also be my taste. Really good option if you are in the area. Meat eaters should also be happy based on my feedback I got from my company

Diner Review №10

Very nice food. I am a tourist here and just visiting. I visited here because my aunt recommended it and I have to say it is pretty good. I really like the sour sweet of the coconut soup and the chicken skewers will peanut sauce and pickled vegetables. Next time I come to San Francisco I will definitely visit again.

Diner Review №11

Pretty vegetarian and vegan Thai place.

The chicken soup (it’s fake chicken) was a hit with my youngest kid - not spicy, and lots of noodles.

I liked the curry and the many of the tofu appetizers.

Fun little spot if you aren’t in the mood to eat meat.

Diner Review №12

Diner Review №13

Diner Review №14

Absolutely incredible food full of flavor and detail oriented. It is clear that they don't cut corners, I was pleased by each one of their dishes, particularly their glazed 'duck.' Kind staff, fast service, wonderful atmosphere.

Diner Review №15

A good place for vegetarian/vegan dishes. Really enjoyed the spring rolls and Pad kee mao
The service was good

Diner Review №16

The sister restaurant of Charm thai. Same owner. This one, I think, originally just served vegetarian and vegan dishes, but now also serves non vegitarian.l dishes. It is located not far from Charm thai. The restaurants size is almost similar. It is cozy. It was only us when we arrived. First, we thought it only served vegetarian as the menu were vegetarian and vegan, but when we asked, the server said they also serve non vegetarian. We order some tum, crispy fish with garlic sauce, and pad kee mao. When the fish was ready, I said this one similar to the one at Charm Thai. When we asked the server , he said they were the same owner. All the dishes taste similar. The food was good and we finished all. This is an alternative if you wanted to have a meal at Charm Thai, but they are full. Next time we will try the vegetarian dishes.

Diner Review №17

I used to love Thai food when I was in Seattle and for some reason since I moved to California I didn’t find the same palette until I visited Chai Yo . Loved the food - ordered Spicy beans , crispy Tofu and green curry . Now this is my new go to place for Thai !

Diner Review №18

One of the only 100% vegetarian/vegan (except egg) thai restaurants in the bay area!! Good food and service.

Diner Review №19

Delicious Thai flavors expertly layered. Fresh ingredients. Plenty of great vegetarian and vegan dishes. Attentive service. Very reasonable prices.

Diner Review №20

Every order was perfect and delicious. the service was an absolute 5 star.

we ordered:
yellow curry
green curry
pad kee maw
som tum
roti with yellow curry
and 5 servings of rice

Diner Review №21

I ordered to go since they close from 3pm-5pm. Their food was delicious!!! Mango in the Mango sticky rice was the best. I wish I had taken pictures. But I ate it all.

Diner Review №22

Diner Review №23

Super annoying. They close at 3pm, 2:45 for take out. Last seating at 2:30. We got there at 2:28pm and found locked doors with not a soul i sight . Had called 35 min before to confirm hours before driving across the bridge and mentioned we were on our way…

If you don’t want to stay open, fine, but then change your hours to 2pm & don’t tell a customer who said they were on their way that you’d be open. We specifically drove here. Took 40 minutes to get here.

Food was good when we eaten here before, but they are rarely open or don’t keep there hours. Not worth the effort.

Diner Review №24

Diner Review №25

Diner Review №26

Awesome. Thank you for being a vegan restaurant. We definitely need more.

Diner Review №27

This is the best Thai Vegetarian food we had in a long time. Perfect spices. The Pumpkin curry was divine. Also the Pra-Ram is very delicious. .
I wish we would live closer, I would eat here once a week. I want to return and try other dishes.

Diner Review №28

Went here for take out. Really delicious pad Thai and Tom yum soup! Main issue is the pad see ew portion was so so small it was like half had already been eaten. See the photo for comparison of the pad Thai and pad see ew portion sizes. Also the Pad see ew was overcooked and the noodles were mushy, and a bunch were stuck together without sauce so tasted like nothing. The flavor of the sauce was good though. So close to everything being amazing! Would absolutely go back to see if the pad see ew issues were a one time thing.

