We have been visiting this place since couple years every time we go to Purdue from Columbus IN. Perfect for lunch. Food was tasting okay not that great this time. We got soup and chicken and tofu fried rice. Service was excellent!! read more

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If that Thai craving hits you so suddenly and you are nowhere near any Thai communities but in W. Lafayette, IN. Okay curry, okay Thai staples, but hella small portions vs price. No Thai hot sauce offered. Skip tom yum noodle. Friendly services from the part time Purdue students :) read more

Returning my eldest to Purdue on a Sunday evening, we wanted to get dinner together before I left town, so after perusing Yelp, we picked Thai Essence. There were just a few tables in use when we arrived around 6pm, so the staff sat us fairly quickly in the side dining room. Saving our calories for dinner, we ordered waters and proceeded to look over the menu, where the first thing we noticed were the prices, and hoped the portions were going to be huge! My son ordered a noodle dish, while I got the pork red curry. Before tip, our total was $40.02, which is definitely on the pricy end! In short order our food arrived. While it looked great and tasted very good, we were both disappointed at the modest portion sizes. As my son put it, "I cannot believe we spent $19 each on a meal that left me still feeling hungry afterwards." Likewise service felt pretty uneven, with only a few checks being made on us, and even fewer refills on our waters. PROS: nice presentation, very good taste CONS: pricy, meager portions, uneven wait staff service Overall, we found Thai Essence to be Good Enough, and would return. read more

Thai Essence - Gang Dang (red curry) with pork. - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

My husband had been here a few years ago so we tried to find it (he couldn't remember the name!) and it was worth the effort! The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Would definitely recommend! I had the Pad See Ew and the hubs had Gang Dang (he ordered it hot) and they did not disappoint. We also split an order of Spring Rolls which were good. read more

Very cute little place. Kind of small so it's not great for big groups. The employees were very kind. They have quite a few options. They have a lunch and dinner menu so there are some different options . I forget what the name of the dish is I ordered, but it was ginger based. There are dishes with a specific spice level, but you can increase the spice as you like 1-4. Apparently 4 is insanely spicy. We got a warning from the chef so I ordered level 2 and my husband level 3. The meal was well cooked. I could taste the freshness of the veggies. The white rice was plain. I know that's normal, but I prefer at least a little seasoning. The one thing I didn't really like was they had canned coke and not fountain. It's not a HUGE deal, but I thought it was expensive to charge $2.50 per can. read more

Thai Essence - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

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Another excellent place to eat that's locally owned and actually has flavor! Most Midwest food is pretty bland so this is place that cooks with seasoning!! read more

Food was excellent, ambiance is okay its clean but not very fancy. The service could be improved on, I think its a shyness because of a language barrier. We ended up having two people serve us, and we were only a group of three. I would recomend for a quite night out, it's about mid-range on price. read more

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now and finally I stopped in on my way by for a to go order. It is furnished nicely and decorated well so it is inviting for a place to sit down and have a meal. The lady that greeted me was very friendly and gave me a menu to browse. I opted for the pad thai with chicken as it is my go-to for thai places for a good comparison. I was a bit surprised by the prices as they seemed a bit high. I waited maybe 7-10 minutes and a nice worker handed me my bag and told me to enjoy my dinner. I was very satisfied with all of the interactions with the workers. My mouth was watering all the way home as I smelled my precious dinner that was riding in the passenger seat. After getting home, I finally was able to head to the table and open up the container. It looks just as pad thai should be and they include some sprouts too to mix in with it. The pad thai flavor is great but there was absolutely no spice at all. Normally, there would be some heat accompanied by the flavor but it was just absent. Perhaps, I need to request that for next time so if you are expecting some heat make sure you ask about it first. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the food and I will be back when my thai craving crops up again. It is just a bit on the expensive side. read more

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My wife and I both ordered the Spicy Basil Fried Rice with Chicken which was amazing. We will be back

