Coming back to Eau Claire this fall, I was looking forward to many things. From getting back on the academic grind to enjoying the beautiful campus that UW-Eau Claire has to offer, I excitedly anticipated my return.
Although I had a multitude of things to look forward to, one stood out far more than the others. I would finally be able to return to the hometown of my favorite restaurant in the whole of the Chippewa Valley: Thai Orchid.
To preface, this fall I’m living at Haymarket Landing — an apartment-style residence hall located right in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. It’s just a four-minute walk from Thai Orchid.
Thai Orchid is a restaurant that serves fresh Thai and Asian cuisine that, in my humble opinion, is delectable and extremely refreshing. From spicy main-course dishes to sweet mango rice, Thai Orchid offers a variety of dishes.
Admittedly, whenever I go to Thai Orchid, I find myself circling back to the same order every time. And as I’m sure you can guess from this article’s title, it is indeed the pho.
Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a Vietnamese dish but has been adopted by many other Asian cuisine restaurants due to its popularity. It is a vermicelli rice noodle dish typically served with beef broth and garnished with bean sprouts, onions, Thai basil, lime and a protein.
I have very fond memories of going to a local Vietnamese restaurant in the Twin Cities called Quang growing up. My parents always ordered pho. Anytime I see pho on a menu, fond memories of warm conversations shared over rich, brothy soup fill my mind.
With this sense of nostalgia creeping into the forefront of my mind upon looking at a menu, I can’t help but order pho to see how it matches up to the standard I have carefully crafted since childhood.
Thai Orchid has a few options in terms of pho, but my go-to is the beef round-eye pho with the traditional beef broth. The beef broth is rich, incredibly smooth and savory with herbs that add a pleasant, delicate tang.
Although pho is always my favorite pick for a main course, Thai Orchid also offers a brilliant appetizer selection with some standout dishes. Some of my favorites include their cream cheese wontons, egg rolls and spring rolls.
Another dish that I tried and thoroughly enjoyed was Thai Orchid’s Pad Thai. Pad Thai is a rice noodle dish that is served with stir-fried vegetables and a protein — I prefer chicken.
The drink menu is also worth taking a look at. One of my favorite Thai beverages is Thai iced tea, and Thai Orchid’s is delicious. Thai iced tea provides a refreshingly sweet caffeine boost in a brilliant orange presentation.
Since coming back to Eau Claire six weeks ago, I have been to Thai Orchid five times and counting. And, I mean, how could I not? I live just a four-minute walk away from blissful, healing, delicious nostalgia.
Hirata can be reached at [email protected].
