There's something fun about this Thai cafe. Maybe it's the limited menu where everything costs the same (5 or 6 bucks) with almost no sides except a wide variety of drinks. Or maybe it's the decor which wouldn't be out of place as a hip vegan joint. Or maybe it's the Thai Curry Simple branded merchandise. Whatever it is, the food is both simple, good and cheap, usually a curry of some sort with rice, though they do have some noodle and soup noodle dishes. The flavors are powerful without overpowering and the chicken is not the standard Thai Overcooked Chicken that you get elsewhere. My only complaint is the lack of ventilation. The cooking smells flood the small dining area, making it feel like you're standing next to a grill the whole time. Service is a little bit slow, but polite, but it's expected from a two man/woman operation For kicks, check out the reviews hanging on the wall for Kai Kai, Thai Curry Simple's NY East Village sister restaurant. In particular note the 1998 prices, which are laughable called out as "affordable." Ten years later, Thai Curry Simple's meals are cheaper by a good amount, not even adjusting for inflation. read more

Yum! Yum! Yum! I came here on the advice of a rave review in the Stranger, one of Seattle's alt-weekly's. (Read it here: http://strn.gr/3708727). Finding the place was quite an adventure, as I was staying downtown and by the time I realized that 5th ave. and 5th ave S. were two different streets (it pays to read directions, kids!) I was famished, and had given up all hopes of returning in time for my peers' conference panel I had planned on attending. Sorry guys! (At least I picked an amazing place to eat--I'd feel a lot worse if I ended up scarfing down a cold and flavorless meal because I was hungry and every place I wanted to try was closed--like I did the following night.) Fortunately I found Thai Curry Simple and accidentally snuck my way inside as they had locked their doors for the day. (I followed someone inside who was there for a take-out order, and lucked out as they had turned away a group who arrived after me.) Everything is $5, and everything is FANTASTIC. Like seemingly everyone else I met in Seattle, the couple who runs this place are both super-friendly. My second visit was just as nice. (I couldn't stay away and had to sneak in another plate before returning to the Bay.) This time I arrived right before the lunchtime rush and went for the curry of the day. While there I found out about a dish worthy of a 'secret menu': Papaya salad. (Thanks, James!) It's not listed, and since it takes a bit of time and work it's best not to order it when they're busy. Read about it below (or above, depending on where my review falls). ...and for my third visit... read more

Dear Yelp: I just had another amazing meal at Thai Curry Simple with my friends. On the way out, the owner said thank you, for patronizing and for writing a review on Yelp. They also told me that unfortunately, it got removed because you guys thought they wrote it themselves, but thank you anyway. She smiled whole-heartedly while saying so. I just want you to know that every word of my (now censored) review is as honest as it gets. And in no way am I affiliated with Thai Curry Simple, except as a loyal customer. I am not much of an internet writer. I don't have time. But their food inspired me so much that I created a Yelp account, and spent 2 hours indoor on a sunny Sunday in Seattle, just for the purpose of sharing my thoughts with the foodie community. It meant that much to me, as a Thai immigrant, to finally find a little piece of home. And I wanted to share that with others. Your registered slogan reads "Real people. Real reviews." Yet I'm trying to comprehend the need for censorship. I am a real person, with real thoughts; and I feel that I should have an equitable opportunity to share my review as the others whose reviews are still posted. I request that you un-censor my first review. If you wish to verify the authenticity of my existence, and my unbiased tie to the restaurant. Please, feel free to email me. I'll give you my phone number. read more

I haven't tasted some of these flavors since spending four months in Thailand in 2004, seriously. The owners have family members in Thailand mix the curries with various spices which aren't available in most Thai restaurants. *** THIS IS THE CLOSEST TO THE REAL THING I'VE HAD OUTSIDE THAILAND *** I've had Thai food in many cities across the US and this place is the most authentic I've had. I've only had the Kao Mun Gai (Saturday and Monday only) and the green curry because I just discovered the place three days ago. I'll DEFINITELY be frequenting the place. As other reviews have noted, if you express a real interest or knowledge of Thai food and/or culture, the owner may give you a free sample along with your order, which is how I tasted the green curry. They also have roti available, which you don't find in most Thai restaurants. I've read reviews complaining about portion size and variety of ingredients in the dishes. I've only been to the restaurant once, so I can't yet comment on that. As far as the flavors, though, they're outstanding and include some of the nuances you almost never find in the US. read more

