Falls Co. Food Spots: Thai Express in Marlin

Editor’s Note: I am eagerly starting the task of eating through all the local, non-fast-food eateries in Falls County, as part of my goal to get more familiar with the area. I’ve started compiling a list of places to visit, but please, feel free and encouraged to email me at publisher@marlindemocrat. com with restaurant suggestions, and your favorite menu items! I plan to rotate between Marlin, Rosebud, and other places in the county, highlighting one location per week until I’ve tried them all.

I visited Thai Express on Saturday, January 10 and enjoyed a variety of food in a cozy, welcoming environment! Here’s my order: Mango boba tea with tapioca pearls $4.62 A2 fresh spring rolls (2) w/ shrimp $6.47 A5 Chicken Satay (4) $8 Entree #3 Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) $11

Mr. Marvin Weaver took my order and served me both food and polite conversation, explaining the restaurant had opened about four years ago. During my visit they received a steady flow of dine-in guests and phoned in carry-out orders.

The mango boba tea was refreshing and sweet, though I learned I don’t much care for the tapioca balls- next time I will get the boba tea without additions. The chicken satay consisted of four skewers of marinated chicken, served with two sauces- a peanut sauce and a cucumber sauce- the cucumber sauce also had garlic and was surprisingly tasty with the chicken.

The spring rolls were a textured treat, light and full of crisp vegetables and the soft vermicelli noodles, pairing well with the peanut sauce.

Owner and cook Nithiya Chompoopuen also made an appearance to bring my main entree, and she spoke comfortably with regulars throughout my visit. The drunken noodles were full of flavor, and I appreciated the variety of vegetables (broccoli, carrot, cabbage, onion, bell pepper, basil, jalapeno) and the hearty portion of marinated chicken. I was able to take a good bit home to share with my husband.

I was touched to see a framed Marlin Democrat newspaper clipping of the restaurant’s ribbon cutting from a few years ago, hung near the table I chose. Next time I visit, I’m looking forward to trying a beef dish. What’s your favorite?

Happy eating!