This place is great. My family went here for years and I never liked it as a kid, and then I stopped being an idiot and realized how amazing it is. The owner is also extremely nice and recognizes regulars. For the Poconos, this place is really a diamond in the rough.
(5)
Tracy S.
Best Thai food in the area hands down. Small but very healthy and tasty food at a great price.
(4)
Amanda B.
Was on a ski trip with family and stayed at a hotel near by. Came on Yelp to find some place good to eat and came across the reviews to this place. I have to say, I LOVE Asian food and this is by far the best I've ever had. It wasn't cheap of course but so worth the money. The pad thai didn't come with any lime like I'm used to and if it had it would have been just out of this world. Since it didn't, I'll have to reduce it to just awesome instead. The chicken satay was a pretty small portion for price to be honest but it was so good it was worth it, the tempura really was more dough than veggies/shrimp/chicken but again was TOTALLY worth it. The best part of my order was the shrimp fried rice! Omg it was so good. I grew up on Guam where we take our fried rice pretty damn seriously and this was the closest I've ever tasted to home. I loved the food so much and we are already planning another trip up there for next winter and I will be eating here again! I did do take out and never actually saw the restaurant, but hubs did mention it was tiny and crowded when he picked it up. These guys are doing something right!
(5)
Scott F.
Hands down, the best Thai food we've ever had. The ingredients are incredibly fresh and flavorful. We've been there about a dozen times, sometimes as a family and other times with friends. We haven't heard a negative comment, no less a negative review about anything anyone else has ordered. Prices are reasonable, and the service is extremely good. The only negative is that the place can get EXTREMELY crowded on Friday or Saturday nights. As they don't accept reservations, you could be waiting outside for a while. In the colder months, people have a tendency to huddle right inside the door, causing the small restaurant to feel a little cramped. Regardless, it's worth the wait!
(5)
j j.
Best in the area and pretty authentic. We've been here a bunch of times and it's great to have an alternative to the usual vacation area choices. This place is small and extremely popular so get here during off-peak hours. Try the curries and whole fish. We enjoyed the duck roll appetizer. You can come here several times to sample the menu and not be bored.
(4)
Jeff R.
We went here last weekend. Their soup and appetizer were very good(4.5 Stars). But it went downhill from there. Had the Hot n Sour soup, plenty of shrimp, maybe a little too spicy for me, but excellent (5 Stars). I also had Chicken Satay, i would rate that 4 stars. After that as I said downhill. Service was below average, waiter did not know what kind of Merlot, sounded like he never got asked what kind and what brand of wine they offered. The main course was not good. Pad Thai was 1 Star, rather bland. My partner had some sort of beef curry dish, he did not like it so 1 star for that. My dish was Beef with veggies + oyster sauce. extremely Bland, they could have done better. So, if this was my 1st time here, i would have given a total of 2 Stars, but i was here the previous year and i would have given the place a 4 Stars at that time. So i will give them the benefit of the doubt and average the 2 visits, so i gave 3 Stars. Maybe i may come back another time, but next time I'll try somewhere else.
(3)
Student O.
Super nice staff, the food is very flavorful. A very nice find. Price is reasonable. Will definitely come back if I come back to the Poconos
(5)
Arun K.
Was here with my wife and we enjoyed the food. Got satay, spring rolls, yellow curry and drunken noodles. We were so satisfied. The service was amazing too.
(5)
Arnold C.
Visited Poconos during Memorial Day weekend, and its close proximity to our resort, Wyndham Depuy-Shawnee Village, made it a convenient choice for take out. Food was so impressively tasty that we ordered take out again the next day. Tried a curry dish, fried rice, and the duck. I've eaten at a lot of Thai restaurants in Manhattan, and the food here is definitely a MUST TRY! They also sell beer. Will most certainly pass by here again when we come back next year!
(5)
Ron P.
This place proves that food can make you happy. The cook came out and had us try a bunch of hot peppers before our food came out. That was fun. I got yellow curry and it was unbelievable. Wow. Thank God food doesn't always taste that good or I would be huge. Service was good too.
(5)
Quijana B.
Consistently good. My first visit to this restaurant was 15 years ago, and it is always tasty. Saen Thai was the first Thai restaurant in the area, and is still the best. The food is simple, but delicious. Service is generally good, though the restaurant is never less than full. I have only two small quibbles. There is no choice of rice. Jasmine is the only option. I understand not having glutinous rice, but brown rice should be on the menu by now. There is no choice in spice level. Every dish is brought out mild, and spices are provided so that you can spice it to your taste. The food is delicious, but I don't want to spend a chunk of my meal making it taste better. I want to dive in and enjoy my spice right from the start! They do offer the good hot peppers, thought, so i can forgive them. I had not been to the restaurant in many years, but my husband and I decided that we needed a night to ourselves. We raced to Saen Thai and ate until we could no longer breathe comfortably. Life was better immediately. The Evil Jungle Shrimp was perfect, and contained 9 shrimp!
(4)
Michael T.
If you want authentic,quality, great served Thai food... This is the place for you.. The absolute best Thai food that will leave you craving it days later. One of my favorite restaurants I've ever dined at.