Thai Curry Simple has become one of my favorite lunch spots. Their curries are so tasty and you can't beat $5 for most entrees. The people who work here who I believe are the owners are super nice. Be aware that this place does get busy particularly during lunch time but service is good and pretty quick. I've ordered the green and panang curries both with chicken and I love how you get just the right amount of heat with your meal. The spice level is probably about 3 1/2 to 4 stars on the Thai food spice scale. Some people may think the portion size is small but I think it's the right amount of food. I also think it's great that you have the option to chose brown rice with your meal at no additional cost. Check this place out if you ever find yourself in Chinatown and craving Thai food! read more

See all

Thai Curry Simple is another one of my favorite lunch spots in the International District. I usually get the tofu pad thai or the chicken pad see ew there, both tasty and only around $6. I'm not a big curry fan, but from what I hear, their green curry is excellent. It's usually pretty crowded during lunch time so you'll have a hard time finding an open table if you go around noon. If you get your food to go, don't forget to ask for some hot sauce, their hot sauce is delish! And if you're a sweets person, their tapioca pudding is a nice treat after lunch. Quick Tip: Stop by the ATM on your way there, they only take cash. read more

Awesome food great quality and service is friendly and fast. food is cheap! Cash only so bring them dollas yo! All curries are good even tofu if you can believe that. Closes early during the week and closed on Sundays. read more

I had the panang curry and the pad thai. They were okay. I do like my curry to be thick and creamy and that curry was a little more on the watery side, with a very strong flat lime leaf flavor, which was too much for me. The pad thai was more along what I liked, although I do like when they serve it with crushed peanuts and there were none. read more

My favorite lunch restaurant in the ID. Prices are good, ambiance is friendly, menu is simple but everything on it is exceptional. The owners (Mark and Picha) are truly wonderful people and they'll take time out of their busy day to chat with you. They donated to a dessert dash for a nonprofit I work at, and they regularly do pop up fundraising events for the community. If you like Thai Curry Simple, be sure to check out Wann Yen in the U District. It's Picha's newest adventure. Unique and delicious :) read more

Thai Curry Simple is hands down the best thai in Seattle. Mark and Picha are so kind and generous, and the food is awesome. My favorites: Green Curry Chicken, Cheese Roti, Pad See Ew, Khao Mun Gai (really any chef's special for that matter), green Jasmine tea with orange honey. Don't stick to your old safe favorite, Pad Thai, branch out when you come here! Anything that you have never seen on another boring Thai menu before will surprise and delight. Order the unfamiliar! All the food is made with care and fresh ingredients. The hot sauce is to die for, so hot, but with a great flavor that shines through. Mark and Picha will always remember your name and the food that you like. They have pride in their food and their business. Always a delight here. read more

Such a hot spot for lunch!! I love eating here, I live their special of the day..chicken and winter melon curry on Tuesdays and minced chicken over rice on Thursdays are to die for. A friend into reused me to this spot and everybody I bring here just simple loves it!! It's a hole in the wall but the food is pretty delicious..a reins who travelled to Thailand says it's pretty authentic. Also, they don't make dishes out of items that aren't in season- stands up for what they serve, fresh and simple food! Lastly, I love the lady who owns the place! I wanna give her a hug for bringing such delicious food to us read more

I came in 20 minutes before close, and to my chagrin they had run out of literally everything except for the Massaman chicken curry. I decided to bite the bullet and order it even though I was in a noodly mood. The food came out quick, and the portion was big, with a large amount of curry matched appropriately with a heap of rice. The curry was sweet, a little fruity, and mildly spicy, containing chicken, potatoes, and carrots. The veggies were tender but not mushy, and in an appropriate quantity and ratio compared to the chicken. There were plenty of sauces available: my favorites were the fish sauce with chilies and the vinegar with chili. Even though it was almost 3 and I had skipped breakfast and lunch, I was barely able to finish all my curry, and I had to leave some rice on the table. As they were closing, the owner apologized for the limited menu and brought me a little dessert. I have no idea what it was: some kind of jelly and coconut-flavored milk. It was a nice gesture, and I'll definitely be back to try their noodles. read more

