Do not walk, run here! We ended up at this place by accident headed back to Asheville. Amazing food! A true jewel by the river. I would drive an hour to get this food again. read more

While it is easy to find, it is a very unassuming dark red building set back from the road. You enter the gravel parking lot through a narrow driveway across a set or railroad tracks. None of the spaces are marked but it's not difficult to figure out where to park. Since the lot is gravel, be aware if you have mobility issues. You can park near the entrance but not adjacent to the building so there will be at least a short walk to the door. There is also a small step up to the porch in front of the door. The pickup window is next to the entrance door which is a nice touch as the interior is small and would certainly get crowded if to go orders had to wait inside. The interior is small with table seating for about 20. There is also a small outside patio for warmer weather dining. There are several windows allowing you to look over the very near river. We got there shortly before they opened and were seated within a minute of entering. We got a nice corner table next to the river. Our servers were very pleasant. They went over the menu and specials and were very patient answering any questions. One thing to note is they do not allow substitutions, so read the menu description carefully to be sure you know what you are ordering. We wound up ordering their daily specials. Unfortunately, I forgot to take note of what they were called. One was a curry and the other included short ribs and soup. We also ordered spring rolls. The spring rolls were brought to the table in about 10 minutes. They were hot and crunchy and excellent. The dipping sauce was a touch spicy and really brought out the flavor of the spring rolls. The main dishes were brought out after about another 15 minutes. The curry dish was outstanding. The meat was tender and seasoned very well. There was a slight overall spiciness to the dish, but it quickly settled into a warm glow that simply begged for another bite. The short ribs and soup special were also outstanding. The ribs were cooked perfectly with the meat falling off the bone. The soup was flavorful and the ingredients fresh. We ate until we were stuffed and then ate a little more. We simply could not finish everything and took the last bit with us, and it was just as good reheated the next day. We also decided to take a mango and coconut milk dessert to go for later in the evening. This was a wonderful finish to a great meal. The mango was fresh and flavorful. The coconut milk and sticky rice made for a great taste texture. For such an unassuming building the dining experience would rival that of any big city. The fact it is located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina allows it to offer an experience unrivaled by any better known restaurant. If you are anywhere near Sylva, you own it to yourself to partake of a meal at Dalaya. read more

See all

My fiancé and I had an amazing food at Dalaya last night! We started off with the pork skewers that was bursting with flavor - salty, smoky, sweet, and juicy!! For entrees we went with the Khao Soi and the Khao Muu Daeng both were great but we agreed that the Khao Soi was our favorite! It was a creamy coconut curry with chicken that melted in your mouth - perfect for a cool winter night. Dalaya is a cute little shack on the side of the road, but once you step inside, it's a very intimate setting. We were immediately sat + served our food. Our waiter was super knowledgeable about the food + helped us with our selections. Definitely will be coming back! read more

See all

Absolute gem in Sylva! The food at Dalaya was absolutely incredible--every dish was packed with authentic, vibrant flavors. To top it off, the James Beard-nominated chef was incredibly friendly and actually took the time to come over and talk with us. Fantastic food and amazing hospitality. We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Everything was amazing! We visited from out of town and HIGHLY recommend checking it out. If you haven't had Thai food before this is your sign! The chef is a James Beard Finalist and it shows with the incredible presentation and unique flavors. read more

See all

I was on a business trip and tried these place because of the yelp reviews. Immediately when I drove up on a Tuesday night the parking lot and dinning room was completely filled. Great sign! It's a really small dinning room but very comfortable and well lit. It was chilly outside and it was also really cold inside. The service was good. My drink and food arrived relatively quickly. I loved the coconut broth and noodles. The flavor was delicious and so authentic. I didn't realize the chicken was in drum stick. I'd prefer just cut up chicken but it was good. I was completely surprised by this place given its rural location and yet the Thai flavors were incredible and similar to what you would find in a big city. read more

Dalaya - Dining room - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

See all

I still stand by the fact it is worth the wait, but dang what a wait!! There is limited seating so we placed an order to go. We were told it would be an hour, maybe more. This was understandable. It's a tiny kitchen and it was homecoming weekend at WCU. We ordered and then went back into town for some beers at innovation. We hadn't gotten a call after about 90 minutes so we went back to check in, assuming maybe the phone number was hard to read. Nope! It was another 20 minutes or so until it was ready. They say they do tickets in order, regardless of dining in or taking to go, but I was doubtful this particular time. The food was AMAZING and reheated well the next day for lunch. I'd go again, but never when I'm concerned for time. read more