My family and I stayed a night in the Poconos and stopped at this place on our way out of the Poconos. HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU DONT GO HERE. The appetizers were awful. Our entrees were awful. One of my family members got very sick right after eating here. She had very bad stomach pains. I've never had Thai food like this.. Never again will I come here. They obviously don't know how to make Thai food in the Poconos..
(1)
V F.
This place is phenomenal! Cozy ambiance with carved wood decorations all over the place. The food is super fresh and as spicy as you are brave enough to ask for. I love bringing out of town-ers in to have dinner here because they always go home raving about that "little Thai place at the top of the hill" in Shawnee. An example: a friend of mine was visiting a little while ago after a recent trip to Thailand. As a consultant, the guy is constantly eating at fancy restaurants and he said this one will go round for round with any Thai restaurant he's ever eaten at including in Thailand. Go here. Order anything. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Michael H.
We've patronized Saen for over a decade, perhaps two, and back in the day they were the standard for Thai food in the Poconos and even the Lehigh Valley. The owner has always been very engaging and courteous. There is one other taciturn yet efficient long time staff member whom I recognize. Others seem to turn over yet are very prompt, friendly and responsive. The room is small and can be a little close on a crowded night. But the food quality has significantly declined judging by our last two visits - last night and a few months ago. The vegetable tempura was heavy and doughy. The Boon Salad uninspired. Most disappointing were the sauces. My Green Curry and Jen's Ka-Re we're laden with thick, starchy, bland gravies much in contrast to the lighter, flavorful, aromatic dishes of yore. We now much prefer nearby Thai Thani's cuisine and roomier space.
(2)
Whitney R.
Sucks. No flavor. Weird creepy server. Too small of a restaurant. Huge let down. Can't even write anymore because I'm so disappointed.
(2)
Mehmet B.
I've been eating at Saen's for years, and it's always fantastic. The staff are friendly, and the food is the best thai I've eaten. They are friendly with my small children, and accommodating to any reasonable request. I cannot think of one bad thing about the place.
(5)
Vernon O.
I was here 3 yrs ago and it was really great. I returned w much disappointment. For a small town Restauarnt they have Big prices and small portions usually common in fancy big city places. The soup was temperate warm, the duck was a bit dry and not fresh.
(3)
Kathy P.
This was the best Thai food I've had in the Poconos. You need to get their early since they don't take reservations. Once you get in, it's worth it. The food was delicious, and so was dessert. We tried the chocolate & Pistacchio cakes (not on the menu).
(4)
Heather R.
This restaurant is a little out of the way to drive but boy does the food make up for it ! I had the #28 Chicken Curry...It was amazing !!! My friends food was good as well. The portions were large and the service was great ! I will go here to eat again the next time we are in town ....We have an amazing Thai restaurant where we live and this place Saen blew it out of the water !!! You won't be disappointed !!
(5)
Karen B.
By far, the best Thai food I have ever had. Worth the wait... One of my TOP 5 restaurants of all times!
(5)
AJ M.
What can I say about Saen? It's great. Well worth the 20 minute wait in the cold. Everything we had was delicious. This is going to be a regular place for us.
(5)
K T.
Cute little place with great food for the money. We've been there twice with a baby and have no complaints on the service or the food. The lunch special is an amazing deal. Great place!
(5)
Caroline S.
I ordered the mee krob and wasn't disappointed!! Then the beef curry!
(5)
Sharon M.
The only negative was that there was a 45 minute wait on a Wednesday at about 7 pm, because we were a party of 5. If you are a party of two, you will be seated more quickly. This is an amazing place with the best Thai food and amazing, authentic decor. We ordered steamed dumplings, chicken satay, beef orange, and yellow curry dish which were all good. The shrimp fried rice and honey ribs were not our favorite, but the curry, white rice and dumplings were REALLY good. The owner is very involved and will tell you about the decor if you ask. I loved going here. My kids liked it too. They had the satay (chicken) with the sauce on the side and shrimp fried rice.
(5)
matthew l.
I agree with everyone else about Saen. Its small, crowded, charming, sometimes very busy, but awesome, everytime! It is the reason I enjoy day trips to the poconos in the summertime. I always leave feeling good and satisfied. Honestly, never had a bad meal here. My favorite thai restaurant! Steamed seafood dumplings, the jumbo shrimp curries, and, although I can't remember what they are called, the appetizer of little pastry pockets filled with goodness. Love, love, love you Saen!
(5)
Scott S.
Went after reading the rave reviews here on yelp. Kid friendly (took my 3 and 5 year olds). Staff hurried and busy but friendly and attentive. Was totally empty when we arrived (5PM on a Wed early March) and by 5:30 every table was full and there were people waiting at the door. Food? Fantastic. Had two different soups, pad Thai, Satay, beef curry. All were awesome. We are NYC foodies and this was really, really good. Reasonably priced, too. Go! :)
(5)
Cherry G.
What a cute little place! The owner was so sweet and kept checking on our table... The food was amazing! Very busy for 6 pm! Must be a good sign ;)
(5)
Nicole C.
