Loading...
- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
The King & I Thai Cuisine
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Sat 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Sun 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for The King & I Thai Cuisine
Review Highlights
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Erin D.
1/8/2012
I attended a friends birthday last night which began at the King & I. There was a group of about 15 of us which was accommodated nicely. We had our own private room and the tables were set up so that everyone was facing each other. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever been to this restaurant. It has been around since the eighties I believe, it was actually from what I remember the place to dine along with Cilantro in the late eighties and early nineties which explains the slight eighties modern (now vintage) decor but don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, just commenting.
The service is what blew my mind, it was nothing short of spectacular. We had one server taking care of our whole party and her experience showed. There was not one error, delay or flaw the entire evening, she was attentive and on top of it the entire night which was on par with the expense of the meal. I am so tired of eating at Calgary restaurants, paying a fortune and being served by irreverent, entitled brats with no understanding of the concept of good service. It was a refreshing change to feel like I got what I paid for which is testament to why the King & I is still going strong after all this time.
Also, the food was presented beautifully and even more lovely to eat ! Every person's meal was met with proclamations of deliciousness which was nice to see. I would highly recommend a visit (or a revisit if you haven't been in a while). There is something to be said about age and experience and The King & I proves that statement true. -
Review from Linda C.
1/24/2012
I really thought that I would like The king and I.... but I didn't... :(
In Short: Westernized Thai, overpriced.
The decor inside is nice and cozy feeling....
Service was not great ... we were kinda forgotten at the end (and it wasn't that busy). It took us standing up and putting on our jackets for them to even realize that we wanted to pay. We were ready to just walk up to the front & wait there to pay!
Now the food... NEWS FLASH!... this is not authentic Thai! hahah. sorry to burst your bubble. It's like if someone says to me that they've had Chinese but all they've had is Panda Express (or... whatever the Chinese fast food equivalent is in Canada!). This is a VERY toned down version of Thai for those who's flavor palate is not adventurous and cannot handle exotic spices. Thai flavors should be like fireworks and exciting in your mouth - sour, spicy, sweet... This was a bore!
The Pad Thai was not even pad thai. haha Looks like they fooled some ppl into thinking that any type of noodle with crushed peanuts is pad thai. haha. Coconut rice was not coconutty... The pork curry had cantaloupe in it... and cucumbers...and not spicy, not curry tasting... all i tasted was the coconut milk.
I don't mind spending $ on good food... $46 pp (incl tip) .... sigh.
Guess I'm still on the hunt for good Pad Thai! -
Review from Terrence L.
Calgary, AB
12/12/2011
I'm really not planning on writing anything too extensive about the place. All I can say is that the food was ok at best, in small portions, somewhat overpriced, and "watered down" for the tourists. In other words, ok at best food wise.
Service admittedly was quite attentive though, and the decor is nice. That does go a long way. But honestly, the food can be way hotter and use the right spices. -
Review from Janine E.
Edmonton, AB
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed the King and I. Lots of great dishes, but the portions are quite large. I think this is a great place to come if you are sharing dishes. They have a great selection of beers I've never tried which was definitely fun to try and the coconut ice cream was TO DIE FOR. I never wanted to stop eating the ice cream. The service was great, the food was cooked well and the prices were fair. Overall, I have no complaints! Try it if you are in the neighbourhood :)
-
Review from Lauren H.
12/12/2011
I was really excited to come here for our staff lunch for "Festivus". I had heard great things. I've been missing good Thai food since moving here from Ontario-yes it exists in Calgary (not nearly as much though) but so far my experience has been mediocre food at really expensive prices.
The decor at the King and I is lovely....soothing and cozy. A little on the "nicer" side actually-I'd want to be in business casual if I was going again. The service was great-very attentive.
The food was good. A couple of our dishes were amazing (red chicken curry and some kind of beef curry). The rest was kind of average-good but I've had better.
The real kicker for me is price. I don't mind paying a pretty penny for great food but in this case we paid a pretty penny for average food, smaller portions that just weren't warranted by the food itself. I'd consider going back for the red curry but for the price I'd rather take a chance on trying somewhere new. It didn't impress me or offend really-it was in that scary zone for restaurants of somewhere in between. -
Review from Angela Q.
Calgary, AB
12/14/2011
I have been going to the king and I for almost 10 years, absolutely love the food and the quality is always consistent! Love the decor and atmosphere, although on the odd occasion you end up sitting on an awkward corner too close to the next guest! Be prepared during busy times to walk some distance as parking can get chaotic. Would recommend to anyone looking for Thai food and an in between too fancy and too casual restaurant!
-
Review from Janna L.
