Bites Nearby: Manee Thai Provides Authentic Flavors of Thailand

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Town and Country - Manchester Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Thai restaurants may be a recent a addition to some communities but not to Manchester where has been offering authentic Thai cuisine in West County for over 12 years. 

"We are the oldest Thai restaurant in West County," said Manee Thai’s owner Neon Thang. “Here we cook real Thai food using authentic recipes and ingredients. Even dishes on our menu that you might think are Chinese, like the wonton soup, is done Thai style.”

Dining Thai style begins with settling into Manee Thai’s simple yet elegantly decorated dining room that’s accented with golden mirrors, Thai headdresses and folk art. Decor that creates a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging one to take extra time to consider the extensive menu selections, which begins with 17 appetizers. 

Many start a Thai meal with the classic Crispy Egg Rolls and Chicken Satay, but I recommend trying something new as the Crying Tiger (grilled marinated sliced beef served with a house made hot sauce) or the Fresh Winter Roll, which folds shrimp, chicken and vegetables into a thin rice paper wrapper - served with a sweet-sour sauce and ground peanuts.

Lighter appetites can opt for a salad featuring fruit, seafood or beef, or a bowl of soup. Top pick for soup, Thailand’s national soup Tom Yum Gai. This soup is similar in flavor to a thick and sour soup but with a broth that’s clear and seasoned with lemon grass and lime. 

“Big Bowls are a favorite. In Thailand, they’re a popular street food,” said Tanee Tang who serves as both GM and Chef. “Big Bowl customer favorites are the Thai Wonton and the Tom Yum Noodle. ” 

Entrees on the menu are divided on sections. Under Wok Noodles is where you’ll find Pad Thai. Pineapple Fried Rice is listed under Wok Rice and in the Stir Fry section you’ll find a variety of dishes ranging from mild to spicy like the Thai Rama, a Thai classic using a spicy peanut sauce that’s stirred fried with your choice of meat or vegetables before plated on a bed of spinach. Curry lovers have lots of choices. Beyond red, green and yellow curry there are others such as Masaman (a mild curry), spicy Panang and pineapple curry.  

 “Not all curry is hot,” said Neon. ‘We can make your food anyway you like from mild to very hot to Thai hot.”

Listed as a Manee’s Specialties is the bestseller Basil Lamb which is grilled lamb chops topped with a basil sauce along with bell peppers, mushrooms and onions. A few other choices that gourmets and gourmands will find appealing  are the Peppercorn Catfish, Tamarind Duck and Sea Bass with Lemon Grass are dishes.

 Thai desserts are as exotic as the rest of its cuisine and shouldn’t be over looked. Save room for Purple Rice Pudding, Fried Bananas, Mango Ice Cream or Crème Brule. Yep, Crème Brule - it has become a part of Thai cuisine a result of the once French occupation. 

Manee Thai is open for dinner daily with prices ranging from $4.95 to $10.95 for appetizers, salads and soups and entrees range from $9.95 to 19.95.  Monday through Friday lunch specials are priced from $7.99 to $9.99 and include soup, spring roll and a crab angel (Thai version of crab Rangoon).