First time ever trying Thai food. Waitress was very helpful and knew what she was talking about. You have to order the fried banana!!
(5)
Lisa B.
Love this place! Very small but that adds to the charm of this restaurant. Have eaten there and got take out several times- always a great meal!!
(5)
Joyce O.
This is a solid Thai restaurant. I am only slightly disappointed in the Pad Thai (I still order it but I have had better) and the peanut sauce with the satay. Otherwise the soups are excellent and the green chicken curry is addictive. The service is fast and efficient and always friendly. The restaurant is small and can get crowded, especially with all the customers arriving to pick up takeout. I have been many times and taken friends and we have always enjoyed ourselves. Thai food is some of the best food in the world
(4)
Ken H.
Excellent Thai food! Great Satay and House Special Fried Rice. Shrimp and mushrooms in all of the dishes were great. It is very busy but didnt wait too long for a table. Highly recommend.
(5)
Marley S.
I really love Thai food, and this was no exception! You can tell the place is very popular, nearly all tables were full, and a line had started at around a half hour before the place opened (on a Wednesday). It was also reasonably priced. Service was very respectable. The only tiny problem I had is that the food was not as spicy as I would have liked it. Either way it was wonderful!
(4)
Jen L.
This is a tale of the city mouse who travels to the mountains once a year for the best Thai food she's ever had. I would never guess that the sleepy mountain town of Shawnee on Delaware would have Thai food better than Philadelphia China Town, but they do! I go to the Poconos yearly for a week and go to Saen at least twice in that week. For dinner last Saturday I had green curry and my MMM (main man muncher) had Masseum Curry along with orders of Chicken Coconut milk soup and lemon grass soup. Perfect levels of spice, nice balance of veggies and chicken. Lunch for me was chicken with basil, broccoli, and onions in a brown sauce, made spicy upon my request and more coconut milk soup, MMM had yellow curry and spring rolls. Lunch specials include soup or spring rolls, coconut soup was an additional charge, but well worth the cost. Everything is always fresh and tasty with the perfect balance of spices.The owners come around and chat with everyone, a nice personalization. The only draw back is that they have 14 tables and no place to wait when it gets crowded, but the wait is well worth it!
(5)
Alex F.
Excellent food and very good service once seated. Very reasonably priced. We ordered two Singha beer, an order of spring rolls, a Green curry, and a Panang Curry for less than $40! The restaurant is small and popular with the locals. There was a 45 minute wait at 6:00pm. (This was in early August) The host underestimates the wait time so if he says 20-30 minutes expect 30-45. They seem to be good at everything except clearing and resetting the tables when guests leave. There is only limited seating in front of the restaurant if you are waiting and there is no place to wait inside. There were several big groups waiting; a party of 5 and of 8. I would definitely go back. The quality of the meal would make this place a winner in any market. Its location in the Poconos, which seems to be an area short on quality restaurants makes this place an absolute gem.
(5)
Chris C.
One of my fav places to eat at or get takeout. Love the tables to the left when you walk in in the corner..very cool hand carved wooden table tops with glass covering. Outstanding atmosphere, service, and food. Always leave happy!
(5)
InternQ G.
I feel like if you are going to open a Thai restaurant you should have the basics down. I agree with the previous reviewer in saying that the chicken satay and the pad Thai left a lot to be desired. I always go with the seafood at Thai places and this place was no exception. Overall, very tasty for the area.
(4)
giovanni s.
Went back after 5 years even better than I remembered! As a New York City foodie and considerably well traveled and very well fed man .I can not say how very shocked I was at this spectacular meal.The second we walked in it smelled fantastic.We waited to be seated I watched lovingly prepared dishes pass by and was overtaken by the care that went into our simple but truly delicious dinner.We started with chicken satay that was so moist and well seasoned that I commented why this is not the norm in NYC?The sauce was incredible light yet rich,amazing, next seafood dumplings just as delicious light and homemade tasting.For our main courses I had the phad sarm sian SPECTACULAR coconut milk sauce and hints the kaffir lime leaves that were sliced so thinly that i thought it was dill huge mushrooms and more than enough beef...I asked our server and owner Boon about this he told us that he grew them himself I proceed to ask further to the sweet waitress about the restaurant and found out that Boon's wife Saen was the chef!TWENTY YEARS same place I will let my partner give his review about his meal,all I have to say that the people in this area are VERY VERY luck to get this kind of homemade cooking that is obviously made with a quite yet fierce pride...The MANGO pudding was like a light flan that was also made on premises and truly GREAT!
(5)
Suami Dan Isteri Y.
This place is tiny but feels very cozy. The service is great. However, the food is below average. I guess you can't be too picky when there's not much other choices in restaurant available.
Simply wonderful! Everything was great: the food, the service, the cozy ambiance. Portions are very generous and savory. Tom Kah Kay soup was slightly thicker than one I've tried at other Thai restaurants, but still very-very good! Curry dishes are just perfect! I wish there was a Thai restaurant like this close to where we live. Just perfect casual vacation dinner spot! Yummmm! :-).
