Walked in, wasn't sure to sit first or to order first then sit or to wait to be seated. I saw the server bussing a table and asked her if it's ok if I should sit or order first. No greeting. She had an airpod in her ear. I was clearly standing in front of her but she didn't acknowledge me at all. I asked again, and without looking up, she pointed at the table behind me. I was about to leave cause I didn't feel welcomed and that was rude but I really wanted to try the pad Thai. When the food came, the man who dropped it off was friendly. The entire time, the server didn't come to check on me. The chicken pad Thai was flavorful but ok and the potstickers were OK too. I did have a lot of leftovers but I didn't take it to go because it wasn't that good. Would I come here again? No. Server was SO RUDE, and looked like she hated her job. Terrible customer service. Added the second star cause the food was alright and the man who dropped food off was kind. read more

Lunch at Waimalu Shopping Center in Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i... Irene and I had never been to Thai Cuisine Express. That's how we selected this restaurant! Plus, we were already there to look at Blind Boxes at a store a few doors away. The free, shared parking is much appreciated. We also enjoyed the decor and the air-conditioning, even though it was at a minimal setting. Service was kind of odd. I guess they only have bottled water for a dollar. I thought every establishment has to provide a glass of tap water? Well... we didn't get any water. I ordered yellow curry (mild). It came with a bowl of white rice. I asked for zero spice level. The server said I will taste the chili flakes that are already in the sauce. I thought that I could power through it. I ate the carrots, tofu, and potatoes first. The sauce was spicy to me, but I used the rice to wash it down. My mouth hurt... then my throat... LOL! I haven't had rice for a while, so it was extra yummy. I ate the entire bowl with a bit of sauce... and a lotta pain... haha! If I returned, I would get something safe like pad see ew... I just wanted curry and rice... darn! read more

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Expressing our Thai lunch... Located in Waimalu Shopping Center is Thai Cuisine Express is a great place for lunch as this spot does have about 8-10 tables for four tops that can be easily combined for larger parties helps when you need a place and not sure where to go. As we walked in the staff guided us to a table and proceed to ask us if we wanted anything to drink and said water but they only serve bottled water which is just a $1 though not what I wanted and decided to skip the drinks, with that I decided on the Pad See Ew with Tofu the classic Thai that I do love though here I'm quite disappointed as the flavor was wonderful and delicious but the tofu was just too hard. There wasn't any hot sauce I later realized but didn't want to ask for it if they didn't serve water not sure much of anything else, nice and simple spot but it was okay experience. Thanks. read more

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Small simple ambiance, great sweet service. So let's get down to it!! You may miss this place if you are not looking, and we were not planning on eating here except the other place was closed. It was a happy coincidence. All I can say is this is the first place that has not judged my decision for asking for Thai hot! And for that I love them! I finally had a curry that hit my spice level!! I could not stop telling my family how happy I was. Flavor and spice just had me. I will go back for more!!!! Fresh and incredible!! read more

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We showed up a little late, close to closing time, but we were grateful they still let us in. The interior gives off a Thailand vibe, which was nice. They don't serve free water, only bottled water for sale, but they do allow you to bring your own bottle if you have one. We ordered the pad see ew, pad thai, yellow curry, and papaya salad. The pad see ew and pad thai were a bit too sweet for my taste but still flavorful. My girlfriend loves their papaya salad and it was definitely a highlight for her. Overall the service and food were okay. It was an alright experience, nothing too crazy but still good. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - 46. Pad See-Eiw - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Thai Cuisine Express is in a busy strip mall, but has plenty of parking. [Disclaimer] This review is only for a drink. I ordered a Thai Ice Coffee. Flavorful, strong, not as sweet as other places, but refreshing. My drink came with a plastic carrier sling. The ladies working here were mice and friendly. The prices seem very reasonable! read more

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I went here to get lunch other day. Picked up chicken pad see eww which was delish! Lots of parking in front of restaurant. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Chicken pad see eww - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

One of the authentic Thai restaurants. Fast service. Friendly staff. Reasonable price.

