Rice Thai Tapas - Pasadena

Split 5 Tapas and two entrees with my family (6 people) and got away pretty reasonably. Special shout out to the 'crying tiger ' and 'shrimp cocoon '. Definite recommendation for an otherwise blase area.

Update 5/1/2018. Rice is closed. It is now merged with its sister restaurant OBA just few doors down in the same shopping center. You will soon be able to get Japanese and Thai food at the same location. Very well prepared Thai food. Tapas are interesting. Chiangmai noodle is a special you don't find in other restaurant. The flavor is a bit strong for my taste, however. Cocktail is very good. I honestly think Rice is one of the best Thai food in town. Perhaps its portion size and higher priced menu kept it from being busy.

Great small dishes to share and also some larger dishes. I recommend the garlic noodles, the duck bao, anything with the brisket, and the gangster noodles. Also, they have a particularly good version of mango and sticky rice.

We made reservations and had a group dinner with 6 of my friends and we had a great time! An awesome find in Pasadena. : AMBIANCE: Great place for a date, family or small groups. SEATING: Plenty of tables for small and big groups. SERVICE: Good. Very attentive staff that would check on us and refill our waters. I was surprised that they didn't try to kick us out and let us take our time during our dinner. TAPAS: -Shrimp Donut (ground shrimp coated with panko served with mango alioli : good -Crying Tiger (filet mignon marinated with thai chipotle : good, nice flavor -Five Spice Bao (flour bun stuffed with five-spice duck meat served with hoisin sauce : OK, there wasn't that much meat and a lot of bun. FYI, only 2 pieces. ENTREES/NOODLES (FYI, they make a lot of dishes spicy and no adjustments : -Yellow Curry with Chicken (chicken or shrimp or scallop with fingering potato and caramelized onion : Very tasty! -Beef Brisket Panang (12 hour brisket with panang curry : AMAZING! I loved the flavor and the beef was so tender! -Pad Z-Ew with Shrimp (chicken or brisket or shrimp or scallop with pan fried rice noodles with soy sauce, egg gailan : I'm a big fan of pad see ew and they got it down just right. PARKING: They have plenty of spaces in the plaza, but you may have to park on the street on busy nights. Plenty of free parking around the area. I would recommend checking this place out if you like Thai food and tapas. I will be back!

Delightful dinner with friends at a wonderfully quiet, comfortable place. Food lived up to 'tapas ' name dishes small, but really tasty. Attentive friendly service. Would definitely recommend.