(5)
Corey W.
This is place is money. Best Thai I have had. We were in town to ski with some friends and went here on a recommendation from the bartender at the ski lodge - she nailed it. Very reasonable priced and great service. Intimate atmosphere but okay to show up in your ski gear...like we did. The owner even brought us some spices from the back to add to our food when he overhead us talking about adding some spice - be careful though, that shit was HOT! Good, but HOT! Had the calamari and chicken skewers to start (I think they are called Satay?) Had Drunken Noodles (on special that particular night) and Pad Thai for dinner. I know it's nothing crazy and what most people would order, but if you can't do the popular stuff well, then what can you do?! I would go here in a heart beat if we didn't live 4 hrs away.
(5)
Cole S.
I love this place! I do not get to go as often as I would like. Boon is the best. Food is amazing! I've gone from no stars(spiciness) in my food to 4 stars. I have a new appreciation for a little spice!!
(5)
Nisht G.
I'm giving this place 5 stars mainly for it's AMAZING tom kha soup and drunken noodles. The Tom Kha is the best I've ever had. It was loaded with chicken and vegetables, and the flavor was perfect. The drunken noodles were perfectly prepared as well. The curry dish I got was not very good, but perhaps I ordered the wrong thing. It was a red curry with shrimp and pineapple. The shrimp did not taste fresh (gross) and the pineapple was crushed into the curry, which made it all a very strange consistency. The Tom Kha was just THAT good though...
(5)
Diana H.
We've been coming here at least once a year since I bought my timeshare at Shawnee. This is some of the best Thai food you'll find anywhere. If this restaurant was where I live in Florida I would be there every week! Boon and his chef/wife Saen make every meal special. The Gaen Keow Whan Kai is to die for. The spring rolls crispy and fresh and if they have curry puffs on special for appetizers THOSE are a MUST! Oh, also the chicken satay. YUM! I truly miss this place during the year, and look forward to my timeshare week in December, so we can visit Saen Thai!
(5)
Tarah N.
Best Thai food of my life! My boyfriend brought me to his hometown and he's known Boon his whole life. He truly treats his known customers like family and his delicious cuisine keeps them coming back for more. My boyfriend bragged so much of this place and I'd say it lived up to my expectations!
(5)
Alicia J.
This place was in the middle of what one might consider the middle of no where. The food was really great and so was the service. I loved the decor very Asian like. I would definitely visit again. I enjoyed the scenic drive down the winding road.
(4)
Tina P.
Small, cozy romantic restaurant. Always busy even when they just open! It is missing the last star due to the fact that we really can't choose whether we want spicy or not, but this is definitely a good place to come once in the blue moon when you have a craving for Thai food. (as there really aren't many restaurants in the area). We have ordered the chicken skewers, boon chicken - which both tasted amazing. The entree I usually get the beef in green curry and over rice -YUM! The pad thai is average. Thai iced tea or coffee - yummy. Service is great and I think the owner does his walks around to see how everything is which is nice. Price is fair too but it is my place to go when I have a Thai food craving.
(4)
Bob K.
Love, Love, Love coming to this place! Food is the best Thai I have experienced ever! Love the Drunkin noodle, to the soups, and the citrus tea. Can not say enough of how good it is here. Sometimes there is a wait outside, but even if they expanded you would still probably have to wait! It's that good. Friendly owners and staff...check it out for yourself!
(5)
Phil H.
Worst dinner experience ever. Took an hour and a half for only most of our dishes to come out. People who came in after us got their food, ate, and left before we even had a chance to eat. Ended up cancelling the dishes that didn't arrive and calling it quits. Sub par Thai food, and even smaller portion sizes at expensive prices. Definitely ruined a Saturday night. Would not recommend this restaurant.
(1)
Linda T.
Excellent authentic Thai food. Small cozy atmosphere with outstanding staff always friendly and working to provide a great dining experience. You won't find better anywhere. I have been here many times and never anything less than wonderful. It does get busy and there can be a line but it is well worth the wait or call ahead and try take out.
(5)
E M.
We had a wonderful meal here on a Friday night. It is a small place that does not take reservations, so a wait is possible. We were able to get in pretty quickly and had excellent service. We had the Tom kha soup, green curry and drunken noodle, all which were wonderfully delicious. So glad we found this place!
(5)
Adam B.
Service is slow. Food is ok but the prices are cheap so I can't knock them too hard on that... Overall I was pretty disappointed given the high marks on yelp. They only have a single type of beer, sing ha, with "some wine" that was described just like that -- I don't even know whether it was red or white. Seemed like there were a lot of regulars that knew the owner and service staff .... I found the place to be a little dirty.
(3)
Katie L.
My partner in crime and I went up to the Shawnee Inn for a weekend getaway this winter and after reading bad reviews of the brewpub, we opted to go to Saen instead. It's one of the best decisions we made the entire trip. We were seated right away, though they were very busy and every party after us had to wait. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, despite the fact that they were slammed. I had a type of curry I never tried, and it was phenomenal. The Tom Kha soup was the best I've had at any Thai restaurant, ever. My partner had the drunken noodles, which were also fantastic. Totally not what I was expecting in such a small town. The only reason I didn't give the restaurant five stars is because the service was slow. It was 100% absolutely worth the wait, though! We'll definitely go back the next time we're in the area. If you're planning to go, get there early, or expect to wait a bit.