We don't usually leave bad reviews, but the Pad Thai we ordered was very disappointing. The flavor and texture were off, and it didn't taste like the usual quality we expect. We hope the restaurant can improve this. read more

Craving Thai & luckily they were the only ones open on New Years Day! Food 8/10. Service 9/10. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Clear Menu took on Jan. 2026 :) - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

lots of free parking outside. greeted and immediately seated by sweet friendly aunty. got drinks and placed our orders and took the time to explain the dishes. we asked about all the different curries. the place is clean and decorated with authentic Thai decorations. food came out hot and quick. so first time I ever ate a yellow curry. it was not like box curry blocks we make at home. the yellow curry is potato, carrots and onions with choice of meat or tofu. I tried the tofu. I got a non spicy but wow the intensity of flavor from all the different spices. it's kinda like a stew. the potato was soft, carrots were a lil harder and tofu was fried and soft. went well with the sticky rice. my daughter tried yellow curry with chicken and had similar remarks. sticky rice was hot and chewy as expected. da other half had panang. whats different is that it's made with peas and carrot cubes and was very thick. the taste of the peanuts and coconut milk with all the spices were intense. it was overall good. read more

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Love love love this place. The ladies here are very friendly and helpful with any questions. The decor is your typical Thai restaurant style. The food is AMAZING. My top favorite dishes are: chili basil, combination fried rice, and the pad thai. They are all delicious. They also have a very delicious sauce. It's spicy and tangy and pair amazing with everything. They also have great options for catering and I have used them for catering MANY times. read more

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The staff was welcoming. The Thai tea was authentic and delicious. We got the chicken satay which was yummy and came with a peanut dipping sauce. I also got the yellow curry which was good and a little spicy. Prices were reasonable. Bathroom could have been a little cleaner. All in all a good experience. read more

Best Thai food in this area. Have been going here for years and it's always a go to place. read more

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Best Pad Thai anywhere! Lots of veggies and so much FLAVOR! Perfect lunch YUM!! Huge portion every time. And the Thai Tea is ono, too! read more

Thai Cuisine Express - The best Pad Thai anywhere! Plenty veggies and such FLAVOR! FIRE - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Went here as a last minute dinner with a friend. The restaurant has a few tables to eat there as well as take out. I got the green curry which was on par with most Thai places. They didn't skimp on the chicken which I liked. We also got the fried tofu satay which was a first for me. It was ok, but this was coated with a batter(?) and not directly fried where the outside was crispy. My friend got the Gang Pa as something different. It had a lot of vegetables, but I didn't like the taste of the sauce. Never having tried that before, I can't tell if that's how it was supposed to taste. For me it was a good place, but I'll stick with the tried and true. read more

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Lately I've been on a thai tea obsession so I decided to do takeout since there needs to be a balance with the sweetness. I decided to skip our usual spot and try Thai Cuisine Express. I've seen it for years but never bother to check it out. Their menu is similar to other Thai restaurants in the area. I ordered the red curry with chicken, pad thai with tofu, sticky rice, and of course thai tea. First of all I shocked with the amount of food it came with. I was thinking it was going to be individual portions but it's definitely shareable. The food overall was great. I really enjoyed their pad thai as it was so flavorful. The curry had a nice kick to it and it came with a great amount of vegetables and chicken. Overall I would do take out again. It's definitely cheaper compared to other Thai restaurants in the area. The prices are reasonable due the portion and taste. Their thai tea was delicious as well. Service was really friendly and fast. If you're looking for fast and reasonably priced Thai food, I would definitely give it a chance. read more

Always open during the holidays Christmas Eve and day. New Years Eve and Day. It's business as usual so your daily routine is never interrupted. We appreciate businesses who support others that may be otherwise working odd hours and jobs. Hospital staff, emergency responders. Security guards etc... the food is served freshly cooked and service is fast and friendly. Just like home in your own kitchen. Dine in or take out. Enjoy 2025! read more