What a great little find you don't expect this level of Thai in the backwoods of NC. Very non traditional but was excellent. Best curry dish I have eaten, wait staff very friendly didn't get a 5 star cause our waiter said the wings were spicy...so hot and I like hot that we couldn't eat them....really should say spicy hot level 10...the place has indoor and outdoor seating so cute. Well decorated. Love to go back and try other dishes so unique...don't go looking for pad Thai read more

See all

We just got back from Thailand and still thought this place was delicious! Home cooking tasting food. The mushroom special salad was really good combined with their specialty noodle Kao soi. The contrasting flavors worked well together. The salad was heavy on the home made fish sauce, but I like that flavor so it worked for me. It's a really cute place on the side of the river with a great view. The strange part is crossing the active railroad tracks to get into the parking lot. Can be a little dangerous so be careful. Service was friendly and fast! Definitely a must visit and best place in all of the Cherokee area. read more

I had the Branzino special was pretty, but it was a little too sweet and yet bland at the same time. Too much gray meat in the fish. Service was pretty good despite being a packed house. Ambiance leaves much to be desired. The creek was nice. Would I go again? Probably, but I'd order a chicken dish. read more

This place is amazing. Everything she makes tastes so fresh and nails it every time. Probably the best Thai food we've ever had.

This is great spot for a date night. The food is awesome and service was fast. I love that all their meats are locally sourced. read more

Dalaya - Thai tea - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

See all

Delicious home style Thai food from the Chiang Mai region (my favorite part of northern Thailand!) The dishes are filled with flavor. We had wings as a starter which were unique and tasty! We had chicken curry with potatoes and cashews and a pork loin with pickled veggies and soft boiled eggs. Everything was delicious! The location along the river is beautiful too! read more

See all

We visited a family member at WCU and stopped by this local Thai restaurant. One of the best Thai restaurant! We enjoyed their massaman curry and Thai tea. Will be back! read more

The food was so wonderful; it's hard to believe the service is even better. Waitstaff is really good at explaining the menu. Food is authentic & will make every part of you happy. The dining room is extremely small with an equally small outdoor seating area, come early. read more

Outstanding flavors! We came on Fri night around 5:30 and didn't have any issues getting seated and opted to sit outside along the creek. They had a good selection of beers and great options for appetizers. We started with the Thai Pineapple Salad ($15) and it was excellent with a little kick to it. My bride went with the Gaeng Masaman w/chicken ($19) and enjoyed it. I ordered the Khanom Jiin Naam Yaa Plaa ($20) and it was awesome! Service from Austin was spot on explaining the menu and providing prompt attention. read more

See all

We had been coming to Sylva for a number of years but have never been to Dalaya but this go around we finally made it. I thought we were going to eat in but I was told by the ladies that we were just doing pick up, damn. I looked over the menu and had to go with the Khao Soi. Chiang Mai Coconut Curry Soup, Dark Meat Chicken on the bone, and Egg Noodles... Sign me up. We also had to try an appetizer and we went with the Tum Kanoon. I wasn't big on the Jack Fruit but it did come in Spicy Curry Paste it had Pork Belly and I love my Pork Belly. Our food would be ready in 25 minutes so we went and picked up everything. Once home I got into it. My Khao Soi looked great and had so much curry soup which everyone knows you can never have too much of. The meat on the chicken legs just fell off the bone and the curry brought so much flavor it also had a nice kick. I did come with Chili Oil too which I of course added for more spice and flavor. The only thing this dish was missing were my Egg Noodles. This is why you don't do take out for your first time somewhere. The Tum Kanoon was just alright for me. The Jack Fruit was much better then I thought it was be and had a lot of flavor. The issue I had was the Pork Belly was pretty much just Fried Pork Rinds and since they were boxed up were a little soggy. Again, gotta eat in at your first time at a new restaurant. I would for sure come back thought since again my biggest issues would have never been an issue if we ate there and that Khao Soi was so good plus there is more to try. read more

See all

My husband and I visit Sylva a lot and since we don't live here we like to eat and shop local so we can give back to the community while we are here. Having said that the fact that we have not come to Dalaya is mental! I have never been to Thailand but Dalaya felt very authentic but maybe with a bit of a twist on some dishes. I ordered the masaman which was delicious (my mom called it spicy but I think she is nuts it was not spicy) it was full of flavor. I also got the mango sticky rice which I loved!!! The portions were a bit smaller than I was expecting. We ordered take out, when I go back I will be dinning in. There is limited parking but it seems like there are a decent amount of tables or at least more than I had initially thought there were. There is also an ice cream truck that a very nice person at the restaurant told me all about and the flavors sound AMAZING so if you see it definitely go, I know I will be stomping on the breaks if I see it! Ps the staff seem like incredible people that are very happy to be there! read more