12/6/2011
I had read many reviews regarding the King and I and have been wanting to come here for months. Never saw it passing by while out and about, had to seek it out. Yes, I am still in search of the most perfect pad thai that Calgary has to offer. Walked in for lunch, was greeted warmly and it was noted that we did not have long for lunch. This was respected throughout the meal, communication great between greeter and waitress. The space itself was beautiful, not too busy. Roomy, cozy, nice soft lighting. The service was good, waitress forgetful at our table and surrounding tables about little things (requested napkins, lemon for our water), no biggie. The waitress mentioned that we must be from another province as we asked for lemon for our water? Her being from L.A, stated that she loves Calgary water, it is not salty as she is used to. So what, I like lemon in my water! LOL! I said nothing of course, just nodded politely. Anyhoo, I went with the pad thai and it came quickly, presentation-wise, very nice, texture of the noodles and veggies, very good. The egg strips on top were prepped in advance and were not warm like the rest of the dish. The saltiness was there as was the sourness of the dish. Where was the sweet? I had asked for extra spicy which consists of you getting chili sauce on the side of the plate and peanuts come as well as lime. I like those touches but still was surprised by the lack of ANY sweet element on the plate. The server advised there are 2 ways the kitchen can prep pad thai but this sour-y one is preferred by customers. OK, fair enough. I would ask for no tofu next time. 3 shrimp came on the dish, few chicken pieces - value so-so. My husband got a green curry chicken - he enjoyed that a lot. He got coconut rice instead of the usual steamed rice bowl and this was a hit. We paid for Jasmine tea with our meal, all in before tip, $38 for 2 people. I would not say that it was a cheap lunch but this place would lure me back to try out another spicier dish. The greeter was nowhere in sight on our way out but the candies were - interesting lemon concoctions, grab a couple of those on your way out if you come to try this restaurant.
-
Review from Devon B.
Calgary, AB
10/22/2010 ROTD 6/25/2011
As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you know you're in for a treat. The decor alone puts you in a Southeast Asian frame of mind, with soft lighting, authentic decorations and a relatively quiet (not like a library) setting that is perfect for a date, or even a meal with family and friends.
There is a lot of care put into the food, and I know this because I interviewed the owner and the chefs. They have all travelled to Thailand extensively and it can be seen in the food. Even basic things like the coconut rice are impressive, so you can just imagine how good some of the more complicated dishes are.
They also pride themselves on service and they certainly live up to their own expectations. Once you're there it is a pretty safe bet that you will be treated well, the food will be fantastic (as are some foe their speciality drinks) and you are going to walk out happy.Listed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Sylvie C.
Calgary, AB
11/6/2010
I was very disappointed with the food at the King & I. I had heard a lot of good things, and frankly, expected much much more in terms of authenticity & flavor. The food was bland - not the poignant, crisp, distinctively Thai tastes I was craving. Our 10$ martinis were watered down, and lacked pizazz. The menu was much too large, and incorporated many Chinese & Vietnamese dishes, to my dismay. Portions were decently sized, but plates were definitely too high. We ordered a Green Curry Lobster, specifically asked for it to be extra spicy when the waiter explained that it wasn't that spicy, and were royally unimpressed by the 32$ dish. It was a muddied green curry, with no zing to it whatsoever. The amount of lobster in the dish was so minimal - maybe half a lobster tail.
The decor was nice, but felt somewhat contrived. It seemed they were trying for intimate with the space division, but it felt much too commercialized for me. The best thing about this place, and the reason I've awarded it 2 stars, was the service. We were served in an attentive and sensitive manor.
I will not be back. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
9/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm glad take away was the only thing on my mind when I ascended upon this second floor eatery. A bit disheveled from a planes (no trains) and automobiles, I was also famished and craving a take away fave, noodles. I placed my order by phone and was happy it was ready when I arrived a mere 10 minutes later. I was surprised to find such an upscale looking space with a clientele that appeared to be all business men on a Monday night. Swank! Perhaps a quiet place for a romantic date?
The friendly staff got me and my Bankok Noodles on our way quickly. But, back in my hotel room I found myself less than satisfied with my choice. A mess of over sauced, under flavoured flour noodles may just not be my thing. There's much more on the menu, and judging by the many 5 star reviews, I would be doing my tummy a disservice by not giving them another try. Stay tuned for an update!Listed in: Traveling Calgarian Style
-
Review from Christine P.
Calgary, AB
11/4/2010
We eat here at least once every two weeks.I love this place!! By far my favorite place to go for dinner.
The decor is lovely, the service is exceptional and the food has always been exquisite! -
Review from David T.
Calgary, AB
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Long standing as Calgary's most well known Thai place. Always busy. There are some better Thai places in cow town but the K&I has never disappointed.
