{Covid-19 Update: We worked on this blog article just before our furlough in April. Since then, Siam Orchid has added outdoor seating and other safety changes to make it easier to enjoy their amazing food in a socially-distanced way. Currently, as of today-August 5, 2020, they are only offering carryout and outside dining} For example:
If you've never been to Siam Orchid at 511 Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue, put it on your list and thank me later.
First of all, it's located along beautiful, historic Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue. While you're in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the local shopping and other unique eateries to add to your list. But definitely go to Siam Orchid.
The quaint restaurant has two main dining rooms and is very welcoming as soon as you walk in the door. Skim over the menu and order an appetizer while you salivate over the entree options.
We started with the crab puffs. How can one go wrong with crab puffs, right? Not only were these delicious, they were unlike any crab rangoon dish I've ever had. The pastry shells were very delicate and crisp, not too heavy and filling like many I've had before. And the stuffing, a mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, and shrimp, was amazing. Very fresh, the perfect proportion to the shell, and so tasty.
Moving on to entrees, my coworker ordered the Siam chicken, which includes roasted cashews, broccoli, celery, carrots, onions, and red and green peppers stir fried in a light brown sauce. Multiple times throughout the meal she commented on how amazing the flavors tasted together. Plus it came out quickly and very fresh--the perfect combination when you're on a lunch hour!
I ordered the General Tso's Chicken but substituted the chicken for shrimp, which Siam Orchid will do on any menu item for a minimal upcharge. You may substitute chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or vegetables for no additional charge. Our server gave me the option of fried shrimp or just steamed and I opted for fried. Go big or go home, right? I was slightly concerned that I'd receive the popcorn shrimp from the kid's menu in my meal (wondering if they'd just be frozen), but I was pleasantly surprised to find my shrimp very fresh--so fresh that I think they hand-breaded them just prior to cooking... the tails were still on them! Much like my coworker, I was very impressed with the abundance of flavors. Both of us ordered our food at a mild spice level (1 on a scale of 1-5), but from previous experience at Siam Orchid, be careful when you estimate which spice level you can handle. Their food is very authentic and may surprise you spice-wise. ;)
Siam Orchid offers a variety of menu options in addition to those I mentioned above. We can't wait to go back to try their curry dishes, pad Thai, soups, and more. Definitely add Siam Orchid to your restaurant list... your taste buds will thank you!
