Simply Tasty Thai

If you want an authentic Thai dining experience in Jacksonville, head to Simply Tasty Thai. Owner/chef Nancy Straw is from Northern Thailand and grew up in the kitchen, figuratively speaking, beside her mother and grandmother, learning to cook.  Nancy's passion has made Simply Tasty Thai one of the top-ranked Jacksonville Beach restaurants.

Her childhood cooking lessons prepared her to craft the perfect curry, choose the best ingredients, and serve dishes pleasing to the eye. When she was older, she perfected Massaman curry. This hearty meal requires time and patience to blend cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cumin with lemongrass, coconut cream, chili peppers, cilantro, and other ingredients. 

Dining at Simply Tasty Thai is a journey through Nancy's childhood and adult experiences as a person and chef. The menu is a treasure trove of Thai cuisine, with starters like Golden Money Bags and coconut-based soups to flavorful entrees like Pad Thai, fried rice, and, of course, her Massaman curry.

The restaurant is quaint with contemporary decor and is centrally located to nearby landmarks. It is open for lunch, making it a go-to after a morning hike at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, followed by a tasty meal at Simply Tasty Thai.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Thai cuisine or trying it for the first time, Simply Tasty Thai offers fresh, handmade dishes that will have you returning for more.

Vibe

Don't let the strip mall location lull you into thinking that Simply Tasty Thai is bland, like the facade. Trust us, you're in for a treat!

As mentioned, the interior is vibrant and quaint, with ample booth or table seating. The wood floor, tables, and accents highlight the pastel-colored walls, which adds warmth and tranquility to the room. 

Thai art hangs in select areas and adds authenticity to a visit. Large windows let in natural light, while soft lighting at dusk creates a relaxed vibe, perfect to unwind after a day at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

A small bar occupies one end of the restaurant and has several stools for patrons to dine solo or sip wine or a cold beer.  

The laid-back vibe adds to the restaurant's charm, enhancing one's dining experience.

Simply Tasty Thai: Menu & Drinks

The charming eatery has won the coveted Best Thai Restaurant in Jacksonville award for the past years. With no further ado, let's explore Nancy's award-winning cuisine!

After a day of fun and activities at the South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground, kick off your discovery of Thai food with the aforementioned Golden Money Bags. Pork is marinated in Thai herbs, then wrapped in a spring roll sheet and tied at the top to resemble a bag. The pork is deep-fried to a golden brown and served with Thai chili sauce.

Tom Yum Soup, renowned for its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, is made with lemongrass, galangal, and roasted chili. The deep flavors will warm the heart and soul. 

The Massaman Curry is Chef Nancy's flagship dish. This Southern Thai-style curry is cooked in coconut milk with tender beef, potato chunks, onions, and spices. With too many spices to list, it will undoubtedly amaze your palate and transport you to the heart of Thailand. 

Equally impressive are the various stir-fry options, currys, and noodle entrees. Speaking of which, you can't go wrong with Thailand's signature dish, Pad Thai. This tasty dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind sauce, egg, tofu, bean sprouts, and chives. The textures and flavors are divine!

Raise a glass of wine or beer to celebrate exploring area attractions like the Southbank Riverwalk. The bar carries California reds and whites along with plum wine and sake. Beer lovers will find several American brands along with Asian imports. Non-alcoholic choices range from soft drinks to Thai coconut tea and iced coffee.

Dining at Simply Tasty Thai promises a delicious meal that may well be the highlight of your First Coast vacation!