The Thai House, a cozy family-owned and operated restaurant up El Camino Real in Redwood City, offers an extensive menu of authentic dishes at prices that won’t break a college student’s budget.

Thai restaurants are a dime-a-dozen in the Stanford area, but the Thai House stands out for its attention to detail. Thai artwork and statues on wood paneling create an intimate feel, with hand-woven baskets for steamed rice providing the perfect finishing touch. The presentation of dishes is similarly thoughtful, with bell peppers and basil leaves adding needed color to the eggplant and curry dishes The Daily sampled.

The menu is extensive, sporting nearly 100 choices. The Thai Iced Tea and Coffee were distinctive, and the tangy peanut sauce gave the Thai House Salad and Chicken Satay appetizer a pleasant aftertaste.

The manager was kind enough to provide us tastes of several entrees. The Panang Curry proved far and away the best of the night, as the chicken was lean and high-quality and the spiciness just right. Diners should beware that Pad Thai, while tasty, uses a slightly sweeter sauce than most other Bay Area Thai restaurants.

Picky eaters rejoice: diners can specify the level of spice and type of meat (chicken, beef, prawns or pork) in each dish. For vegetarians, the tofu and eggplant are good alternatives.

The original owner founded the restaurant ten years ago, and returned three months ago after a break to spend time with her family.

Though it’s a bit of trek (perhaps 15 minutes) from campus, and parking can be an adventure, the Thai House is a great alternative for students looking to diversify from the Thai restaurants of downtown Palo Alto — or anyone looking to try something new.

The Thai House

1742 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063

$-$$

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30; Dinner: Mon-Sun 5:30-9:30