Diner Review №29

Excellent vegetarian Thai food. Lots of veggie protein options. Have been here a couple of times and the taste is consistent.

Diner Review №30

Delicious and vegan friendly. They also have real meat too. We will definitely be back!

Diner Review №31

Really good food, the portion was great and I like that the menu is extensive. The staff is sweet too. Definitely new regular lunch spot.
The only improvement I would recommend is livelier decor.

Diner Review №32

Diner Review №33

I recently had a mouthwatering pad thai experience at Chai Yo Thai, and let me just say, it exceeded my expectations in every possible way! From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy ambiance that immediately transported me to Thailand. The fragrant aromas wafting from the kitchen only fueled my excitement for the imminent feast.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: their pad thai. Words cannot express how delectable it was! The dish was a harmonious symphony of flavors, striking a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory. Each mouthful kept me longing for more, as the combination of chewy rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked chicken created a heavenly texture and delightful taste that was hard to resist.

What truly set Chai Yo Thai's pad thai apart was its incredible freshness. Unlike other places I've tried, their version wasn't weighed down by excess oil, giving it an air of lightness that only enhanced the vibrant flavors. It was evident that the ingredients were sourced with utmost care, as the vegetables were remarkably fresh and crisp. I couldn't help but appreciate the dedication to quality and attention to detail put into every single element of the dish.

Furthermore, the portion size was more than generous, ensuring that I left with a satisfied palate and a happy belly. Despite being packed with flavor, I didn't feel overwhelmed or heavy after finishing my plate. This made the dining experience all the more enjoyable, as I could savor each bite without worrying about feeling sluggish afterward.

The service at Chai Yo Thai was impeccable. The staff was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout my visit. They were more than happy to answer any questions about the menu and offer their recommendations, which made me feel at ease and comfortable in making my choices.

In addition to the fantastic pad thai, I must also mention the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The cozy decor and gentle lighting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening of indulgence. The attention to detail was apparent, from the charming Thai-inspired artwork to the subtle Thai music that enhanced the dining experience and transported me to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

In conclusion, Chai Yo Thai is a hidden gem in the realm of Thai cuisine. Their pad thai is a symphony of fresh flavors that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With exceptional service, a cozy ambiance, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Chai Yo Thai is truly a culinary haven for Thai food enthusiasts. I cannot recommend this place enough - come prepared to be transported to Thailand, one delicious bite at a time!

Diner Review №34

Great little spot! Parking is difficult, but don’t let that deter you. The side of rice is a bit small, but the vegetables were fresh and perfectly cooked. Plenty of options for vegetarians.

Diner Review №35

Solid Pad Grapow chicken and rice for lunch. Great flavor and quality ingredients. Good portion size for the price. The balance of spice, sour, salty, and sweet was very authentic - best Thai in the area

Diner Review №36

Very yummy vegan Thai food. I really loved the spicy veg catfish! The portions were large and the ingredients were great quality.

Diner Review №37

I used to love this place when it was vegetarian, but I would sometimes feel I satisfied without meat. Now I am so excited that this place offers both a full meat menu and a vegetarian menu. I have been coming more and more because the food here is so delicious. The yellow curry, green papaya salad, and pineapple fried rice are amazing here. This is a great local Thai spot and one of the best Thai restaurants I’ve been to.

Diner Review №38

We ordered for take out and it was pretty quick and the food was soo good! Great pad thai, amazing yellow curry. The pineapple fried rice we got was different than ones i’ve had before but still good! 100% will order from here again

Diner Review №39

Diner Review №40

I ordered red curry with duck.
It was just what I was craving for. Fresh to taste. Also ordered noodles with vegan beef grilled. Will be back when in town. Staff is kind the wait and price is reasonable. Clean inside.

Diner Review №41

Diner Review №42

Delicious Vegetarian Thai food with great Jain and Vegan options. Friendly staff.

Diner Review №43

Diner Review №44

Very nice restaurant 👍 Will definitely go back to enjoy the wonderful food.

