6161 El Cajon Blvd # A. San Diego, CA 92115. (619) 229-9050

I met a friend recently at her favorite Thai restaurant, Sala Thai, near SDSU. Their lunch specials are very affordable, around $5.95 and the place was packed with students and professionals. I was going to try something new but ended up getting one of my favorite Thai dishes, Pad See Ew. It was a cold day and Pad See Ew is a warm and comforting noodle dish. The mild, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, sugar and perhaps oyster sauce(?) is mixed with flat rice noodles, broccoli and your choice of meat. Sala Thai’s version was fair but I prefer the Pad See Ew at Saffron on India. Probably because they sprinkle cripsy fried shallots on top, which are irresistable!

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My friend ordered her favorite, the Ka Prao, ground meat stir fried with chilies, garlic, onion and basil. I though her dish was nicely flavored and especially delicious when served with white rice. The service at Sala Thai was attentive and friendly. It seems like a family-run place as I saw two older relatives laughing and talking while stemming a huge table full of basil. Sala Thai is definitely a great place for a quick and tasty lunch.

Taste: 7/10
Service: 4/5
Presentation: 3/5
Total: 14/20