Boon Thai Erawan: Must go!
Boon Thai Erawan is an amazing little Thai place in the Ghent area of Norfolk. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, and very warm. As one might expect, the color scheme is filled with vibrant oranges and golds, and earthy reds and browns. The decor can be described as traditional Southeast-Asian, with some nice natural accents, such as a bar made out of bamboo. The thatched roof combined with the authentic ambient music could make anyone feel as if they were actually in Thailand, that is, until the polite and welcoming waitstaff greet you with a welcoming smile, and seat you.
The servers never seem to be overwhelmingly busy and the entire staff is very welcoming and do a wonderful job making sure all your needs are met. Upon arriving at the restaurant, customers are immediately greeted with a smile, that only serves to add to the already warm atmosphere. Being seated immediately, you can expect to have your drink order taken (and appetizer order, if you like, I had the spring rolls myself), and receive your drinks in no-time flat. The thai tea is always very refreshing, and stands out from other Thai teas in that it isn’t too sweet to drink. Once the drinks and appetizer have arrived, typically the entree order is taken, and customers can enjoy their appetizer.
The timing in this restaurant is fantastic, you can always expect your entrees to be arriving just as your appetizer has been finished. The natural first choice of entree is curry, as with any Thai place, and you certainly will not be disappointed if you go that route. The Masaman and Penang curry are always amazing options, having that traditional Thai spice, while still being able to sneak hints of sweet and salt in, as well. The consistency of the curry is always perfectly creamy, and the vegetables are always prepared masterfully as well. When dinner is winding down, you can expect your server to return to the table and offer dessert, and you should definitely take this offer.
While the entrees and appetizers at Boon Thai Erawan are amazing, the star of the show are by far the fried bananas. They’re delicious and crunchy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the portions are very generous. They are the perfect way to wrap up a perfect meal. And throughout this whole experience, your drink glass will never be completely empty.
The great meal, combined with the great atmosphere, and great service, has made this my go to dinner spot in Norfolk. The affordable meal options and timely service make this a great option for College students looking for a change. The way Boon Thai Erawan can make you feel as if you are actually in Thailand through decor, and authentic cuisine makes this the perfect spot for a night out, to get away from everything. So for your next date night, or study break, I would definitely recommend Boon Thai Erawan.
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