First time trying this place and ordered the gang pa without coconut. Liked the vast amount of vegetables but the sauce was a bit off for me. Also ordered the fried tofu appetizer and it was okay. My friend had the green curry which he really enjoyed. Service was quick. Ambiance casual. They don't provide water in cups, only if you buy the $1 bottle read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Menu - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

The calamari and noodles were delicious. The calamari was probably my favorite dish with a good amount of batter and flavorful dipping sauce. The tom yum was also enjoyable. Didn't care too much for the tofu satay. I mean the tofu was fine but definitely didn't care for the dipping sauces. read more

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Been stopping by more often satisfying our Thai food cravings. The Chili Basil, Laad Nar, and Garlic Pepper are our favorites. You choose any of the meats , tofu, shrimp, calamari and seafood as part of the meal. Prices vary for each choice but it's very reasonable. They are very generous with the portions and jasmine rice is included. Oh, the chicken wings here is on-point, BTW. Customer service has been top-notch. Recently, I just took a few steps inside and one of the ladies already said hi. Another time, I wasn't sure if I could carry the orders out since I had two bags full of other take-out foods from other places and stuff. I told the gal Nin, at the counter that - and she said matter-of-factly, "Yes you can." When my order was ready, she packed the meals including a tall container of gravy securely in a large and strong reusable bag. That was such a thoughtful customer-care gesture. I felt relieved and was able to tote everything securely as I began my walk back home. I usually don't expect to buy as much as I do when taking a stroll to Waimalu Shopping Center. Even today, when I bought the Garlic Pepper dish with pork, another gal at the counter wrapped the tapioca pudding in a little bag, that I decided to buy at the last minute. This Thai restaurant has been there in Waimalu for a good number of years, maybe over ten years, with the same cook. When I return to buy gift certificates, I'll end up buying another dish or two. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - 21. Garlic Pepper (w/Pork) - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Tried here for the first time since so many places are closed on Monday's! Ordered shrimp green curry and chicken green curry, mild, sweet rice and regular for takeout. Their mild is very spicy, just FYI. I like spicy but hubby doesn't. It was far from mild. Aside from spicy, the curry was very watery, which is unusual. The eggplant was cut in large pieces, not bite size. We did takeout so I fixed it up to be more edible at home. The shrimp were on the small size, so there wasn't much in the watery sauce. The eggplant pieces were 3 to 4 times larger than the shrimp. Wouldn't get this combo again. However, the chicken curry had lots of chicken which is the third star. I cut up all the eggplant to bite size pieces which helped. Added coconut cream to thicken the sauce, added some green curry paste and it turned out great. They should have done this so maybe take this hint in the future. The regular rice was a small serving, not enough for this order. This restaurant would be a last resort for Thai food if none of my favorites are open. At least it was salvageable. read more

Awesome food. The food was flavorful and hot. Service was quick and the host was professional

Ordered through uber eats- This is how I received my order. Last time i received ziplock bagged rice I was in a third world country. Never seen side of rice to go packed up like this on island ever. All this was around $18- Panang chicken curry and rice. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Zip locked bagged rice to go - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Ordered through Doordash because I thought this was the place my husband liked their pork. He said this wasn't the place, but the pork was great. Driver took kinda long, but food was still hot when we got it. The food was yummy. Sauces were different than I am used to but I liked them. Ordered shrimp pad thai, chicken wings and the pork jerky. I really liked how the shrimp was nice for the pad thai. I would definitely order from here again. Everything had great flavor. read more

This is my first time visiting this restaurant. I had ordered the yellow curry, sticky rice, and Thai ice tea. The food and drink came out within 5 minutes. I asked for mild spicy curry and it was a little spicy which I enjoyed. I enjoy spicy food but not too spicy where you can't taste the food. Beware if you prefer zero spicy curry. The curry and sticky rice was good and the Thai ice tea was great. For the price of this food and drink, it is worth it. Total price was around $22 plus tax and for Thai food, it is a good price. Inside the restaurant was spacious and not cramp like a lot of other restaurants. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. They have pictures for all of their dishes which helped me decide what to order. This place is not a fancy restaurant but your neighborhood restaurant to enjoy Thai food. I highly recommend this place. read more

