I don't understand the lack of love for Siam Lotus, I like the chill, slightly-but-not-too hip bar/restaurant vibe and I think their curries are excellent. Maybe that's it actually, I notice that the person in this thread who said they didn't like SL said they love My Thai. While I like My Thai also, it will never be a standby for me because they don't seem to have many curry offerings (or at least they never used to). Never understood that.

Cafe De Laos is another fave of mine. Good for take-out too.

All that said, Philly does seem to lack for great Thai. Not so Vietnamese though. Make sure you go to Vietnam as others have said and I will add to make sure that it's Vietnam on the East side of 11th at Race and not its lesser rival across the street Vietnam Palace.

Also I'm embarrassed to say that I live within walking distance of Little Vietnam (is that what we're calling it?) and I've never been to any of the Phos about which many rave. Anyone know which Pho I should try?

While we're on the subject, thought this was interesting (from Wikipedia):

South Philadelphia near the Italian Market has a large Vietnamese American population. Many Vietnamese businesses tucked in strip malls have emerged on Washington Avenue to service the local immigrant population. The Vietnamese sandwich banh mi is gaining much attention in Philadelphia and is now competing with the Philly Cheesesteak.
As of 2005, Vietnamese are projected to become the largest nationality in South Philadelphia. Philadelphia is in the top ten cities with Vietnamese populations and Vietnamese immigration destinations. Philadelphia even has a higher percentage and numerical population of Vietnamese than New York City, one of few Asian backgrounds that shy from New York.

Anyone tried a banh mi? Mayonnaise, daikon radishes, pickled carrots, some kind of meat or eggs, fish sauce, on a hoagie roll? Doesn't sound like a terribly appetizing mix but maybe that's because it's 8:45 am. Either way I don't think the cheesesteak need lose any sleep.

These have all already probably been mentioned, but just my opinion...

For Thai:
Cafe de Laos -- 9th and Washington
Vientiane Cafe -- 4700 block of Baltimore
In general I am disappointed with the Thai food in this city, however. Thai food should be very spicy and full of fresh flavorful ingredients. It is just too mild at most restaurants here because they think white people can't handle authentic food. The only exception I've found for heat level is Tamarind (1st and South).

For Vietnamese:
There's a lot of options, I prefer Nam Phuong 11th and Washington and in general there's a couple Vietnamese places down on Wash Ave that are cheaper and not as upscale as the chinatown places.

If I do eat Vietnamese in Chinatown I actually don't mind Pho Cali. They are so cheap and pretty tasty.

For Malaysian:
I'm somewhat split between the three usual suspects. Banana Leaf (in chinatown) will make it spicy for you. Aqua (7th and Chestnut) is also good. Coming in last for me is Penang.

If you want Indonesian (very similar), try:
http://blogs.menupages.com/philadelp...eep_south.html

The satay there is the greatest I have ever had.

i wholeheartedly agree: philly is good for vietnamese, bad for thai. i come from the DC area which IMO has the best thai on the east coast!

check out this thread again - i'm the only one who mentions not liking siam lotus (i think), and i do know i'm in the minority there. they don't have a menu that appeals to me. also i'm vegetarian, and they aren't spectacular with tofu IMO. love the atmosphere, but i'm also annoyed that they are not a reliable source for takeout. sometimes they will, other times they say they are too busy.
i never said i liked my thai, though - have not been there yet - one of the few in the city!

I was introduced to pho by a native of Vietnam several years ago, and we ate at Pho '75 in the shopping center at 11th and Washington. I think it's the best, and a lot of Vietnamese immigrants refuse to eat pho anywhere else. The atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired (reminds me of a cafeteria), but the pho is excellent, as is the coffee and bubble tea.

Pho 75 now has an outpost in Chinatown between 10th and 11th on Race. It's just as good as Wash Ave IMO. The only thing to keep in mind is that they have a very limited menu, so if you'd like to sample other Vietnamese you'll have to check out somewhere else.

But if you just want Pho that's the place!

Is there ever the possibility of bad Thai food?

Yup. I am still recovering from food poisoning on Sunday at Nam Phuong.

That's Vietnamese...

opps... i really can't think straight!