Upon entering Thai Jasmine Cuisine, located at 137 Main Street in Bloomingdale, we were immediately transported to another land. The cheery restaurant was brightly colored in traditional orange decor, and was decorated with small sculptures of elephants, imitation fruit, pots, and other small trinkets portraying Thai culture. The dining and waiting areas were spacious and included a multitude of artificial flowers and succulents. Soft jazz music rang throughout the restaurant.

The waiters were attentive, friendly, and personable and we were immediately greeted by the wait staff upon entering. There was a noticeable sense of community and friendship between staff, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

To get another perspective of Thai Jasmine, we talked to a few students who have also paid this restaurant a visit. “The staff never fails to make the visit even more enjoyable. I look forward to ordering Thai tea every time I return to Thai Jasmine,” says Dominique Basil. Another student, Kalleen Rose Ozanic, who has visited Thai Jasmine says, “The atmosphere was very cozy, but not drab.” With the inclusion of good food as well as a welcoming atmosphere and staff, Thai Jasmine is the perfect place to sit down for a satisfying meal with friends or family.

Within the menu of Thai Jasmine lies an array of authentic Thai cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. All dishes are packed with unique flavor combinations, most tending to be spicy, but with some on the mild side. One such dish is our own recommendation, Pad Thai. Pad Thai is a type of noodle dish, served with a tiny bit of lime, nuts, and bean sprouts that can be mixed in at the customer’s leisure. Pad Thai also includes a choice of beef, shrimp, chicken, or pork. Since it isn’t spicy, this dish is perfect for someone who hasn’t tried Thai food previously or who doesn’t like spice. It is also offered gluten-free.  Those with peanut/tree nut allergies may have trouble finding something allergy-friendly on the menu here, but they are very accommodating, so just ask.

A step up from the Pad Thai dish, also a recommendation of ours, is the Massaman Orange Curry. This dish is served with rice that can be added into a broth containing carrots, garlic, potatoes, and cashews. It is only mildly spicy, but the rice on the side can be used to balance out the flavor; the less spicy you want the dish, the more rice you should add.

Of course there are plenty more options with more kick to them. If you’re looking to add your own twist, a platter of spice powders and sauces can be requested. We have had friends who’ve requested this platter in the past, and the only advice we can give in regards to it is – DO NOT use too much additional spice.

In the case that you do make the mistake of over-spicing your food, there are many

beverage options to help you cool down. We recommend Thai tea or Thai coffee. Using evaporated milk, the drinks put a spin on your everyday wake-up drink. Thai coffee has more of a mocha flavor, while Thai tea is meant to taste like a mixture of sweet tea and mild coffee. Whatever you fancy, these drinks are perfect for washing down a steaming platter of your favorite Thai food.