We in urban areas are used to visiting food courts to enjoy diverse international foods cheap by jowl, because land is expensive. The Kentwood equivalent is this fabulous food court unwrapped into a strip mall, which includes Thai Express. Tidy, well lighted, and beautifully decorated with memories of Thailand, entering is a great first step. The staff are pleasant, and the service was quick and competent. No complaints at all. Things get weird with the food. I wonder if this is a Midwest thing, but everything was sweet. Weirdly sweet The surprise complimentary egg roll comes with a sweet dipping sauce. Not terribly on you unusual. The Tom Kha soup was sweet enough to overshadow the primary ingredient, the coconut milk. This is one of my staples, and this was the first time mostly I got was sweet. It was the highlight of my meal, and I would order it again, but I would steel myself for sweetness. I ordered the Pad Thai because it is the yardstick by which Thai restaurants are measured. A seemingly simple dish with a complex flavor profile. Let's start with the traditional sauce, usually made with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Instead, this seemed to have some sort of glucose sauce. No bueno. There also seem to be far less ingredients in this execution, resulting in a plate of noodles, fresh shrimp, ground peanuts, and a couple lime wedges. No sprouts for crunch. Nor anything else to round out a very basic preparation. Despite the award, this did not seem like a very happy interpretation of some really wonderful Thai dishes. I left the restaurant sad, and that's unusual for me. Don't let this be you. read more

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Delicious food, with super friendly service from Esther. She went the extra mile and took great care of us. Loved the feel of the place. It was clean and had plenty of seating. Would definitely return for more delicious food. You get a spring roll and we got a little dessert option with our dinner. That was a fun surprise. read more

Thai Express - C4. Gang Pa-Nang / Panang Curry - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Got to go order beef pho food was fresh. Everything was super delicious. Will return again.

Thai Express has pretty decent Thai food. My red curry was tasty and spiced the way I ordered it (9 out of 10). The drunken noodles were decent too. I really enjoyed the Tom Yum soup. I'll almost always order that if it's on the menu where I'm eating. Service was fast and friendly. Good place to eat if you're in the area. read more

Got this for takeout. Fair price, hit the spot. Tastes pretty authentic and good portion size. My friend got the pad Thai and I got kra pow rice dish. Both came with a spring roll which was a pleasant surprise and we both got Thai tea which were not too sweet and had great flavor. read more

Ummm just No! No no no! Go elsewhere for Thai food in Kentwood Grand Rapids area. & horrible customer service read more

Thai Express - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Service was kind, but food is only okay. Portions are small even from the dinner menu. The egg roll was tofu and vegetable based and quite flavorless though very crispy. The papaya salad was not strong on fermented fish flavor which is what I seek and hope for; it was served with the tiniest roll of sticky rice. The drunken noodle was good; I like it with wide noodles. The kao soi, a curry based dish, was made bitter this time and I did not enjoy at the restaurant. But it made for excellent leftovers with added garlic chili oil and rice noodles. There was a complimentary dessert choice of cheesecake or ice cream bar served at the end of the meal which was a nice touch. read more

Thai Express - N3. Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodle) S5. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) C6. Kao Soi (Dinner Only) - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Quite honestly everything you'd expect (and want) out of a hole in the wall Thai place. Solid service, orders come out quick and well prepped, and they offer cheesecake or ice cream to finish it all off! Anyone looking for spice tips I did 5/10 and it was just enough to sate my spicy soul without making me sweat! read more

Thai Express - R13. Curry Fried Rice Special w/ chicken - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Love Thai express. Thru the years we have done takeout and dined in. They have expanded the seating area which makes it more comfortable, cheery, and is well lighted. The owner is accommodating to the clients needs, especially spice levels. As we have aged, my wife orders the one and I go for the 5. We have ordered a number dishes over the years. I favor the green curry rice shrimp and my wife likes the sweet and sour chicken. Check it out. read more

Would give 0 stars if i could. Ordered 2 mango sticky rice online. Went to pick it up and they had only gave me plain sticky rice and said that its what i had ordered, i showed them their menu where i ordered it online and it said mango sticky rice. She said "thats not her fault it says the wrong thing and that she cant refund me. " well it SURELY isnt my fault their menu is messed up online?? So i had to pay $20 at the store for mango sticky rice and didn't get a refund for the order i made online. Also the little emo looking girl that works there was extremely rude and the other lady that works there was plain dumb. Food wasn't good and wasted my money. read more