(4)
Bunty A.
Excellent Thai dishes, except for the Pad Thai we had at lunch, which seemed a bit greasy. A yellow curry, soup, spring rolls, and dishes I cannot remember the names of were rich, flavourful and filling. My only quibble is that the dining room is dark, even at lunch time. Service was fast and friendly.
(4)
Scott F.
Always look forward to eating at Boons place. The food is always great, nice atmosphere and Boon knows how hot I like my food.
(5)
Mike K.
Wow how did I miss this place all these years? Everything was delicious. Kids tore up the chicken satay. Green curry was scrumptious. Very simple flavors done well. Desserts were awesome too. Place is a little small and service trailed off as the meal went on a more people showed up. I guess if the only bad thing is that too many people want to come, how bad can that be?
(4)
Scott M.
I come into town about every month from Syracuse, NY. I have my dinner here every time I visit! Tonight I had the best Panang curry I've ever had!! It was perfection. I've never had a bad meal at Saen, and I don't expect I ever will because they seem to care very much about consistent excellence! I wanted this to be my little secret discovery, but people are finding it more and more. Very highly recommended!!!
(5)
Christy K.
I've eaten Thai food all over the world and the best I've ever had is at Saen Thai Cuisine. This establishment has it all - outstanding food, tremendous atmosphere, wonderful owners. I've lived in this area for 15 years and it's always been a consistent and positive experience.
(5)
Shoo P.
Curry was severely lacking spice and goopy. Tasted like heavy cream, not coconut milk. It was too cold inside, but the aesthetics were lovely.
(2)
Rob L.
Keeping it short and simple: excellent Thai food; wonderful, friendly service; and a staff that truly cares about your experience here. Very unassuming exterior, and not too many frills inside either... just great food served by great people. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Josh F.
Very good Thai food for the area. The staff are very friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and quaint, it can be small if it's packed...which can also mean a bit of a wait sometimes. Basic Thai entrees, which can be ordered to your spice liking...pretty standard. If your up in the woods there, it's the best place for food in my opinion.
(4)
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Address :107 Shawnee Sq Dr SE
Shawnee On Delaware, PA, 18356
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual, Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Steve D.
This place is great. My family went here for years and I never liked it as a kid, and then I stopped being an idiot and realized how amazing it is. The owner is also extremely nice and recognizes regulars. For the Poconos, this place is really a diamond in the rough.
(5)Tracy S.
Best Thai food in the area hands down. Small but very healthy and tasty food at a great price.
(4)Amanda B.
Was on a ski trip with family and stayed at a hotel near by. Came on Yelp to find some place good to eat and came across the reviews to this place. I have to say, I LOVE Asian food and this is by far the best I've ever had. It wasn't cheap of course but so worth the money. The pad thai didn't come with any lime like I'm used to and if it had it would have been just out of this world. Since it didn't, I'll have to reduce it to just awesome instead. The chicken satay was a pretty small portion for price to be honest but it was so good it was worth it, the tempura really was more dough than veggies/shrimp/chicken but again was TOTALLY worth it. The best part of my order was the shrimp fried rice! Omg it was so good. I grew up on Guam where we take our fried rice pretty damn seriously and this was the closest I've ever tasted to home. I loved the food so much and we are already planning another trip up there for next winter and I will be eating here again! I did do take out and never actually saw the restaurant, but hubs did mention it was tiny and crowded when he picked it up. These guys are doing something right!
(5)Scott F.
Hands down, the best Thai food we've ever had. The ingredients are incredibly fresh and flavorful. We've been there about a dozen times, sometimes as a family and other times with friends. We haven't heard a negative comment, no less a negative review about anything anyone else has ordered. Prices are reasonable, and the service is extremely good. The only negative is that the place can get EXTREMELY crowded on Friday or Saturday nights. As they don't accept reservations, you could be waiting outside for a while. In the colder months, people have a tendency to huddle right inside the door, causing the small restaurant to feel a little cramped. Regardless, it's worth the wait!
(5)j j.
Best in the area and pretty authentic. We've been here a bunch of times and it's great to have an alternative to the usual vacation area choices. This place is small and extremely popular so get here during off-peak hours. Try the curries and whole fish. We enjoyed the duck roll appetizer. You can come here several times to sample the menu and not be bored.
(4)Jeff R.
We went here last weekend. Their soup and appetizer were very good(4.5 Stars). But it went downhill from there. Had the Hot n Sour soup, plenty of shrimp, maybe a little too spicy for me, but excellent (5 Stars). I also had Chicken Satay, i would rate that 4 stars. After that as I said downhill. Service was below average, waiter did not know what kind of Merlot, sounded like he never got asked what kind and what brand of wine they offered. The main course was not good. Pad Thai was 1 Star, rather bland. My partner had some sort of beef curry dish, he did not like it so 1 star for that. My dish was Beef with veggies + oyster sauce. extremely Bland, they could have done better. So, if this was my 1st time here, i would have given a total of 2 Stars, but i was here the previous year and i would have given the place a 4 Stars at that time. So i will give them the benefit of the doubt and average the 2 visits, so i gave 3 Stars. Maybe i may come back another time, but next time I'll try somewhere else.
