This popular Thai eatery in Gardens offers more in the way of ambiance than flavor.
The many-roomed premises include an outdoor patio terrace, two interior rooms with conventional tables, and a chamber with Asian-style on-the-floor seating, which seems to be popular with groups of younger, more flexible patrons. The wood-paneled walls, Asian accessories, and flamenco-sounding music provide an exotic yet inviting atmosphere that is enhanced by the pleasant manner of the staff. A wide range of patrons were enjoying themselves, from families with kids, to romantic couples, to solo diners like myself. Most, if not all, seemed to be locals from the surrounding neighborhood, which squares with what I had heard – Yindee’s is a perennial favorite of those in the immediate vicinity who want a fun night out and don’t want to travel too far.
Unfortunately the food was not as fun as the atmosphere. I ordered my favorite starter, Tom Kha Gai, which was somewhat disappointing: the coconut milk broth was too watery, and there were tomatoes in the mix — tomatoes are not a part of any Tom Kha Gai recipe variation I’ve ever seen. For mains I had the Pad See Ew, which I’ve also had numerous times at other restaurants, and normally involves a wide, flat noodle and a subtle range of herbs and spices. What I got however was a pile of skinny noodles with a gloppy, spicy tomato-tinged sauce that didn’t feel good going down the hatch. At least the dessert was good: I had their signature dish, the chocolate-banana spring rolls.
The prices were reasonable and the drinks list was extensive, so I’ll give Yindee’s the benefit of the doubt, and let the poor food quality on my visit be canceled out by the other good things this place has going for it.
Expert Review
This popular Thai eatery in Gardens offers more in the way of ambiance than flavor. The many-roomed premises include an...
This popular Thai eatery in Gardens offers more in the way of ambiance than flavor.
The many-roomed premises include an outdoor patio terrace, two interior rooms with conventional tables, and a chamber with Asian-style on-the-floor seating, which seems to be popular with groups of younger, more flexible patrons. The wood-paneled walls, Asian accessories, and flamenco-sounding music provide an exotic yet inviting atmosphere that is enhanced by the pleasant manner of the staff. A wide range of patrons were enjoying themselves, from families with kids, to romantic couples, to solo diners like myself. Most, if not all, seemed to be locals from the surrounding neighborhood, which squares with what I had heard – Yindee’s is a perennial favorite of those in the immediate vicinity who want a fun night out and don’t want to travel too far.
Unfortunately the food was not as fun as the atmosphere. I ordered my favorite starter, Tom Kha Gai, which was somewhat disappointing: the coconut milk broth was too watery, and there were tomatoes in the mix — tomatoes are not a part of any Tom Kha Gai recipe variation I’ve ever seen. For mains I had the Pad See Ew, which I’ve also had numerous times at other restaurants, and normally involves a wide, flat noodle and a subtle range of herbs and spices. What I got however was a pile of skinny noodles with a gloppy, spicy tomato-tinged sauce that didn’t feel good going down the hatch. At least the dessert was good: I had their signature dish, the chocolate-banana spring rolls.
The prices were reasonable and the drinks list was extensive, so I’ll give Yindee’s the benefit of the doubt, and let the poor food quality on my visit be canceled out by the other good things this place has going for it.