Thai Express - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This is the best Thai place in Michigan. This is absolutely delicious, just pick one thing on the menu and you will love it. A small nice family run restaurant and everyone is so nice. If you get the dinner you get your pick of cheesecake or an ice cream sandwich. Got to try if you love Thai food. read more

This was the first time I'd come here and it was busy inside so that helped me to be hopeful for a good meal. I ordered a dish with peanut sauce and got fried tofu for the protein; it was delicious. I'm unsure if we ordered spring rolls or if they came with our meals but they were quite tasty -- a little greasy but came with a nice citrus dipping sauce and had a nice crisp crunch to the shell. The soup we got with the meal was like an egg drop with ginger and rice - the texture was a bit odd but it was okay. My dish was really good - the peanut sauce on top, while looking unappetizing, tasted delicious. I had broccoli, pea pods, fried tofu and carrots if I recall correctly. I'd order it again for sure. I ordered a spice level 4 which I think was mostly in the broth under the meal- it had a few hot spots but pleasantly medium. At the end of our meal we were offered an ice cream sandwich or cheesecake - we both got strawberry cheesecake (bites) and it was really good! Not only that, but the bill came out and had both a mint and fortune cookie. I can't wait to come back and try something else. Bonus - they have photos next to every menu item! read more

Thai Express - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The food is always delicious here. If you dine in, you get something a little extra for dessert.

Monday came around and so did my desire to cook. Luckily, my husband was on board on having takeout. Initially I wanted him to experience dining in at Thai Express but they closed at 8 pm and we arrived at 7.30. The hostess/waitress was really nice and tactful in informing us they were only doing takeout. This has been my second experience eating at Thai Express and the first time around the food was mouth watering and filling. When we arrived, only a couple of tables were being occupied, but their landline kept ringing throughout our thirty minute wait. This second time around, the food did not disappoint. The waitress recommended we try the pineapple rice stir fry (6 on the 1-10 spicy range level) a soup (7 on the spice-odometer) and a rice noodle curry with beef (6 on the spice-odometer). Though the pineapple stir fry sounded foreign, her recommendation was divine. The spices and seasonings, along with the pineapple, raisins and peanuts married well together. The soup, which my husband ordered, was thoroughly enjoyed. It did have somewhat of a sour base, but the tomato, shrimp, chicken and mushroom complimented the broth very well. Lastly, the rice curry noodle with beef was beyond anything I'd ever tried. If you enjoy the creaminess of coconut milk, you'll enjoy the curry noodles. The entire base is made with coconut milk to the addition of the spicy flakes that adorn the entree. I'd only wish I'd have more. Lastly, my dessert was the traditional Thai milk bubble tea, which was perfect to counterattack yesterday's heat. For a person that is limiting her sugar intake, the bubble tea was perfect! So far this has been the only Thai restaurant I've been exposed to here in the area of Grand Rapids, and have not been disappointed. read more

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We had Thai Express cater our daughter's graduation party. Esther was amazing to work with. She was very attentive to our needs and helped pick out the menu choices. We went with the Spring Rolls, Chicken Spring Rolls, Pad Thai, Orange Chicken, Chicken Peanut Curry, Fried and Steamed Rice. All of the food was FABULOUS!!! My guests were having second and third helpings. Everyone raved about the food. So delicious!!!! read more

First time here. Amazing!!! Ordered the orange chicken - best ever curry pad Thai - good and decently spicy curry fried rice - sooo good Penang curry - perfect spring roles and crab Rangoon - both great. We found our new favorite Thai (and orange chicken) restaurant. read more

I've been on the search for Thai food that will satisfy my craving. A good Tom Yum soup is hard to come by. I ordered it here with some sticky rice and chicken satay. It was quite good. The broth was flavorful and came with plenty of chicken and mushrooms. I got my spice at level 8 and it was pleasantly spicy without hurting. The sticky rice wasn't as fragrant as I would have hoped, but I think that's just due to the kind of rice they use. The chicken satay was good and well seasoned. The waitresses were friendly and the place was adequately kept. read more

Food tasted great. Was quick to put together the order. Came as expected. Would recommend.