Best Thai food in west lafayette! They have another restaurant called Basil Thai on Purdue's campus with a similar menu, but Thai essence has a larger variety, and in my opinion better quality. I always get the pad see ew with chicken. Sometimes I've gotten their red curry or pad Thai which I think both are delicious. Pad see ew is definitely a favorite of mine. Always tastes fresh and delicious. I usually add hot sauce to mine just because I like more spice. You can tell them to make it spicier but I kind of like to be in control of my own spice level. I always like to stop by when I'm visiting campus. I still think their dishes are really good and authentic! read more

Thai Essence - Pad see ew with chicken - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

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I've tried the drunken noodles here and I really was not a fan. It felt like the only seasoning was pepper and that too not enough. I came back recently though, and tried the pineapple fried rice with beef as my protein and it was so redeeming. I enjoyed it so much. There's some coconut flakes and the pineapple - both flavors I love but it was still savory and had plenty of meat and veggies that were very tasty. I would completely recommend this dish! The service and seating were also fine as a larger group. read more

Thai Essence - Pineapple fried rice with chicken - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

The best Thai food I've ever had!! They only use the highest quality ingredients. Food is always fresh and flavorful. Staff is well-trained and friendly. A favorite restaurant of locals! read more

Great variety of Thai options as well as some excellent authentic Malaysian food options (Satays).

We've been trying to do as much curbside pick-ups as possible given the current situation and although not everyone is willing to offer this service, Thai Essence were superb. The staff were all courteous, efficient, and more than happy to take payment over the phone and drop our order in our car. Much appreciated! I just got their Tom Yung Kung. This is a very yummy seafood soup, lots of flavor, shrimp and mushrooms! I was expecting it to be a little spicier given the chilli sign next to it, but I also do have very high tolerance! I did feel that for the price of $7.95, the portion could be a little bigger. Would I go back? Yes! Keep up the great work and thank you for your service. read more

I have been all over the world, and this Thai is as good as anything I have ever had. I highly recommend.

This is one of my favorite hidden gems in town. Crave-able. I crave their food often! Their menu includes flavors and spice levels for everyone. Whether I'm looking for a quick bite for carryout or a nice dinner, I'm never disappointed. They're efficient and easy to order whether by phone or at the table. I often order Pad Thai but their pineapple fried rice, noodle dishes, curries and more are all just as fabulous. Enjoy! read more

We ordered catering for a work related celebration at our home. Four small trays for entrees, one tray of rice, and two appetizer trays. The food was amazing and we got many compliments from our guests. I was also impressed with the attention to details. For example, they included signs for each tray listing the name of the dish and the ingredients. This was much appreciated by our vegan guests. They also included plates, utensils, and serving spoons and tongs. The amount of food was generous and as expected. We have enjoyed the restaurant for a long time but this was the first time ordering catering. Will definitely order again for a future event! read more

The hostesses and people who answer the phone have quite possibly the worst customer service I've ever experienced. Every single time we have called in an order or even gone in person, NONE of the hostesses have been good. Imagine experiencing the most dry conversation you've ever had and then times that by 1,000. Overpriced food and horrible customer service, what else could go wrong? Literally nothing. And as I left the carry out, leaving a tip no one deserved, they commented on how much I left. Maybe if you did your job better, you would get better tips! read more

Our favorite local Thai food! Wish they were open on Sundays too! Pad Thai & cashew chicken are our favorites! Soup & peanut sauce are delicious! Yum read more

Delicious meal on a cold day! The pad Thai was sticky and sweet while the tom yum made my mouth water from the acidity of the soup. Balanced out the flavors with the fresh spring rolls plus peanut sauce of course!! read more

Thai Essence - Pad thai, tom yum, fresh rolls - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

Tasty & healthy cuisine! Thai Essence is one of my favorite restaurants in West Lafayette! It is a go-to for lunch with friends

I just had a $50 lunch with a client at Thai essence. Food was just OK. Portions were tiny. I wondered why no one came in during the lunch hour to eat. Now I know I will never be back. read more

Absolutely the best of thai I have ever had. Beef and broccoli, basil rolls also amazing. Parking is easy. Take out is efficient. Fast service. Kind staff. You cannot go wrong. Indoor vibe could use some work but otherwise great cozy spot. Probably the best food in WL. read more