Diner Review №45

The service is good, we ordered spicy cat fish and Tom yum noodle soup. The fish dish was so salty. Overall it was a good experience.

Diner Review №46

This is THE place for great Thai food! I had the yellow chicken curry and it was absolutely amazing - like really amazing. If you want a great place to go with great service and absolutely outstanding food - stop in here!

Diner Review №47

HOLY smokes the BEST thai food i have ever eaten. Not to mention its full vegetarian and almost everything can be made vegan! Staff is so kind and sweet & always smiling. Vibes were good, loved the decor on the wall.

Literally the biggest hidden gem- i’m from the east coast and we have thai food often- this is 100% the best ive ever had. The dumplings came in an amazing thai gingery sauce, the soup literally could feed a family of 6 (portion was huge!!!), the pad thai was the tastiest pad thai ive ever had. Thai iced tea with coconut milk perfect level of sweetness & so refreshing.

Staff frequently came to check in and was so cute and sweet!

When i’m back in Cali this is my spot, seriously dont even want to gatekeep it because they deserve the business.

Diner Review №48

It was amazing restaurant. Is located on busy area so parking is a bit problem but worth while. As this is vegetarian restaurant so no worries for all vegetarians customers. Taste is amazing probably have not had anywhere else. Waiters are extremely friends and would give some great suggestions. Amongst the best thai vegetarian restaurant.

Diner Review №49

The panang curry and pad see ew were amazing! Would recommend the pad see ew over the pad thai. Love having a great vegan restaurant in the area!

Diner Review №50

This is our second time here. Last time, it was still under renovation and didn’t look nice. Now the walls are beautifully decorated. We ordered a lot of dishes and all were good. My niece liked the pineapple fried rice most. Spicy cat fish was everyone’s favorite. This is the only vegan Thai restaurant in Bay Area. We will definitely come back whenever we are close by.

Diner Review №51

so happy for delicious vegan thai food
SO GOOD!!

Diner Review №52

My go-to Thai vegan restaurant. Friendly owner and I love their taste in Music too. 100% recommend.

Diner Review №53

Diner Review №54

Diner Review №55

This place was delicious! It's hidden but so worth it. It has both vegan and vegetarian options. Even my meat eater friends loved the food.

Diner Review №56

Hidden gem with authentic food and great service!

Diner Review №57

Wow, a hidden gem! Delicious vegetarian cuisine at reasonable prices. We'll be back!

Diner Review №58

Diner Review №59

Diner Review №60

好吃的炒飯

Diner Review №61

Diner Review №62

Unfortunately closed till Jan 10 which is not reflected on google or Yelp. Drove 30 mins to this place and was closed

Diner Review №63

I just got my food and everything is horrible. I got dishes based off some of the reviews and I don’t know how people ate them. The vegan “meats” are so bad. I’m sorry. The samosa appetizers were ok, the sauce in the vegan fish dish is good, but I can’t eat any of the dishes. I hate wasting food, but I had to throw everything out. It was also very expensive on top of that, which is totally fine if the food is good, but this isn’t.

Diner Review №64

Diner Review №65

Lovely place, service, and super delicious food!

Diner Review №66

Great soup and spring rolls

Diner Review №67

Ordered pineapple fried rice and it was good. Seafood curry with coconut rice was fantastic.

Diner Review №68

I had the PRA-Ram. Basically it was steamed broccoli (cooked perfectly) over stir fried mixed veggies, topped with peanut sauce. I had it with the tofu which appeared to be raw. It would have been better if it was cooked with the mixed veggies.
Service was great. but I was the only customer.
Looking forward to going back.

Diner Review №69

Yummy vegan Thai food. This is a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant suited better for takeout. I got the vegan chicken yellow curry and a Thai iced coffee with soy milk. Everything was delicious - I’m not even vegan!

Diner Review №70

Diner Review №71

Amazing food! The roti with yellow curry appetizer is one of the most delicious dishes I have ever eaten - so flavorful! We had the red curry and basil chicken - both were delicious. Will definitely be stopping in weekly :)

Diner Review №72

So tasty…

Diner Review №73

Diner Review №74

Awesome taste! Absolutely delicious vegetarian Thai!