Thai Curry Simple - Massaman chicken curry - Thai Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

I usually stop by for a bowl of curry every time I go to Chinatown. Panang here is one my favorite dishes. I also like their Pad See Ew dish. The restaurant seems small and simple but you will get everything you want when you think of authentic Thai food. read more

$5 plates. Done. Daily rotating vegetarian options. Done. Nothing fancy, just good, straight-forward, affordable Thai fare! Was here with some buddies who find it the best Thai in all of Seattle. I had the tofu pad thai and enjoyed it. Bright, cheery (if small) dining area. If I lived here, i'd be a regular! read more

Thai Curry Simple - Thai Near Me - Seattle, Washington

THEY'RE SUCH NICE PEOPLE! And the food is really good, too! I was so happy to have some delicious, one-place curry over rice, WITH a sweet roti! SO, SO HAPPY! The proprietor saw me taking snapshots of their spicy sauce/dressing, and informed me that (since I was not from around there), he could mail me stuff if I emailed him. AWESOMESAUCE! (Literally!) Meanwhile, hopefully I made my St. Louis friends jealous with spicy envy. Just a short walk from my hotel, and just steps from the International Center tunnel station. No excuses not to get inexpensive, satisfying Thai!!! read more

I have owed Thai Curry Simple a review for a year and a half now. It's about time I write it! If you want authentic, fast, delicious, and affordable Thai food that is served by genuinely kind people, then Thai Curry Simple is the place to go. My husband and I LOVE TCS, and we think Mark and Picha, who run the restaurant, are fantastic people. We will typically order green curry, phad thai, phad see iew, kao mun gai, and sometimes a roti. But our favorite thing is their "20 star" hot sauce that is in a jar on all the tables (or you can ask for some on the side if you're ordering to-go). The hot sauce is indescribable.. it's just amazing. It is sweet, spicy, and tastes damn good on everything. There are also plenty of house-made drinks on the menu - must try Thai iced tea and any of their lemonades. I also love the atmosphere. It's cozy, warm, inviting, and has lots of character. I love their chalk board menus too. We are excited for the SLU location to open up this year. I think TCS is just the type of down-to-earth place that SLU needs. read more

Pros: Cute and cozy, friendly staff, reasonably priced Cons: Tofu not always available, curry was super duper salty and had zero of the promised vegetables, water glasses too small (she must have refilled mine 6 times) read more

AMAZING TOFU CURRY. FOR $5. how can you not give it a 5 star for quality curry and that price????? I always get their daily tofu curry special for lunch because it never gets old. I never get their phad thai or penang curry because I like my food with veggies. =P Phad Thai is good elsewhere, the curry is good here. I would come before noon to guarantee a seat, cash only, and try the spicy pepper sauce with your food! It gives the curry a kick, I LOVE IT. And I always ask the waitress for ice cause the water is room temperature. =P What else, oh! Try the Goti for dessert - would share one order with a friend. I only eat one or two pieces out of the five. Cleanliness: it's a HOLE IN THE WALL. I keep telling myself that and try not to think about the interior and smells. Okay it's not THAT bad. I'm just a germ freak.. read more

Been coming here for years now. Tried every dish they have (including off-menu roti combinations) but my favorites are the pad kee mao or green curry. Their food is fresh, cheap, and delicious. Mise en place suffers during the lunch rush so try to come before noon or after 1:30 PM. Don't sit on the benches, your ass will thank me. read more

Cheap. Fast. Good. There's a pretty strong belief that you can only have 2 of those 3 things at once, but in the case of Thai Curry Simple, it's possible to actually experience this magical trio. Their $5 lunch specials are tasty and a good size, and adding a Thai iced tea to my order only set me back a total of $7.20. I had the green curry w/chicken and my friend had the Phad Thai. BOTH were good! I'd definitely go back again - it is small, but it's a cute space (much cozier than you'd think from the outside) and the servers were friendly & nice. Just make sure you bring CASH with you, as they don't accept cards at the moment. read more

$5 lunch and good wow. Go for the Curry, forget the Pad Thai. I have had a lot of Pad Thai in my day and was not very impressed with the Pad Thai here, the Curry on the other hand is fantastic. For $5 you get a good size bowl with brown or white rice, topped with the curry of your choice (green...mmmm). This place gets packed quickly so show up before noon or after one. No MSG!!!! and cash only. I love this place. I may just try the whole menu..... read more