First time going to a Thai restaurant. Came here because everyone I've spoken to said this is THE place! Food was delicious! The mussel appetizer was my favorite. The sauce made it! A little heat to it. Soooo good! Service was very attentive and kind. Restaurant was nice and clean. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to no deserts available. There was a wide verity of deserts listed on the menu that I couldn't wait to try but when I tried to order them, the waiter kindly told me they didn't have any deserts available. I will be back! read more

Ok, so this restaurant was our GO TO date night spot. Such friendly staff and delicious food. HOWEVER, the prices have become OUTRAGEOUS. I understand inflation has had an impact across the board but a small bowl of green curry costing $18?! In addition to adding rice for $1.50? I can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on take out style Thai food in West Lafayette, IN. Their food is good, if you can afford the price tag. read more

I love Thai Essence to bits. I used to hop and the bus, stop off in front of the Medical Research Center place (the pyramid building), walk across the highway, just to eat there. It and Basil Thai have the same owner, and they have pretty much the same thing. However, Thai Essence's menu is more extensive than Basil Thai. Both do take-out, but no delivery. Additionally, I find portions at Thai Essence are bigger than at Basil Thai. My favorite by far is that Thai Essence has a section called Hot Plates. More often than not have the Duck Pra Ram or the hot plate that has lychee, but honesty everything is good here. This is the foremost place I take people if they haven't gone there before. It's more upscale, an actual restaurant versus a mom & pop shop. If you're looking to impress someone, whether it's on a date, an interview, business meeting, alumni, or family, this is the place to go. And IT'S A REALLY GOOD PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO'VE NEVER EATEN THAI FOOD BEFORE. You're sure to be in for a good experience. The portions are HUGE, especially if you get the curry pineapple fried rice (hugely popular). It's a classy place. Seriously, this is the go-to place I recommend and make reservations to for when friends' have family coming over they need to show off to or visiting speakers/trainers for club. I would recommend dinner. Again, more extensive menu. And pretty much any of the desserts. BUT DON'T BE FOOLED, YOU CAN DRESS CASUAL. It's definitely more upscale, but the prices are pretty much the same and it's good for all occasions. So while you do have business men and women, advisers, counselors, and families coming in and out, you can definitely slum it as a college student and it's just fine. My club was the Bujinkan Yanagi Dojo, a martial arts club. We would sometimes take our speaker/trainer there after seminars, and almost everyone would come in training duds.Staff is cool like that and attentive. They do reservations, but it tends to be more immediate. As they're more than a bit out of the way, walk-ins are easier with them. However, they're popular enough that if there is some big event going on, reserve early. They don't do 6 months ahead early, but one or two months ahead should suffice. They're REALLY good for large parties. Unlike Basil Thai, they have the room. Aforementioned seminar crowd had about 12 (walk-in) and I took a family of 7 (reservation) there another time. Both times, we fit comfortable in the back. read more

Thai Essence - Inside. - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

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Due to COVID, they are only taking orders to go. We ordered the staples - shrimp Pad Thai and pork Pad See Ew. I was surprised that both dishes tasted more like Chinese food than Thai food. The Pad See Ew came out charred and peppery, which I haven't tasted before in other pad see ew plates. Flavors were off, but as long as you're not expecting Thai then the food here is ok. read more

Really good thai food! Prices are a lil high though. The tofu satay is really good and the peanut sauce is to die for.

The tofu green curry was okay, but not worth $19. My son enjoyed the tofu pad Thai, but being a starving college student that is not much of an endorsement. The spring rolls were unremarkable. read more

Went well, very nice atmosphere, food came quicker than expected, service was attentive, a convenient place to grab a dinner when the mood is to eat out! read more

