(Dined 06/20/2025 FR @ 8:00pm): Thailand (not Siam)... delightful food for anyone who tried it!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my dear friend and hers recommended One Dee Siam. They've eaten here before, and I had it on my bookmark list, so I was excited to give it a whirl. I loved Thai food, would eat it every day if I could, and it was generally healthy. Actually a play on words of their sister location in New York City's Hell's Kitchen (Wondee Siam), I also found the use of Thailand's former name, "Siam", kind of intriguing whether or not it was rooted more in historical nostalgia and national pride. Would I be one delighted diner at this Siam cuisine eatery!?
PURCHASE
Fried Tofu w/Sweet Chili Sauce & Ground Peanuts ($8.95): With a crispy exterior and a spongy inside, dipping it into the provided mild sauce made for a plentiful delightful snacking treat! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=lHYuvRwG5T5i-NxMk5L8iQ
3pc Curry Puffs w/Thai Cucumber Vinaigrette ($8.95): Sadly, because I observed no-meat Friday, I wasn't able to fully enjoy this minced-chicken appetizer, but for the crumbled bits I tried, it was lovely enough. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=4N_FYjHBM0mhFdLychiXqQ
Pineapple Red Curry w/Red Snapper Fish ($65.00): Ordered off of their specials menu which didn't have any listed prices, I was stung with sticker shock when I received the check! However, this was a massive portion of two large thick filets, juicy pineapple chunks, some cleansing vegetables, and slow-burn red curry which affected me once I got home. I had this for two glorious meals! Pricey for sure, but damn this was impressive! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=c9rfnITJMMJ4G3uWU3wmNA
Steamed Rice (INCLUDED): Served in a whimsical cone shape, this white steamed fluffiness of rice paired well with my entree but nothing special. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=HPd1MmSc6LDmhz8Dtj_Jkw
SERVICE
We were a walk-in party of four, so thankfully, we were warmly greeted by a kind young woman who led us to a nearby open table. She handed us each a menu, brought some glasses of water, and gave us time to peruse the menu. Minutes later, a young man approached us if we were ready to order, if we had any questions, and briefly explained the evening's specials (which most of us ordered from). Because they didn't serve alcohol, they allowed BYOB fee-free - woo hoo! About ten minutes later, the appetizers arrived, and then another ten minutes passed before our entrees came out. They checked in on us, cleared away any empties, eventually boxed up our leftovers, and wished us a good evening and hopefully a return visit. Everything was wonderful - khop khun!
PARKING (Street; N/A this instance)
Although this was an easy 25-minute walk from my friend's place, we took a quick 10-minute Lyft because of the hot weather. Otherwise, this was on a pedestrian-only section of town, but there appeared to be random spots (no known private lot) off the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding roads, or best to utilize the very good public transportation light rail - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A very clean modern-looking restaurant with a ton of dining chairs/tables that left little space between each other, the decor was more bistro with accents of Thai embellishments. A good amount of natural lighting came through the tinted large windows and doors while bright electric decorative ceiling lights https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=A29UfO7_28aBkuRguQXyyw filled in the rest. There were no TVs while low-volumed pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=pxqhxOKw1feChA15uKlLRQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
One Dee Siam was da bomb, and I hoped to return to try other items on their reasonably expansive menu! Everything smelled and tasted wonderfully, the portions were huge, the prices very generally affordable (they really should put pieces on the specials menu), the service was friendly and straightforward, and I appreciated that they allowed BYOB without a corkage fee (we shared a bottle of wine). And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $88.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more