Thai Farm House on Broadway and Riverside in Sacramento

Ba Mee Keaw soup at Thai Farm House

Taking a nap sounded like a better idea than going to visit the new restaurant, Thai Farm House, but my stomach began to argue. Besides, it was cold outside. In the 50s. I would have preferred to cuddle up with a good computer game like Alphabear and then quietly nod off into oblivion. But my stomach agreed with my husband. We should go out for lunch.

The restaurant is relatively new and took over a spot in the shopping center on the northwest corner of Broadway and Riverside where once L&L Hawaiian Barbecue operated. Maybe this part of Sacramento doesn’t present enough demand for a fast-food Hawaiian joint. This area is comprised of Upper Land Park and Southside Park, a part of Sacramento in which our Asian population still makes up a large percentage. Plus, the Buddhist Church is just around the corner.

This little strip mall has suffered a big turnover from its inception, trying to find its footing for the right businesses. Quiznos came and went. A check cashing place didn’t last long. Neither did a cigarette and cigar shop. And let’s not forget, the other end of Broadway features a plethora of Thai restaurants.

But the Thai Farm House is a bit different. Of course it features fresh ingredients, but it seems to put more emphasis on specialties and unusual dishes. You’ll also find gluten-free and vegetarian options. When we asked about the degrees of spiciness, our server brought us a side of spices to choose from. Wah, but no fresh spicy Thai peppers.

If I had any complaint, it would be about the spring roll, or what Thai Farm House called Fresh Roll. Both my husband I agreed we loved the blend of mint, basil and lettuce, but I felt there should be more rice noodle inside. It seemed very sparse. Not to mention, the peanut sauce was served pretty hot when it touched my tongue.

My dish, Ba Mee Keaw, is more of a soup and pictured above. It featured thin noodles that were extremely difficult to slurp out of the bowl, pork, green onions and gai lan, including steamed dumplings floating in the soup.

Kao Soi at Thai Farm House

Take a look at one of the signature dishes above, Kao Soi, which involves egg noodles simmered in a thick curry and coconut sauce. My husband chose the pork option, and it came topped with fried noodles. There is a hint of spice in this but not much. For a person who really loves spicy Thai food, this might feel a bit underwhelming. Generally, if 5 is the highest spice intensity, I will choose #4.

We will go back to try other dishes, but I might have to pocket a few Thai peppers first.