I frequently rank Thai cuisine among my top three favorite cuisines because of its vegetarian-friendly options, a diverse range of dishes, and ability to accommodate those new to Thai cuisine or who have had it frequently. With options ranging from noodles, rice, proteins, soups, salads, and desserts, there is something for everyone.
I am also an Urbana fan. I am an owner at the co-op and visit the parks with my dog, and I enjoy the farmers’ market in the summer. Urbana has a distinct chill vibe and offers a wide diversity of food and activity ranging from the Analog wine bar to CU Adventures in Time and Space. Recently, I visited Siam Terrace with friends to enjoy the Urbana vibes on a stormy day, and we were impressed by the food quality, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere.
We started our meal with my favorite caffeine source, Thai iced tea ($3.99), which was sweet, refreshing, and the perfect complement to my meal. During the summer of 2022, I became obsessed with Thai iced tea and kept pitchers of it in my fridge to power through developing a class that I was going to teach in the fall. The drink had a deep caramel-y flavor that worked very well with the hints of spice.
We then ordered the appetizer sampler ($11), which consisted of four delicious appetizers. The veggie dumplings were rich in flavor with the spinach, while the crab rangoons were savory, creamy, and crispy. The fish cakes were effervescent with lemongrass, and the marinated shrimp were juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. This plate also came with four dipping sauces, ranging from sweet and complex to salty and peanut-y.
The Thai sausages ($3.50) were another great appetizer, spicy and flavorful, and they came with sliced ginger and chili peppers. My friend enjoyed the ginger with her other food for the rest of the night!
For soup, I ordered the Tom Yum chicken soup cup ($5.99), which was perfect for the stormy evening. The lime and fish sauce gave it a strong citrus flavor that balanced well with the spice. This soup would be great for anyone feeling under the weather, with its citrus and spice mix. The soup also had hints of tomato, cumin, ginger, garlic, and shredded chicken. It can be ordered as a cup or a bowl.
For the main course, we ordered pad kee mao with vegetables ($12.99), which was saucy and full of crunchy veggies like carrots, bell pepper, and onions. The brown sauce was complex, balancing savory soy sauce flavors with hints of brown sugar and chili oil, and it kept me hooked until I finished the dish.
The fried rice with chicken ($12.99) was a classic comfort dish with onions, chives, and chicken. It was subtle and an excellent choice for anyone new to Thai cuisine. The rice was well cooked to a firmness that felt very satisfying, and the mild flavors of the fried rice helped it pair well with curries. It reminded me of home-cooked meals with their subtle flavors and comforting saltiness.
Our favorite dish of the night was the fire cracker chicken ($15.99), which consisted of battered and fried chicken with vegetables and peanuts. It was the right balance of flavor, spice, and salt with the satisfying crunch of deep-fried chicken. This dish would go as a stand-alone item, or it can be used to bring its bold flavors to both carb-forward dishes like noodles or the fried rice.
Finally, we ordered the Mussaman curry ($14.99), which was creamy and fragrant with spices. It had onions, cashews, chives, coconut milk, and chicken. Paired with the fried rice it was a perfect way to end the meal.
Overall, Siam Terrace is a fantastic Thai restaurant with excellent food and attentive service. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, flavor-packed meal in Urbana.
Siam Terrace
212 W Main St
Urbana
M-F 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. + 5 to 10 p.m.
Sa 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Su noon to 9 p.m.