(3)Student O.
Super nice staff, the food is very flavorful. A very nice find. Price is reasonable. Will definitely come back if I come back to the Poconos
(5)Arun K.
Was here with my wife and we enjoyed the food. Got satay, spring rolls, yellow curry and drunken noodles. We were so satisfied. The service was amazing too.
(5)Arnold C.
Visited Poconos during Memorial Day weekend, and its close proximity to our resort, Wyndham Depuy-Shawnee Village, made it a convenient choice for take out. Food was so impressively tasty that we ordered take out again the next day. Tried a curry dish, fried rice, and the duck. I've eaten at a lot of Thai restaurants in Manhattan, and the food here is definitely a MUST TRY! They also sell beer. Will most certainly pass by here again when we come back next year!
(5)Ron P.
This place proves that food can make you happy. The cook came out and had us try a bunch of hot peppers before our food came out. That was fun. I got yellow curry and it was unbelievable. Wow. Thank God food doesn't always taste that good or I would be huge. Service was good too.
(5)Quijana B.
Consistently good. My first visit to this restaurant was 15 years ago, and it is always tasty. Saen Thai was the first Thai restaurant in the area, and is still the best. The food is simple, but delicious. Service is generally good, though the restaurant is never less than full. I have only two small quibbles. There is no choice of rice. Jasmine is the only option. I understand not having glutinous rice, but brown rice should be on the menu by now. There is no choice in spice level. Every dish is brought out mild, and spices are provided so that you can spice it to your taste. The food is delicious, but I don't want to spend a chunk of my meal making it taste better. I want to dive in and enjoy my spice right from the start! They do offer the good hot peppers, thought, so i can forgive them. I had not been to the restaurant in many years, but my husband and I decided that we needed a night to ourselves. We raced to Saen Thai and ate until we could no longer breathe comfortably. Life was better immediately. The Evil Jungle Shrimp was perfect, and contained 9 shrimp!
(4)Michael T.
If you want authentic,quality, great served Thai food... This is the place for you.. The absolute best Thai food that will leave you craving it days later. One of my favorite restaurants I've ever dined at.
(5)Joshua R.
Visited on a Friday night while skiing in the poconos. There was a line waiting for them to open at 530. Had green papaya salad - same as most places in NY. The kids liked the soup and the Pad Thai. My shrimp and veg sauté was good. Waitstaff was fantastic. Definitely would be 4 stars in NYC, probably upgraded due to it being in the poconos.
(4)Giovanni A.
My family and I stayed a night in the Poconos and stopped at this place on our way out of the Poconos. HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU DONT GO HERE. The appetizers were awful. Our entrees were awful. One of my family members got very sick right after eating here. She had very bad stomach pains. I've never had Thai food like this.. Never again will I come here. They obviously don't know how to make Thai food in the Poconos..
(1)V F.
This place is phenomenal! Cozy ambiance with carved wood decorations all over the place. The food is super fresh and as spicy as you are brave enough to ask for. I love bringing out of town-ers in to have dinner here because they always go home raving about that "little Thai place at the top of the hill" in Shawnee. An example: a friend of mine was visiting a little while ago after a recent trip to Thailand. As a consultant, the guy is constantly eating at fancy restaurants and he said this one will go round for round with any Thai restaurant he's ever eaten at including in Thailand. Go here. Order anything. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Michael H.
We've patronized Saen for over a decade, perhaps two, and back in the day they were the standard for Thai food in the Poconos and even the Lehigh Valley. The owner has always been very engaging and courteous. There is one other taciturn yet efficient long time staff member whom I recognize. Others seem to turn over yet are very prompt, friendly and responsive. The room is small and can be a little close on a crowded night. But the food quality has significantly declined judging by our last two visits - last night and a few months ago. The vegetable tempura was heavy and doughy. The Boon Salad uninspired. Most disappointing were the sauces. My Green Curry and Jen's Ka-Re we're laden with thick, starchy, bland gravies much in contrast to the lighter, flavorful, aromatic dishes of yore. We now much prefer nearby Thai Thani's cuisine and roomier space.
(2)Whitney R.
Sucks. No flavor. Weird creepy server. Too small of a restaurant. Huge let down. Can't even write anymore because I'm so disappointed.
(2)Mehmet B.
I've been eating at Saen's for years, and it's always fantastic. The staff are friendly, and the food is the best thai I've eaten. They are friendly with my small children, and accommodating to any reasonable request. I cannot think of one bad thing about the place.
(5)Vernon O.
I was here 3 yrs ago and it was really great. I returned w much disappointment. For a small town Restauarnt they have Big prices and small portions usually common in fancy big city places. The soup was temperate warm, the duck was a bit dry and not fresh.