-
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
12/13/2009
I was at The King & I the other day for a Christmas lunch provided by my new employers. They had arranged for us to enjoy a spread of several different items on the menu. While not my first experience with Thai food, it was my first experience with The King & I.
The food was phenomenal. We were able to try different chicken, beef, and shrimp dishes along with some vegetable items. In particular, I would recommend the Tiger Prawn Curry and Galanga Cashew Chicken, both excellent. The deserts were also well prepared and I enjoyed a chocolate dish that literally melted in my mouth. One of our companions did not eat beef, and so our server went to great lengths to ensure he knew what he could and could not eat.
Furthermore, the service was excellent. Our server thoroughly explained everything that was being served and went to great lengths to ensure we were happy with everything. Additionally, the atmosphere was amazing and everyone enjoyed the afternoon immensely. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
9/16/2009
I sure do love good Thai food and at The King & I, they sure do know how to make it right!
I've been a few times, and I've never had a bad experience. The service is always impeccable, the decor is undeniable, and the food is irresistable.
Although you'd rarely have room for dessert, I HIGHLY recommend trying their coconut ice cream. Seriously, Ben & Jerry's has got NOTHING on them! -
Review from Nyssa R.
3/15/2010
I've went to King & I a few times for lunch. I've heard the King's Feast is quite good, but since I was with my company I didn't get a chance to try.
I ordered curry plates on a few different occasions and the quality of the food is quite good. It has very flavorful, authentic ingredients.
The services is quick and the manager usually makes an effort to drop by the tables and say Hi.
It's pricey. The size of the dishes always leaves something to be desired, and most people I went with had to go get some sort of fast food after the meal because they were still hungry. I've heard the Kings Feast is worth getting though. -
Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/25/2008
Personally, I prefer the savory flavour of classic Indian food. I've never been a big fan of the fusion of sweet and sour that is common to many native Thai dishes. However, the King and I is beautiful.
In a warm atmosphere, and with staff that offer sincere kindness to all their patrons, they serve some of the most delicious Thai food in the city. This place is usually busy and the head guy, Mel is always there to greet his special customers by name.
I've gone here many times, tried many dishes...the seafood is some of the best around. Mark my words. -
Review from David H.
Calgary, AB
10/21/2010
A - List. Recommended. Excellent food expertly prepared. Attentive service. Pleasant and relaxing decor and music. It would be to your benefit if you had knowledge of Thai cuisine (more like Thai-fusion) prior to visiting or accompanied by a knowledgeable friend. Very plain rice rice servings are small and pricey. Portions are on the small side, so if bringing along the big guy, you might think twice about this place. ExpenS$ive. Worth the visit.
-
Review from Andrew M.
10/28/2008
The King and I was the opposite of what make Thai cooking one of my favorite cuisines in the world. Thai food should be sweet, spicy, and flavorful. I would not have used any of the adjectives to describe the meal I ate. The words I would use would be bland and boring. I guess I am off to find better Thai food in Calgary.
-
Review from M A.
Calgary, AB
6/7/2011
I have heard of the King and I for several years and finally went in to try it out. I was not sure what to expect . I went with an open mind to experience this restaurant. We found the menu overwhelming with all the choices and I was not sure what to order and how to put it together for a good dining experience, so I asked the waitress what was good on the menu and she suggested to do the chef special. This means the chef put a menu together for you base upon the guess at your table. Our table had 4 guess. We had a appetizer, soup, and the main course was 4 other dishes from mild to hot. It included seafood, chicken, beef, vegetables, and of course rice. It was delicious. The service from I walked in the door was outstanding. look forward to going back for another experience.
-
Review from Byakudan N.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2010
Visiting from Vancouver and thought the 3.5/5 stars warranted a try. Big mistake. I ordered the Galang Mixed veggies. The 'sauce' (which was very similar to the typical Chinese fare of corn starch goo) was so loaded with salt that I could viscerally feel my blood pressure accelerating. The veggies tasted as though they had been marinated in this salt goo for hours. Oh and it was obvious that these were canned veggies, not fresh at all. $16 for this horrible dish. It must truly suck to live in Calgary, but suck even more to have this joke of a Thai restaurant as even an option for dinner.
-
Review from Adam G.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2009
Amazing Thai food. A little on the pricy side, but well worth it.
-
Review from Cullen J.
4/16/2009
Food was OK but not great. Dishes were not that spicy and strangely very sweet. Service was nice but kitchen took a long time. Very nice inside. This is a pretty upscale Thai place.
-
Review from Gharan B.
Calgary, AB
2/24/2011
Excellent food and decor.