I really like this place. Good portions of authentic and well prepared thai dishes for good prices. I especially like the pad kee mao. The restaurant is a little small so sometimes it fills up at lunch so if you want to eat there try to get there a little before noon or after 12:30. Pay close attention to the specials board because they frequently offer daily specials that aren't the typical thai dishes you see at every Thai restaurant. read more

What is simple about this place? Everything, and I mean that in a good way. Food-- Basic menu, only the really good stuff. Authentic Thai food full of flavor. I've tried many things, including the pad thai, several of the curries, and Iced Tea, all of which made my tummy happy. People-- Genuine, down-to-earth owners, the kind you want to kidnap and force to cook for you every day for the rest of your life because they are so damn entertaining and make such damn good food. Price-- For about $5 (cash only), you can pretty much have a filling meal. I wish Yelp allowed size 7200 font, so I could repeat that in better terms and it would jump out of your screen and into your face and tunnel into your brain. FIVE DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!1one The place is only open during lunch hours and it gets packed pretty quickly, so keep that in mind. Enjoy and may your tummy be as happy as mine. *Asian bow* --HTN read more

I honestly can't believe I've walked past this place over and over without noticing or knowing about this place. A perfect lunch spot that serves Thai cuisine that is reminiscent of street food. While there's a certain Americanization that comes with a lot of Thai food served in the United States, this place stays more true to its roots than others. It eliminates the processed aspect that is characteristic of other restaurants of its type. I really appreciated the atmosphere. It had the feel of a hole in the wall, but the decor matched the type of place that it's advertised to be. The food has bold flavors, without being too salty. The pad see ew had a nice balance of ingredients, and cooked well, without the noodles being too sticky. There is a nice array of drinks. My friend who got the mango iced tea enjoyed it, and the thai iced tea that seemed popular among others looked good. Served in jar like cups also matches the feel of the place. Perhaps the best part is that Thai Simple Curry is inexpensive (see menu below). These are prices I saw for lunch when I was in high school about 7 years ago. Also, the convenience (across from the International District Tunnel), makes this a hopping place for lunch. Overall, a clear 5. read more

Cash Only!! Authentic curry and quick service. This place gets busy around noon for the lunch rush. They are located across from the bus tunnel so it's easy access if you are coming from outside of international district on public transportation. I take the short bus ride from Downtown as this place is worth the extra effort. They have homemade hot chili oil that is by far the spiciest in Seattle. read more

Thai Curry Simple - Green curry with Chicken and brown rice - Thai Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Food: The Pad Kee Mao and Green Curry blew my mind... Perfect infusion of fresh spices and balanced heat. Atmosphere: Friendly, casual, and yet a bit modern and fresh too. Price: Incredibly affordable! ***Amazing selection of homemade curry pastes to try at home for $2 a piece. Next time I'm stocking up! read more

This is by far the best lunch deal in town. $5 for a huge plate of delicious curry? YES. Go either at 11 or at 1:30 to avoid the huge lunch rush this place gets. They also do phone orders, but oftentimes they are so busy that they can't answer the phone! The daily rotating selection of tofu curry is my favorite. The staff are all so sweet and welcoming. I love visiting this place because I can tell that they work hard and put so much effort into the tasty food they serve and their concept of a Thai general store. Their to-go sauces and meals are affordable and fresh. Pick up a packet of homemade Thai Iced Tea cookies ($1.95). They're simple (natch) buttery goodness and you will inhale a pack in one sitting! read more

I was in ID today for errands. As I got off the train, I saw Thai Curry and a line of people and I was craving Thai food for lunch. I dashed across the street, scanned the menu really quick and Pad kee mao jumped at me. So I ordered shrimp pad kee mao; when I asked the cashier how is their spice level, she said that it's a little spicy but you can add additional chili provided on the table. As soon as I sat down, I yelped the restaurant and saw 4 solid stars and over 300 reviews; I got some hope that my pad kee mao would be solid as well. After 5 minutes, it came out and my jaw dropped. From the look of it, I can tell it will be bland. I took one bite and I knew it was a horrible dish. The noodles were wet, sauce was bland and white looking, shrimps and noodles had no char from the wok. Pad Kee mao should be dark sauce, coating all the noodles and shrimps, noodles and shrimps should be charred from the wok. The only positive thing is there were 5 decent, deveined shrimps that came with it. In all, DO NOT ORDER PAD KEE MAO!! Ps I will not be going back here. read more