(3)Kathy P.
This was the best Thai food I've had in the Poconos. You need to get their early since they don't take reservations. Once you get in, it's worth it. The food was delicious, and so was dessert. We tried the chocolate & Pistacchio cakes (not on the menu).
(4)Heather R.
This restaurant is a little out of the way to drive but boy does the food make up for it ! I had the #28 Chicken Curry...It was amazing !!! My friends food was good as well. The portions were large and the service was great ! I will go here to eat again the next time we are in town ....We have an amazing Thai restaurant where we live and this place Saen blew it out of the water !!! You won't be disappointed !!
(5)Karen B.
By far, the best Thai food I have ever had. Worth the wait... One of my TOP 5 restaurants of all times!
(5)AJ M.
What can I say about Saen? It's great. Well worth the 20 minute wait in the cold. Everything we had was delicious. This is going to be a regular place for us.
(5)K T.
Cute little place with great food for the money. We've been there twice with a baby and have no complaints on the service or the food. The lunch special is an amazing deal. Great place!
(5)Caroline S.
I ordered the mee krob and wasn't disappointed!! Then the beef curry!
(5)Sharon M.
The only negative was that there was a 45 minute wait on a Wednesday at about 7 pm, because we were a party of 5. If you are a party of two, you will be seated more quickly. This is an amazing place with the best Thai food and amazing, authentic decor. We ordered steamed dumplings, chicken satay, beef orange, and yellow curry dish which were all good. The shrimp fried rice and honey ribs were not our favorite, but the curry, white rice and dumplings were REALLY good. The owner is very involved and will tell you about the decor if you ask. I loved going here. My kids liked it too. They had the satay (chicken) with the sauce on the side and shrimp fried rice.
(5)matthew l.
I agree with everyone else about Saen. Its small, crowded, charming, sometimes very busy, but awesome, everytime! It is the reason I enjoy day trips to the poconos in the summertime. I always leave feeling good and satisfied. Honestly, never had a bad meal here. My favorite thai restaurant! Steamed seafood dumplings, the jumbo shrimp curries, and, although I can't remember what they are called, the appetizer of little pastry pockets filled with goodness. Love, love, love you Saen!
(5)Scott S.
Went after reading the rave reviews here on yelp. Kid friendly (took my 3 and 5 year olds). Staff hurried and busy but friendly and attentive. Was totally empty when we arrived (5PM on a Wed early March) and by 5:30 every table was full and there were people waiting at the door. Food? Fantastic. Had two different soups, pad Thai, Satay, beef curry. All were awesome. We are NYC foodies and this was really, really good. Reasonably priced, too. Go! :)
(5)Cherry G.
What a cute little place! The owner was so sweet and kept checking on our table... The food was amazing! Very busy for 6 pm! Must be a good sign ;)
(5)Nicole C.
First time ever trying Thai food. Waitress was very helpful and knew what she was talking about. You have to order the fried banana!!
(5)Lisa B.
Love this place! Very small but that adds to the charm of this restaurant. Have eaten there and got take out several times- always a great meal!!
(5)Joyce O.
This is a solid Thai restaurant. I am only slightly disappointed in the Pad Thai (I still order it but I have had better) and the peanut sauce with the satay. Otherwise the soups are excellent and the green chicken curry is addictive. The service is fast and efficient and always friendly. The restaurant is small and can get crowded, especially with all the customers arriving to pick up takeout. I have been many times and taken friends and we have always enjoyed ourselves. Thai food is some of the best food in the world
(4)Ken H.
Excellent Thai food! Great Satay and House Special Fried Rice. Shrimp and mushrooms in all of the dishes were great. It is very busy but didnt wait too long for a table. Highly recommend.
(5)Marley S.
I really love Thai food, and this was no exception! You can tell the place is very popular, nearly all tables were full, and a line had started at around a half hour before the place opened (on a Wednesday). It was also reasonably priced. Service was very respectable. The only tiny problem I had is that the food was not as spicy as I would have liked it. Either way it was wonderful!
(4)Jen L.
This is a tale of the city mouse who travels to the mountains once a year for the best Thai food she's ever had. I would never guess that the sleepy mountain town of Shawnee on Delaware would have Thai food better than Philadelphia China Town, but they do! I go to the Poconos yearly for a week and go to Saen at least twice in that week. For dinner last Saturday I had green curry and my MMM (main man muncher) had Masseum Curry along with orders of Chicken Coconut milk soup and lemon grass soup. Perfect levels of spice, nice balance of veggies and chicken. Lunch for me was chicken with basil, broccoli, and onions in a brown sauce, made spicy upon my request and more coconut milk soup, MMM had yellow curry and spring rolls. Lunch specials include soup or spring rolls, coconut soup was an additional charge, but well worth the cost. Everything is always fresh and tasty with the perfect balance of spices.The owners come around and chat with everyone, a nice personalization. The only draw back is that they have 14 tables and no place to wait when it gets crowded, but the wait is well worth it!
(5)Alex F.
