6461 Brockton Ave.
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 684-3381

Review written by: ShaaBree Markley and Rebecca Medeiros

Bann Thai Restaurant is located in historic Riverside, California, amidst a surprising row of restaurants in a seemly residential neighborhood. Bann Thai, like many other restaurants in the area, was once a home that has been converted into a restaurant by owner Sam Arch. Guests are promptly seated in a charming room that previously served as the living room of the historic Riverside home. Sam is a very charismatic man with a love for what he does and is more than happy to give you the history behind this home turned restaurant, though the entire staff at Bann Thai was extremely friendly and attentive.

Bann Thai restaurant is frequented by patrons ranging from college students to business professionals who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere enhanced by a background of jazz music, subtle Asian décor, an affordable menu, and unique, flavorful food.

The Thai cuisine has a hint of American style in some of the dishes - from the Fried Eggplant that melts in your mouth to the comforting Pineapple Fried Rice. Our meal was as follows:

Appetizer: Fried Eggplant

• The tempura battered eggplant was light and airy but cooked just enough that each bite made the eggplant velvety. It was complimented by a delicious sweet and sour sauce.

Soup: Tom Kha Ga

• Tom Kha Gai is a very rich and aromatic soup made with coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, cilantro, lime, lemon grass, fresh chilies and galangal. The galangal bark gave the creamy coconut infused soup a very spicy and sweet flavor.

Entrée: Gra Pow

• Gra Pow is a very colorful dish and made here with a perfect balance of spice and rich flavors of bell peppers, chili, basil leaves, and garlic. You have a choice of ground chicken, beef or pork and it is traditionally served alongside white rice.

Entrée: Pineapple Fried Rice

• The Pineapple Fried Rice seemed somewhat of a Thai comfort food with an aroma of pumpkin bread and a taste that is soft and sweet. It was full of surprising flavors that included curry, cashews, pineapple, raisins, chicken, carrots, peas and shrimp.

Dessert: Coconut/Pineapple Ice Cream

• This luscious ice cream is made with shredded coconut and topped with chocolate sauce - a perfect ending to a savory meal.