Sawadee (Utah) Thai Restaurant
Inside Sawadee (Utah) Thai Restaurant
Sawadee in downtown Salt Lake City offers a Thai dining experience that blends authenticity with a touch of fine dining ambiance, making it a notable stop for those seeking Asian cuisine with depth and flavor. Located on E S Temple St, this spot stands out for its spacious layout and a vibe that comfortably fits everything from casual lunches to relaxed date nights.
The restaurant showcases a broad menu featuring classic Thai dishes with particular highlights like their green curry, Panang curry, and the Pad Thai served with steak and shrimp. Portions here tend to be generous—several diners mention that a single order, especially the curries, can easily satisfy multiple people, making it good value if you’re sharing. Vegetarians and vegans will find options like tofu dishes and fresh papaya salad, with gluten-free choices also available, which reflects the restaurant’s versatile approach to accommodating different diets.
Atmospherically, Sawadee is a step above your typical takeout spot. The interior is large and well-lit, with enough seating to handle lunch crowds and evening reservations without feeling cramped. On certain nights, live music adds an unexpected but welcome layer to the experience, contributing to a more lively, date-night-friendly setting that differentiates it from many other Thai options in Utah.
Local patrons tend to rely on Sawadee for consistent flavors that reflect authentic Thai cooking, particularly praising soups like Tom Kha Gai and the flavorful stir-fried noodle dishes such as Pad See Ewe and Drunken Noodles. That said, some find the Pad Thai a bit softer than usual, which slightly shifts the texture but doesn't overshadow an overall flavorful plate.
If you’re stopping by, the best times may be lunch for a quick, hearty dish, or evenings when the atmosphere slows down with live music and diners looking to unwind. It’s a place that works well whether you want to dive into a vibrant meal solo, share plates with friends, or choose a setting with a little more ambience for a casual night out.
- Great for fans of authentic Thai cuisine looking for an upscale yet approachable setting
- Especially appealing to groups who appreciate larger portion sizes
- Offers a mix of vegan and gluten-free options, suitable for diverse dietary needs
- Lunch specials provide solid midday value, while dinner brings a fuller, more social experience
- Live music nights add a local flavor not always expected at Thai restaurants in Salt Lake City
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