We were hungry for some Thai food so we decided to check out Thai express. We weren't sure if we would like it or not but it was the closest place where we were shopping. We were delightfully surprised. They had multiple menu options. We did not leave hungry, and the service was great. read more

The 5 star reviews must be based on the value because the food quality is 2. I've dined in and ordered out and consistently the food hasn't been that great, but you can't beat the value if you're just looking for food to fill your tum! They give you a free spring roll with all entrees, a very small cheesecake or ice cream if you dine in and free refills on Thai ice tea if you ask. They forgot my Thai ice tea on my take out. The service is hit or miss, the owner seems real nice, but there was some young "millennial" type server there last time I dined in that acted bored and like she really didn't want to be working but probably had to. The fish cakes are naaaaasty (see pic), I thought they would be like crab cakes with a crispy breading and nice filling, but they were the size of a quarter and tasted fish-ish with a horrible chewy rubber texture yuk had to toss it out. Hubs ordered R7 which was really tasteless and bad. Sadly, I don't feel Grand Rapids has the best Thai restaurants period and that might be because I've had great Thai food when I lived in San Francisco and Sydney. I wanted to like this place, but I probably won't be back :( read more

I worked at Steelcase for several years, right around the corner from Thai Express. I can't even tell you how many times I ate here, on a lunch break... it was that good. I honest to goodness lost count. The lunch special, for one thing, is wonderful: a spring roll, choice of soup or salad, and a small dessert are all included in the price. They also give you a choice of spice level between 1-10, which I've found to be pretty consistent, each time. I've eaten my way through all of the curries, and they're all amazing, but the peanut curry is to die for. Honestly, if I'm ever told I have one day left to live... I will head to Thai Express and get their peanut curry, one last time. read more

I can't believe it's taken me so long to write about Thai Express, as I HAVE SOOO MUCH LOVE for this place. By far my favorite Thai restaurant in GR, I only wish it were closer where I live, or I'd probably eat it once a week. The food here so good and the portions are YUGE and the prices are very good. They do not skimp at Thai Express. The restaurant is not fancy and in a somewhat conspicuous area of town, but don't let that turn you away. This place is worth the trip, whether it's takeout or eat-in. I very highly recommend. read more

Thai Express - Takeout: Gang Pa-Nang (Panang curry) and fried vegetable spring roll - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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I like the Pad Thai from here. They give you a large quantity for a good price. Only thing is I ordered spice level 5 and it was spicy. So go for a 3 or 2. read more

Authentic food. Nothing but good eats here. Best Thai food in Michigan.

First, I am from the culinary capital of the US...L.A.. I have a favorite Thai restaurant that I have eaten at for 30 years and just about everywhere I travel. The ambiance is typical for Thai restaurants. We're there for the food, not plush surroundings. If that's what you're looking for, go to Leo's. I got my three go to's to sample. The pad Thai was perfect, but would have liked some fresh bean sprouts. The beef panang was passable. The beef is the typical sliced brisket. At least it's tender and quite good. The Tom Yum Num Kon was wonderful, but I am used to small button mushrooms and not regular sliced mushrooms that take up half of the container. The point is the soup. And it was great! As for heat, I found it to be right on. The soup/3, the Beef Panang/5, and Pad Thai/5. I say go for what you can stand. The staff is quite welcoming and I had a great conversation while waiting for my food. Perfect Thai iced tea also. I actually make this and it was equivalent to mine. read more

How hot? One to ten? That's what she asked everyone as they ordered. I appreciated that. Most places say "how spicy?" and you get what you get. The next time you order could be totally different. Recipe is important. It's in a strip center buried deep off the street. Seating for about 40 people. Most of the business was for pick up and delivery drivers. I used American Express to pay. The owner joked that Thai Express does accept American Express. Friendly and delicious. Review 1 to 10? ten -but 5 is max on Yelp read more

I don't eat here often but when I do I enjoy their food. Egg rolls are the bomb. Service is ok. I

Best That in GR! Food is amazing and authentic. Reasonable pricing. You will not be disappointed with your food!

