Sai Jai Thai

(Tenderloin)
771 O'Farrell St.  
415-673-5774 Map it

$-$$
Thai
cheap eats, delivery, family style, good for groups, open 7 days, take-out

SCENE: Don’t be discouraged by the relatively charmless atmosphere at Sai Jai Thai, where the decor is limited to oversize arrangements of fake flowers; here, the action (and beauty) is on the plate. Bring a group of friends so you can work your way through a good number of the 88 dishes listed on the menu.

EATS: It’d be wise to begin with somtum, the green-papaya salad that’s on nearly every Thai menu, if only so you can appreciate just how delicious it can be—this version is spicy, gently flavored with fish sauce and absolutely addictive. Don’t miss the signature grilled pork shoulder (kao pad kor moo yang) atop fried rice or one of the northern-Thai-style curries (we like the seafood one), fragrant with coconut milk. Coconut sticky rice with mango is a fine way to conclude your feast.