See all

Food & service were great! Many options and you will love every one. I highly recommend the Pad Thai read more

This restaurant served northern Thai cuisine. Staff was super friendly and the dining room was really cozy and friendly. You could tell this was a regular spot for locals. I loved everything I ate! read more

What a cute restaurant! The food is delicious and the restaurant is right beside a little creek. The interior is cozy and has a family feel to it. Because my dish was a pork curry, I expected it to be on the heavier side. I was surprised to find that it wasn't heavy at all and I could keep eating without getting tired of the flavor. The server was also very attentive, quick, and answered our questions well. If you find yourself in Sylva, then this restaurant is a must visit! read more

See all

I thought the food would be great, but I underestimated the rustic charm of this restaurant, a small residential-looking building which overlooks the town's waterway. Indoor and outdoor seating was offered, but both are small and this place fills. You have to cross the railroad tracks to get there, so it is easy to miss and a bit of a bump. The menu is not standard Thai and offers a vegetarian section. Apparently a few of the other entrees can also be made vegetarian/vegan with substitutions, which the server seemed very knowledgeable about when talking to other parties but neglected to mention to me for some reason. No matter, I was quite happy with my selection, with savory noodles sauteed with dark soy sauce presented separately from some extra-crispy tofu and some pickled mustard greens. It was a delightful dish. I agreed with my server that the ginger lemongrass iced tea, while tasty, could do with less sugar. Conversely, the dessert I tried was apparently sweetened with stevia, and this mangosteen sorbet delivered noticeable flecks of the intoxicating fruit (one that is impossible to find fresh due to import restrictions, but which they somehow got some of in some form in Western North Carolina). The portion size for price is not huge, and yet they were doing significant takeout business, and I had no compunctions about checking the highest suggested tip on my check. Sadly they're only open for dinner and I don't know when I'll be in the area again. read more

See all

We love Thai food and had tried to eat here the past couple of visits without success, but a few days ago was different. We are vegan and we ordered 3 of the 4 dishes they had. We split them on a plate at home among 3 people within very developed vegan and Thai pallets and boom! Wow, a flavor explosion! We really loved the tofu curry, the glass noodle dish with pickled greens and the portobello mushroom dish. We all wanted to eat there a second night, haha! We sat by the creek as we waited for our takeout and met one of the owners who was very nice and said his partner is the cook, she is in my opinion a true chef! We enjoyed the first Thai beer called Singh which was also a smooth treat. It doesn't look like much and parking lot is sure to be full but you walk up to the window. Order and enjoy a tranquil creek moment in anticipation of the wow moment you discover an array of mighty tasty dishes. Don't rely on my review, try it for yourself! read more

Dalaya - Curry, glass noodles and pickled veggies! - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

See all

This place is a gem! The cute and eclectic decor is well thought out and very creative. The view out the window was really sweet and relaxing next to a babbling brook. The dining is fine with superb customer service.The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly and showed a real passion for the authentic cuisine. My dinner was delicious and they served a hefty portion that I had to take home a box of leftovers. read more

See all

We have been coming here for years and I did not write a review because I really know how reviews can put places on the map . I see it now got nominated for James Beard Award ! The food is unbealivably delicious . Only problem is the waiters were always bad . Theres only 10 tables but you were always left with no water and your mouth was on fire from the spicy food! read more

To be fair and balanced, it's not inexpensive or fast or a ton of choices .... But if you're ok with that for what it lacks in the aforementioned, it makes up with a ton of flavor! As long as you aren't on a date, try the Thai wings, they are insanely good and addictive ! The owner is the real deal authentic and there's menu items there I've never heard of in 30 years of eating Thai food. If you are Pad Thai type of person... move along , this is not the place for you and you won't find it here .... But you will find an expanded mind and palate if you are open to new experiences. read more

They have outdoor seating but chef policy "no companion animals". So... if you have a dog; I guess spend your money elsewhere if that matters to you. read more

Fantastic find from the James Beard nomination list. We drove from Clayton to pick up food. Got there as they opened and ordered to go. The wings are fantastic! I wanted all 5 but thank goodness we split them. The heat builds! Over all we ordered a number of things to try a lot. Tasty options in the mountains. Friendly staff who provided hospitality for us even when we weee just enjoying the day and waiting outside. Get there at open if you are in a hurry as it is popular and fills up fast with no reservations. We plan to go back and enjoy the outdoors as it gets warmer. read more