I was visiting one of my friends in Grand Rapids over the weekend and she took me to this really authentic Thai restaurant. At first, we thought the place closed down since it was not along the road like it used to be. Thai Express moved into a larger space in the plaza so don't be afraid if you do not see it at first! The waitress was extremely friendly. The entrees with chicken/pork/tofu/veggies are around ~$11 and shrimp is ~$12. Unlike other restaurants that have you choose the spice level no spice/medium/hot, Thai Express has you select from a level of 1 to 10. If you can handle spice, the 10 is not that hot at all. All the entrees come with a spring roll as an appetizer and a cheesecake bite for dessert (you get a choice of original, turtle, or raspberry) - so you get a three-course meal at a very affordable price. And to make this place even more lovable, they offer unlimited refills - even the Thai iced tea! read more

Thai Express - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Fresh spring rolls are great! I always get the peanut curry with rice noodles! Never disappointed in the food. The Fried spring rolls are also good. Not a bad price for grub either and always ready within 10/15 minutes. read more

We love this place. This is our go-to Thai restaurant in the Grand Rapids area. The food is always delicious and service is so efficient. Our only negative is that we could only visit them during the week during the winter. Thankfully they now are open Saturday evenings! read more

First time costumer, I put in a takeout order and it was ready super quick...the folks who own/run the business are very nice and the food was so good! We ordered pad Thai, Tom yum and fresh rolls, all was great but the soup was fantastic, we all commented on how good it was. I will definitely be back again and again. read more

I love Thai. Like, really really really love Thai. Thai Express has let me down twice ‍ I almost always order pad see ew and always love it wherever I go. I found the dish very dry and not super flavorful. The noddles were thin which was odd, not the flat noods that typically come with it. I was later told that I had to specifically request the flat, wide noodles, odd. I got drunken noodles the second time. Should have asked for wide noodles (again) but I had what tasted like the same dish as the pad see ew. Sauce was no different and it was extremely dry. Wanted to really like this place but it's a no for me. *update! I went back for a third try and had the pad Thai with wide glass noodles. Definitely an improvement!!! read more

This is my favorite thai restaurant in Grand Rapids. I've enjoyed their pad thai, curry pad thai, and bites of what DH has ordered (he goes extra spicy)... but the item I can't help but order over and over again is Khao soi. It's spicy and sweet, velvety and crunchy (fried wanton strips on top). Full of noodles and your choice of protein... it's everything I crave in cold weather months. The serving size is fairly large, so I have a whole second take-home serving of this soul warming dish for the next day. All portions here are generous and easy to share or save for later. The spice levels in the kitchen seem consistent. read more

Thai Express - Khao soi - Thai Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Overall a very solid experience. The spring roll was phenomenal (possibly my favorite part of the meal), very crispy and tasted fresh. Chicken wings were very similar to "pub" chicken wings with the added sweet chili sauce on the side, probably won't end up ordering them again. The Shrimp Pad Thai was solid. I ordered the 2/10 spice and wish I would have gone higher so that is my own fault. Service here is excellent though. Very attentive and friendly. Will definitely make it back! read more

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I love this place for their authentic food and great hospitality! Their "Pad Thai Curry" is amazing and all the little treats ( cheese cake) is my fav!! A friend (coworker) introduced me to the place and now even my little kids love the food here! The servers and the owner are friendly and make you want to return. If you haven't been you are missing out! read more

The people who own this place are extremely sweet and considerate and make this worth the visit if you are in the area. The food was ok, 3.5/5 stars for me. The were very understaffed so I spent much longer in here than anticipated, but that is likely a short term issue that will be fixed based on the fact they were looking for help when I came in. I would check this place out again and give it a second chance. read more

Sauce on food isn't always consist, but the food is pretty good! I usually get the peanut curry noodle or rice with chicken. Their fried spring roll is nice but the sauce it comes with is so good! read more

Thai express yet again proves that hole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants are the best. Do not come here to see beautiful decor or a luxe environment. The food and the service is the star. Thai Express is my favorite Thai place in the area, easily. Anything I have ever had is amazing. Portion sizes are pretty big, if you get a soup or appetizer as well, you will probably be taking home a full meal size of leftovers of your entree (which in my opinion is awesome). Free refills on thai iced tea are great, plus the meals come with a little dessert- ice cream sandwich or a mini cheesecake. I have never had a problem with spice level- i request mild and get it. Service is always great! The woman who typically serves and works the counter is friendly as can be, always happy to see anyone who ventures in. Service with a smile is almost an understatement because she is so genuine about it. Overall, I say to choose this based on value, taste, and service over other thai choices in the area. Don't necessarily drive out of your way, but if you're near Kentwood, it's a must-do. read more

Their peanut sauce and vegetarian spring rolls are the best I've ever had! So fresh! Plus, they just announced that they'll be open on Saturday's now! read more