In an odd phenomenon, we found out that our favorite thai restaurants in the area both close on Mondays - right when the cravings hit! "But what about that little Thai place in Waimalu shopping center," I proposed. I suppose it's implied in the name "Express," but it honestly feels like Thai Cuisine Express is doing everything in its power to drive away dine-in customers. We walked in and were told to seat ourselves, then read the paper menus placed under the clear table top. The inside feels a bit flat and dated, reminiscent of mom & pop shops on the Big Island. The server brought bottles of Safeway refreshe water, which we later learned were an automatic $1 charge each. Takeout containers are 50 cents each, but apparently you can request a ziploc bag for free. I asked about a large hole in the top of my takeout box and she indicated that they do that on purpose. The whole nickel-and-dime vibe is simply bizarre, and really detracts from the enjoyment of the meal. Please, just incorporate the costs of basic dining like water cups and takeout containers into your menu prices instead of making us feel like we're an inconvenience. And heck, if you really don't want to serve dine-in customers, just go the route of post-pandemic Curry House and set up the front as a take-out counter. Anyway, the food was pretty decent, and we probably would have had a good experience if we did take-out and ate at home. - Tofu Satay ($6.95) - Battered and fried tofu served with a thick peanut sauce and a fish sauce with onion, cucumber, and carrot. Tofu was seasoned and tasty, and became an umami bomb when topped with the fish sauce onions and peanut sauce. Would get again. - Shrimp Panang ($14) with sticky rice (+$1) - Tasty, decent portion with shrimp that wasn't overcooked. Odd that they use frozen peas/carrots when the other curries have sliced vegetables. We got medium, which was a nice spice level without being overwhelming. Do note they use a lot of thai basil. - Tofu Pad Siew ($11.95) - Well wok'd with a slight crisp on the noodles. Cauliflower is a nice touch. Tofu was nicely fried but very bland compared to the satay. Needs a little more flavor as a whole. Service was scarce and I finally went up to the register to pay and ask for boxes. It's honestly rare that I feel an inclination to skip the tip in order to send a message. We tipped, of course, but we won't be back. read more

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Ordered the Chicken Pad Thai: The good- Food order was super-fast, service was friendly. Very generous on the portion, chicken, and bean sprouts. The bad- Noodles were a bit over cooked, and too "saucy", much more than I'm used to with pad thai which I prefer dry. Did not like the flavor, taste reminded me of chicken noodle soup, as if they use chicken broth? The color was a bit yellowish. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Kinda yellow in color, Chicken pad thai - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

We really like this cute little place ... been here a few times and it's reasonable, casual, & tasty ! Favorite are the fried calamari, red curry fish, green papaya salad, pad kee mao, & tofu panang curry. They do a lot of take out orders here and also have some dine in tables that are spaced out and have dividers in between for safety ! The staff is great and will definitely be back ... just wish they were in town ! Definitely worth the drive !!! Thank you Thai Cuisine Express for the safety protocols and allowing us to dine in !! I'm grateful for these restaurants that really have done everything they can to keep their customers safe & fed !!! read more

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This is my new favorite Thai restaurant. It's really unsuspecting, no big frills about it, even a pretty simple name. But the food is great! I've tried a slew of dishes here so far. Pad thai, pad kee mow, pad woon sen, chili basil, gang pa (like curry but without the coconut milk), chili ginger, and sweet and sour thai style. Everything is really tasty. My favorites are the pad thai, chili basil and gang pa. If there's one thing disappointing it's the noodle type used in the pad kee mow. The dish still tastes amazing but the noodle is more like a thick chow fun rather than some of the other styles of rice noodles I've had in kee mow (and it looks like they've used in the past based on pictures). Thai Cuisine Express is located in Waimalu shopping center - a tad closer to the Zippy's side. Ample free parking. They are also located on door dash, I'm not sure if any other delivery services. Staff is really friendly and food comes out fast as well. They have big barriers up between tables now with pictures of the dishes, which is nice so you can get a sneak preview of what they look like. read more

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The pad see ew was delicious, but the penang curry was too thick with too much peanut butter. The price was affordable and the staff was nice. I will come back next time to try the soup and laab. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Good food quick and reasonably priced. Portion did shrink but that's the reality of things and not the problem of the owner.