Decent option for lunch in the International District. Kinda disappointed with the limited entree options. We had the: Green curry rice dish - tasty Pad Thai- could use more flavor, don't know why a noodle dish came with rice, I suggest you ask for it without it. The portions were just enough to satisfy my hunger, no leftovers. I'm not sure why this place is getting such stellar reviews but it's clean, friendly, offers decent food and is easy on the wallet. read more

Delicious curries. I want to try the papaya salad sometime. For some reason I didn't see it on their chalkboard menu, but they do have it! (they also have a whole menu in Thai, so maybe it's there. The owner started to describe some of the things on the Thai menu to me...). I had the green chicken curry. The flavor of the curry itself was delicious, but there was no heat there as it was. Supposedly the green curry is the spiciest curry they have, but it wasn't spicy at all! Luckily, they had the little jar of chili in oil at the tables (one of the tables had the more vinegary chili sauce which I would have liked but didn't know was an option... you might ask for that if you're interested). The spice jar has a label on it saying that a spoonful is worth 20 stars. Ok, I'll preface this with the fact that I like spicy food, but I used three spoonfuls, and I do not think it 20 stars per spoonful is on the same scale that I use (I think this about most Seattle star ratings anyway). For me, I would say at most maybe 3-3.5 stars per spoonful. Absolutely fabulous once I added the chili. I should warn people that the spice does build as you're eating it, so you might want to go a little easier than you'd think... :) And if you're worried, keep a nice glass of the thai iced tea handy (btw, next time I'm totally going to try it with lime rather than milk!) I was stuffed by the end, but I wanted to try a dessert roti. Let me tell you, make room for this! 1) it's not that big, and 2) it's so good. I got mine (the chocolate and condensed milk) to go. When you get it to go, it comes in this great little hand sized roll (they roll the roti up into a tube. Check the photo I posted of it). Makes it easy to just peel back the wrapper and bite into it! Fried exterior, soft sweet goodness on the inside. I want one again, right now!!!!! Great deal at $5 a plate of curry. The roti was $2.50. I went for lunch on a Saturday around 1pm and found pretty close street parking. There was also no wait. read more

See all

Wow!, what a great place. My friend and I took a tour in the Int'l District, then being hungry, decided to go here for lunch. My U of WA student son had recommended this place. Okay, I am a little old "Fogey" ... my first impression from the outside was "hmmm, looks like a hole in the wall". But my friend and I foraged on and went in-- so glad-- it was excellent! So many choices, everything written up beautifully on the wall on chalkboards. Rotating curry every weekday. She likes spicy, I do not. They messed up our order slightly-- not only did they make her the correct thing, they also gave us a complimentary Red Curry Chicken dish with bamboo shoots and eggplant and some tapioca dessert. Both Outstanding! I ate the Pad See Eu, sooooo tasty. She had Pad Kee Mao, she also pronounced it delicious (I did not taste it, too spicy). The owners are FABULOUS! So friendly. We got there late, didnt realize they were closing. They were so gracious, visited with us, made us feel welcome and not at all to worry about being there after closing to finish our meal. You can buy sauces and seasoning ready-made to take home for great prices! Prices for lunch were so reasonable! LOVED the food. Friend them on Facebook and see what special dishes they will be serving every Saturday. Great place.... $5 for a fabulous lunch! Go, eat, enjoy! Just bring cash, but you don't need too much, it is soo reasonable for excellent food. read more

All I can really say is WOW! This place really blew my tastebuds away, probably one of the best Phad Thai's I have ever had. This place is strictly cash only, this place really gives you the bang for your buck. If you are craving some Thai food, Thai Curry Simple WILL fulfil your craving. Only downside is the strange hours that they are open. read more

