Thai Stop (Closed)
14101 N. May Ave.Oklahoma City, OK
Thai Stop was opened at the beginning of 2009 by the owners of Bangkok, one of Oklahoma City's
oldest Thai restaurants (but which was taken over by the new owners not too long ago). I do not see
Thai Stop as an attempt to change Bangkok's food as much as to make it more convenient for people in
far north OKC. Thai Stop's menu is pretty much a copy of Bangkok's, except that not as
many items are offered.
The setting of Thai Stop is quite different from Bangkok, with it being a "bistro" style restaurant
where patrons pay at the counter when the order is taken. Although the furnishings at Bangkok
have been around for a while, I find them comfortable, and in a lot of ways prefer them to the
"fast food" style of restaurant found at Thai Stop. I think there is an attempt at Thai Stop to serve
all customers quickly, and the soda machine is available so that you can get your own refills.
Otherwise, though, there is not a lot of difference between the two restaurants.
I think the food at Bangkok is quite good, and it seems to have become more authentic with the new
owners. To me this means that Thai Stop has the potential to serve the same food that I have come
to enjoy over the years, but it also means that Thai Stop could be different when it gets its own cook.
Until now I have had the same food at Thai Stop as at Bangkok, since the owners have been at both
restaurants when I have gone (Bangkok Restaurant was closed in the evenings during this transition
period in early 2009 so that they could get Thai Stop going). Now I hear that the owners plan to work at
Bangkok Restaurant full time, and have once again begun opening it at night, so I do not know how this
will affect the food at Thai Stop. I do not think the food at Thai Stop will change very much, though.
One thing I feel pretty safe in recommending is the Lemongrass Tofu. This has been
one of my favorite dishes through two owners at Bangkok, and was very good when I tried it at
Thai Stop. I like the tofu version, but it also comes with chicken or other meats if preferred. To
me the flavor of the sauce and the fresh vegetables are what make the dish special. It can be
either mild or spicy, but the "default" on it seems to be pretty spicy.
Pad Gra Prao (made with basil) is also one of the better dishes I have tried at Thai Stop.
Like the lemongrass tofu, I think one of the reasons I like the one here is that the quanity and
variety of fresh vegetables served (regardless of the meat chosen) seems much greater than at most
restaurants. The basil flavor was quite good, but I can say the same at most other Thai restaurants.
I really think that if you appreciate good quality fresh vegetables, a trip to Thai Stop should
definitely be considered.
I made the mistake of ordering fried rice with the dish shown in the picture, and for my taste
the steamed rice has a better flavor and goes better with most dishes here. In fact, I think steamed
rice is standard at most Thai restaurants (and comes with dinners here unless you specify
otherwise).
The Yum Neua, or beef salad, sounded interesting, but I did not like it quite as much as
similar salads I have tried at other restaurants. Like the other food at Thai Stop, though, the
vegetables were very fresh and the meat was good quality.
Yellow Chicken Curry is one of the mildest Thai curries I have tasted, but it has one of
the best flavors of any I have tasted. I do not remember if I have sampled all the curries at Bangkok
and/or Thai Stop over the years, but I know the yellow one is the curry my family likes and always
orders. One reason I do not try the curries more often is that I usually prefer the vegetable dishes
(such as the ones already described). One good thing about Thai food, though, is that there is
something for just about everybody.
Kang Kua, or pineapple curry with chicken is sweeter than the yellow curry and seemed to
be less spicy, but has a good flavor for those who like it mild. This curry is only served at dinner, though
(after 3 p.m.). It is also available with shrimp.
One of the best features of Thai Stop is the Thai style Hot and Sour Soup, which I think
is so complex and flavorful it is worth a visit if you have never tried it. This comes in either
individual servings or a family style hot pot, and is served with chicken and over a dozen other
ingredients (this is Lida's recipe from the original Bangkok Restaurant).
Lemongrass tofu
Pad gra prao
Yum neua
Yellow chicken curry
Kang Kua, or pineapple curry with chicken
Thai style hot and sour soup
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RESTAURANT DETAILS
RATING: 21
Cuisine: Thai
Cost: $$
Hours: Closed Sun.
Accessible: Yes
Tea: Jasmine (bags)/ Thai Tea
MSG: Yes
Smoking: No Smoking
Alcohol: No
Buffet: No
Most Recent Visit
Aug. 11, 2009
Number of Visits: 5
Best Items
Lemongrass Tofu, Pad Gra Prao, Thai Hot and Sour Soup
Special Ratings
Lemongrass Tofu: 
Pad Gra Prao:
Yellow Chicken Curry: 
Pineapple Curry with Chicken:
Yum Neua:
Hot and Sour Soup:
Thai Tea:
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