Came to this restaurant in a Friday night. Was quickly seated. Tables have the menus under glass which is nice and convenient. I ordered the tofu pad Thai hoping to have juicy chunks of tofu but instead got deep fried tofu. Meh. Friend got the yellow curry with a medium sized bowl of rice. It was a little too runny for my taste. I prefer it thick and coating the rice well. This place was okay...I would have preferred the food not served on styrofoam plates or bowls. read more

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What a hidden gem. So underrated, but their food is so wonderful. Definitely for the hot mouthed. That homemade sauce, which they have in the back and you have to ask for, is divine! I really cannot understand why this place is always empty but when I'm there I see quite a few take outs (this was pre stay-at-home order). I wish I could say more to be more convincing but I don't at this time. All I can say is give them and that sauce a try and see if you are not convinced. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Homemade Sauces...need I say more? - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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I ordered a couple dishes to complement the basil chicken my son was cooking. The food was hot, fresh, and tasty. I ordered the red curry and pad thai, both medium spicy with a side of sticky rice. The order was ready earlier than initially scheduled, and the lady said that if I want to pick it up at a later time I can let them know the next time I order takeout. read more

Birthday boy pick this restaurant to celebrate his birthday. Service was very good. I noticed that they did a lot of takeout. The dining room was spacious and well lit. Being we had just had a late lunch at a babys birthday party my wife and I ordered the papaya salad and spring rolls to share. Spring rolls was crisp and the filling was full of flavor. The papaya salad I would say just average. The others in are party gave the restaurant a thumbs up. read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Spring rolls - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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After a hectic shopping trip at Sam's Club we wanted to take a break and came upon Waimalu SC. Since the Okazuya at Kabuki was closed we headed next door. Times have really changed in Hawaii. I didn't realize this restaurant didn't serve water, instead you need to buy bottled water for your consumption. Food: Their food was mediocre!! Pad Thai didn't have that tamarind taste like other places. The Pad Siew had a funky taste that I wasn't familiar with. This is the kicker...the fried chicken wings looked okay except there was a feather sticking out. This really grosses me out..it says that this establishment doesn't wash their foods well. Service: Okay, it could be better. Prices: Inexpensive I'll pass when I'm in the area again, I'll try other eateries instead. read more

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Not sure if the management have changed but the pad thai that I used to order doesn't taste the same anymore. I usually get tofu or shrimp pad thai. I got the chicken pad thai this time. I always get MILD. The only spice that i'm getting is PEPPER lots of it. This is my go-to spot for comfort, quick, pad thai fix. But maybe not anymore :( I still like that they make it on the sweeter side but it was just too much pepper :( I always get thai tea here too. It's still really good though! It's pretty affordable though and you can easily order on the phone conveniently! I hope I just got a bad batch. Maybe it's time for me to find my new PAD THAI spot! read more

Thai Cuisine Express - Chicken Pad Thai with extra peanuts and beansprouts - Thai Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Fast, friendly service. The restaurant is very clean, quiet, and spacious. I ordered the red curry and a Thai tea. Both were excellent. read more

Today's lunch was really superb after flying home from Kauai to Maui to Oakland and returning from San Fran. Tried to make healthier selections instead of my usual curries or wide noodles and spring rolls. Chose fish patties, papaya salad, shrimp fried rice and yes had to order fried calamari cuz I enjoy it pretty much everywhere. Although I prefer the tentacle part, this one appeared sliced thinly over the top with very light crispy batter- kinda like popcorn style but better. Tried their fish patties and the sauce is killer- so yummy with cucumber diagonals, sliced red onions and cilantro- even used it on part of the cabbage wedge- so good. I like to come here on the fly for lunch but dinner next time. Glad to be on island and home. Had ice water and iced thai tea to enjoy the food with. Today there were two gentlemen working, both friendly, smiley and soft spoken. read more

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