Pros: location, decor, service, food quality, gluten/dairy- free options Cons: price Summary: Recommend! Details: I felt relaxed as soon as I entered this restaurant. Something about the ambience made me feel at ease. Although the restaurant is not in a busy city center, it just helps build on the serene mood they're shooting for. They have a gluten free menu and are mostly flexible with dairy free items which is always a plus for those who can't do gluten or dairy. The restaurant was very clean and the service was very great. I was a bit disappointed to hear that the dinner entrees did not include rice as a side. You have to order them separately. Not saying that it's required, but if they're charging me between 10-15$ per item, a small side of rice would've been nice. We ordered the red curry with chicken and pad ga prow with pork. Both items tasted really good, so I'd give full points for the food quality. We also go the mango mousse dessert which is supposed to be gluten and dairy free. See pictures for the items above. Besides the price point, the other item that was a let down was the glass (which was in fact plastic) that we got our dessert in. It was poor quality and the stem had cracks in it. See pictures. read more

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I have Japanese and Chinese food often but hardly tried Thai food before. I ordered pineapple fried rice and got a great first impression of Thai food. Compared to the strong tastes of Chinese dishes and the austere tastes of sushi, this Thai dish demonstrates a viable middle way for a rice based cuisine. This is immediately reflected by the pickled cucumber. Cucumber, if present in sushi, is often tasteless and becomes the least appetizing ingredient. On the other hand, salty cucumber may be included as a free appetizer at a Chinese restaurant, but is only edible when mixed with bland rice, for it would be too salty to be eaten alone. In contrast, the pickled cucumber in the dish is so prepared that it decently fits in the dish, and isn't too salty to enjoy. The rice itself is likewise flavory yet mild in taste compared to Chinese food. The salty and the sweet meet and blend well. The pineapple cubes are cooked well so that they aren't stiff nor taste sour, and taste just like a piece of everything else (in the good way, that is, they don't stick out as you chew the rice). The Thai iced tea is also enjoyable. It tastes pretty much like tea plus milk plus sugar, so you can easily make some without visiting this restaurant. Still, I want to say it's a great relief after a hot summer day. read more

Thai Essence - Pineapple rice - Thai Near Me - West Lafayette, Indiana

Very authentic Thai food. Just enough spice not to burn. Quick service. Enjoyed the take out and very organized. I will definitely come back. Highly recommend the drunken noodles. read more

Well, the food may just be ok. But the service is flat out rude. There are other options out there for good food in West Lafayette and people simply deserve to not feel uncomfortable getting dinner. read more

Incredibly rude staff. I have never had such a poor experience with a waiter ever. Belittling. Mean. Short. Food is ok at best.

Good food and good atmosphere enjoyed eating here and friendly hostess and staff go here soon

Quick order and pick up. Very tasty food and the quantity is good too. Good vegetarian options.

Many selections and the food is delicious. We love everything on the menu. Dessert is a must have. ;-) the chef creates and makes his own ice cream flavors. mango sticky rice is one of our favorites. Appetizers are beautiful and yummy. Before COVID, we love their special nights for Valentine's Day with 5 course meal. So glad we have this restaurant in West Lafayette!!! read more

I'm torn between an "as good as it gets" 5 star and a "yay! I'm a fan" 4 star. I mean, it's Lafayette - it's literally the only Thai restaurant, so it is literally as good as it gets. That said, it's also delicious, although the menu lacks a couple of items (mainly in the dessert category) that I'd like to see. I've been a few times - both eating in and taking out. I'm a consistent Thai diner - I always get pad see ew with tofu (essentially, a thick, floppy noodle with a lot of soy, with tofu), and -- if they have it -- sweet sticky rice with custard. Because I'm boring like that, my eating experience is consistent, and tasty. Aside from the lack of sticky rice. In terms of dining in, it's a perfectly pleasant experience. That said, the restaurant itself (at least the eating area) is fairly small, so if you're planning on coming on a busy night, you're probably going to feel rather cramped. I generally get take out on busy nights, and dine in on a casual Tuesday. I see another review suggesting that the staff was rude, and the portions small. I haven't had that experience. The portions are appropriate for one meal - you're not going to walk away hungry, and you're not going to need a box. It's just right. The staff seemed a bit harried, but that's pretty typical for a busy restaurant. read more

Taste is good; but this Thai food is not authentic. Also portion are small and could be better with more meat.