Diner Review №75

Really good vegan and vegetarian Thai food. Good for take outs. Dine-in isn't quite great.

Loved the coconut rice.

Diner Review №76

Super good! Same menu as Thai Idea in SF (and the old Foster City location).

Diner Review №77

Diner Review №78

Solid Thai food. Both the massaman curry with tofu and the pad kee mao with tofu were good. Not the mind blowingly best Thai food of our lives (it’s a high bar, think Blackwood Thai in the Marina) but we would happily eat here again. Also, the food was not spicy which was much appreciated.

Diner Review №79

Sketchy looking place and parking is going to be an adventure but the food is mind blowing, especially if you’re looking for a really good Thai food place with plant protein options. I was surprised at how good the food is and so fresh! We ordered 8 things and o can’t complain about a single thing. Special mention has to go put to the pineapple fried rice and the coconut rice - chef’s kiss!

Diner Review №80

Diner Review №81

Delicious vegan Thai food! Love the curry, Thai basil and green bean dishes. And they are courteous and fast too.

Diner Review №82

Great vegan and vegetarian options. The service is fantastic and extremely quick. Food is delicious and the menu is expansive. They offer numerous dishes that beat most other restaurants. The only down side is that they serve meat also so this restaurant is not exclusively vegetarian/vegan :( I was extremely disappointed about that news. I had to make sure that they use special pots and pans that are not cross contaminated with any meat products.

Diner Review №83

Be careful if you’re gluten-free!! I ordered gluten-free items and the guy said it was all gluten-free, turns out there was wheat in vegan skewers!! 😭

I’m super-sick right now. 😓 So sad.

Diner Review №84

Diner Review №85

Diner Review №86

Diner Review №87

Their soup is absolutely to die for! The best Thai soup I’ve tasted ever. My wife and I ordered Fried Spring Rolls as well, which was cooked perfectly. We came here because it had 4.9 stars, but this placed deserves 10 stars, as it’s out of this world!

Diner Review №88

Mixed experience. I ordered the Thai Duck, which is essentially a variation on the chinese style vegetarian goose (tofu skins stuffed with mushroom etc). Its tasty but expensive for the portion.

However the vegan Pad Kee Mao was a bit too spicy and the Volcanic Beef (supposes to.be spicy) my friend ordered had no chilli at all, we suspect that double portion chilli was added to the pad kee mao.

Diner Review №89

Diner Review №90

Diner Review №91

Absolutely delicious and the staff are so friendly! The pineapple fried rice is to die for!

Diner Review №92

so delicious!!!!!

Diner Review №93

Excellent Vegan Panang curry & Pad Thai noodles without onion garlic. We really enjoyed every bit of it.

Diner Review №94

Pretty good! The wing bombs are pretty cool. Will come back and try some other dishes.

Diner Review №95

Already ordered twice with them! The food is soooo tasty and good!!!

Diner Review №96

Truly yummy vegan food!

Diner Review №97

Just delicious. I had a cross section of noodles and curries with plant based meats. Spicy and regular. Of particular note, I enjoyed the "Duck" Curry. They were able to prepare everything vegan

Diner Review №98

Diner Review №99

Delicious vegetarian Thai food and fast service. My meat eater husband and I tried the (vegetarian) seafood curry and the (vegetarian) spicy cat fish and both were delicious.

Diner Review №100

Details
  • 9 photos
  • 100 reviews
  • 4.6 Health Rating
  • Contact: +1 650-315-2545
  • Website: https://www.chaiyothaicuisine.com/
  • Location: 2116 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
  • Map: 37.5472306, -122.3090022
Menu Highlights
  • Vegetarian restaurant
  • Thai restaurant
Opening Hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–3 PM–5–9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–3 PM–5–9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–3 PM–5–9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–3 PM–5–9 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM–3 PM–5–9 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Service options
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Highlights
  • Great tea selection: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Coffee: Available
  • Comfort food: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Quick bite: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Vegan options: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
Amenities
  • Toilet: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • Good for kids: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available