Oh my goodness! I have eaten Thai food, all over the world, for 35+ years and this is some of THE BEST THAI I have ever had! It is northern Thai cuisine and the chef, Kanlaya (pronounced Gunn-ya) or "Gunn" is a sweet, adorable and TALENTED chef! Austin was our fantastic, friendly server! Everything about the restaurant is so unique, very intimate in that it only seats about 21 people ... very intimate setting , with fresh flowers on the table, bright colored chairs, and a beautiful view of the river! They were out of the Jin Som Mik, which I will try next time ... but my husband and I had the Look Chin Ping (grilled beef meatball appetizer) and Khao Muu Daeug (marinated pork loin) DELICIOUS and Gaeng Masaman Gia (sliced organic chicken breast in a rich Chiang Mai curry) FABULOUS, both served with delicious jasmine rice. read more

See all

They have very few choices to pick from and for the price you pay you should get more. Not happy. Should have physical pictures of food in menu when for first time visitors. Especially those that don't have access to internet. read more

Fantastic real Thai food by a native of that nation. Best restaurant in Sylva. It's out from downtown, by the railroad tracks and Scott Creek, but it's a genuine delight. read more

Dalaya - Hanger steak and eggplant. - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

The servers are nice but can only do so much with the space available, the place has gotten busy and so wait times can get a bit much but to me the food makes the wait worth it. read more

Dalaya - gaeng garee - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Best Thai food I have ever had. My wife and I and another couple stumbled upon Dalaya whilst exploring Sylva and decided to give it a try. Although we were all Thai food Lovers, we had never experienced Northern Thai cuisine which is quite different from the usual Thai cuisine in practically every other Thai place we had eaten at. The server was polite and highly educated about every aspect of the menu, and patiently explained what was in all of the specials. We basically ordered one of every special, and as mentioned, we all agreed that it was the best Thai food any of us had ever had. We will definitely be back the next time we are in the area! read more

Literally the best Thai food I have ever had. Living in Las Vegas for 9 years and experiencing the original Lotus of Siam a 2 star Michelin restaurant and this restaurant far surpasses Lotus of Siam Thai cuisine. Small menu that focus on the quality of their unique northern Thailand dishes. The descriptions of their menu items had my boyfriend and I try a majority of their dishes and we were pleasantly surprised and satisfied with every dish we tried. I also appreciate the food quality of intergrading local and organic ingredients. Not to mention the vibe and friendliness of the entire restaurant staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit. read more

This place is amazing. So glad we finally got to stop and enjoy their cuisine. Great setting along the creek and intimate inside and patio area. My wife had khao muu daeng (marinated pork loin with a mystery sauce that made me wish I'd ordered it) and it l ordered the naam kaa plaa (trout and spicy yellow curry over vermicelli rice noodles) which was also outstanding. Nice heat with a slow build but wasn't overwhelming. Service was stellar plus the chef and owner came out to chat for a minute as we were finishing. Sorry, no pics. we were starving and didn't think of it until too late. Do yourself a favor and please come to this gem of a restaurant tucked into the mountains. read more

Stopped in on a Tuesday night after Labor Day. The restaurant was busy (inside dining room was full) but we preferred sitting outside next to the creek anyway (perfect weather). The service was friendly albeit busy (we were in no hurry). Ordered a beer and a glass of wine then waited a bit for the Krabong (delicious dipping sauces), the Khao soi (vegetarian - the curry was expertly balanced - not too "coconutty" or too spicy) and the Khao mu daeng (pork was perfectly cooked and the "gravy" was divine). Sadly, there was no room for desert. A really lovely night. Come with a little bit of time and enjoy! read more

Authentic Thai food, good variety. Excellent service. Indoor and outdoor seating. Get there hen they open (at 5-they only are open for dinner), or go after 7 after the first wave of diners leave. read more

Dalaya - A special: Delicious red curry, one crispy tofu and the other, duck. Great service, cosy seating. - Thai Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Sauces are multi- layered with complex tastes. I cannot describe the joy of eating the Gaeng Masamsn dish. The tofu appetizer is cooked to perfection found no where else I've eaten. If you order on line, be patient. It is worth the wait. read more

A must try restaurant. One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The flavors are phenomenal.

I am so happy to have a wonderful Thai restaurant close to us that serves such delicious food. This is not your average pad Thai Americanized dishes. This is very authentic to Thailand and the food is really amazing because it delivers all of that spice, sweetness and freshness. Every time I go there, I have to have an order of the wings. These are the best wings I've had in the entire south. Also, the curry is amazing but while you're there, they always do a unique or special dish or two that day and you should definitely indulge in that. The setting is simple and very meager so don't dress up just go devour delicious Thai food. read more