This place was great. We went in on a Thursday around 2pm. We ordered at the counter and took a seat by the window. The place is small and the seating was close, but there were empty tables on either side. The waitress quickly brought us water and within about 6-8 minutes our food was on the table. I had ordered the Panang Curry Chicken and it was delicious. It was just enough to fill me up and the taste and texture were great. It seemed more mild than spicy, but that was fine with me. If I had wanted more spice there was some sort of pepper mixture provided on the table. It was well worth the $6. read more

Thai Curry Simple - Panang Curry - Thai Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The past few times I have been here, it has sadly just not been as good as it used to be. I thought it was just a fluke at first so I came back a few more times to make sure. Sure enough the quality has really gone down. Potatoes not fully cooked, sauces not as flavorful or as spicy, kabocha squash peels in my curry. I asked if they are under new ownership and the gentleman said they weren't so...I dont know what's going on. I won't give up on this place. Not yet. Just saying the 4 or 5 times I have been here in the past 6 months have been pretty average to below average. read more

Very good curry, very fast service, very reasonable prices. I had the tofu panang curry ($6 with rice), coconut pudding ($1) and the thai iced tea ($2) and they were all nice. read more

This place is amazing!!! They sell individual packages of curry paste that along with a can of coconut milk will make your Thai food at home taste better than some of the Thai restaurants in Seattle. In the past I used to buy Thai curry in the individual cans, then mix with fish sauce and sugar until I get the taste right. These pouches on the other hand come premixed with just the right amount of everything. This makes it about as hard as adding the flavor packet to a bowl of Ramen to get the taste right. My Favorite is the Green Curry and the Tom Yum Soup Paste. Each pack is 2 bucks and yesterday for example, I fed four people well on one packet and about eight bucks worth of ingredients from the I.D. The food made to order is also excellent, especially for the price. read more

Yummers! I read the review in the Stranger a while back, but just now made my way down to this place for a cheap lunch. I had the pad thai, which was delicious and came in a perfectly sized portion. Enough to fill me up but not a massive pile that gives you insta food coma. And all for $5, Holla! I love the "star in the jar" concept. I put a spoonful on mine which I think created a 6 star level. I recommend being judicious with the hot sauce if you are not into super hot food. I'll definitely be back in the future to try some of the curry. Owner was nice and friendly and the place full of random bits of thai take home stuff. If you like the food, take one of the take home $2 packets and recreate the experience in the comfort of your man cave! read more

If you only ever want panang curry or pad thai, probably kick that to a 5. Just saying. This place is cash only - probably its only real downfall for those of us mentally conditioned to use plastic for everything. But I've eaten at places good enough for me to go to the small extra effort of hitting an ATM before, and this is firmly on that list. $5.50 with tax and you're set for excellent, excellent thai food for lunch. Portion size is right for the price - it looks smaller than most places (but it's cheaper than most, this balances out) and I don't leave hungry, so no complaints. Probably better for me than some MONSTROMEAL elsewhere, I like this choice. Less money, more happy. The only other thing about this place to keep in mind is you don't order a dish and then say "oh and I want that three stars" or whatever. Each dish has its own spiciness predetermined somewhere on the ubiquitous 1-5 spice rating. These are listed on the wall to your right when you walk in, take a minute and check so as to not melt your mouth if you're wary of spice. There's going to be something delicious at whatever levels you're comfortable with, though, that I can pretty much guarantee. And selling curry sauce packages? Inexpensive ones? Delicious ones? I think I'm in love already. read more

I'm thai and I know what the authentic thai taste would be. I've been here for twice and I definitely say that this place is so good at cooking curry I never try anything else except green curry here so I will give 5 stars only to the curry. The taste of green curry is real authentic thai. I will go there agin when craving authentic thai food read more

Thai Curry Simple...I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. This is one of those restaurants that does a few things, but they do all of them so well. This is a hot spot for lunch (come early, or order and pay online to avoid a line out the door). I've tried the pad see ew, pad kee mao, and the panang curry with chicken. My favorite is the panang with chicken and brown rice with spinach. The portion is large enough for two meals, and for only about $8.90, the price is SO worth it. My friend, Saphir, is a total kee mao aficionado. He looovvveeeessss the kee mao and gets it almost every time we come here. The food is not greasy like most Thai restaurants. It's just like what the name suggests...simple, no frills, simple and delicious Thai food. The area can be a bit sketchy (right across from the International District train station), but the food is worth it! Enjoy! read more