Excellent food and very good service once seated. Very reasonably priced. We ordered two Singha beer, an order of spring rolls, a Green curry, and a Panang Curry for less than $40! The restaurant is small and popular with the locals. There was a 45 minute wait at 6:00pm. (This was in early August) The host underestimates the wait time so if he says 20-30 minutes expect 30-45. They seem to be good at everything except clearing and resetting the tables when guests leave. There is only limited seating in front of the restaurant if you are waiting and there is no place to wait inside. There were several big groups waiting; a party of 5 and of 8. I would definitely go back. The quality of the meal would make this place a winner in any market. Its location in the Poconos, which seems to be an area short on quality restaurants makes this place an absolute gem.
(5)Chris C.
One of my fav places to eat at or get takeout. Love the tables to the left when you walk in in the corner..very cool hand carved wooden table tops with glass covering. Outstanding atmosphere, service, and food. Always leave happy!
(5)InternQ G.
I feel like if you are going to open a Thai restaurant you should have the basics down. I agree with the previous reviewer in saying that the chicken satay and the pad Thai left a lot to be desired. I always go with the seafood at Thai places and this place was no exception. Overall, very tasty for the area.
(4)giovanni s.
Went back after 5 years even better than I remembered! As a New York City foodie and considerably well traveled and very well fed man .I can not say how very shocked I was at this spectacular meal.The second we walked in it smelled fantastic.We waited to be seated I watched lovingly prepared dishes pass by and was overtaken by the care that went into our simple but truly delicious dinner.We started with chicken satay that was so moist and well seasoned that I commented why this is not the norm in NYC?The sauce was incredible light yet rich,amazing, next seafood dumplings just as delicious light and homemade tasting.For our main courses I had the phad sarm sian SPECTACULAR coconut milk sauce and hints the kaffir lime leaves that were sliced so thinly that i thought it was dill huge mushrooms and more than enough beef...I asked our server and owner Boon about this he told us that he grew them himself I proceed to ask further to the sweet waitress about the restaurant and found out that Boon's wife Saen was the chef!TWENTY YEARS same place I will let my partner give his review about his meal,all I have to say that the people in this area are VERY VERY luck to get this kind of homemade cooking that is obviously made with a quite yet fierce pride...The MANGO pudding was like a light flan that was also made on premises and truly GREAT!
(5)Suami Dan Isteri Y.
This place is tiny but feels very cozy. The service is great. However, the food is below average. I guess you can't be too picky when there's not much other choices in restaurant available.
(3)Jen M.
Consistently good, cosy atmosphere, clean, friendly staff.
(5)Tina B.
Simply wonderful! Everything was great: the food, the service, the cozy ambiance. Portions are very generous and savory. Tom Kah Kay soup was slightly thicker than one I've tried at other Thai restaurants, but still very-very good! Curry dishes are just perfect! I wish there was a Thai restaurant like this close to where we live. Just perfect casual vacation dinner spot! Yummmm! :-).
(5)Corey W.
This is place is money. Best Thai I have had. We were in town to ski with some friends and went here on a recommendation from the bartender at the ski lodge - she nailed it. Very reasonable priced and great service. Intimate atmosphere but okay to show up in your ski gear...like we did. The owner even brought us some spices from the back to add to our food when he overhead us talking about adding some spice - be careful though, that shit was HOT! Good, but HOT! Had the calamari and chicken skewers to start (I think they are called Satay?) Had Drunken Noodles (on special that particular night) and Pad Thai for dinner. I know it's nothing crazy and what most people would order, but if you can't do the popular stuff well, then what can you do?! I would go here in a heart beat if we didn't live 4 hrs away.
(5)Cole S.
I love this place! I do not get to go as often as I would like. Boon is the best. Food is amazing! I've gone from no stars(spiciness) in my food to 4 stars. I have a new appreciation for a little spice!!
(5)Nisht G.
I'm giving this place 5 stars mainly for it's AMAZING tom kha soup and drunken noodles. The Tom Kha is the best I've ever had. It was loaded with chicken and vegetables, and the flavor was perfect. The drunken noodles were perfectly prepared as well. The curry dish I got was not very good, but perhaps I ordered the wrong thing. It was a red curry with shrimp and pineapple. The shrimp did not taste fresh (gross) and the pineapple was crushed into the curry, which made it all a very strange consistency. The Tom Kha was just THAT good though...
(5)Diana H.
We've been coming here at least once a year since I bought my timeshare at Shawnee. This is some of the best Thai food you'll find anywhere. If this restaurant was where I live in Florida I would be there every week! Boon and his chef/wife Saen make every meal special. The Gaen Keow Whan Kai is to die for. The spring rolls crispy and fresh and if they have curry puffs on special for appetizers THOSE are a MUST! Oh, also the chicken satay. YUM! I truly miss this place during the year, and look forward to my timeshare week in December, so we can visit Saen Thai!
(5)Tarah N.
Best Thai food of my life! My boyfriend brought me to his hometown and he's known Boon his whole life. He truly treats his known customers like family and his delicious cuisine keeps them coming back for more. My boyfriend bragged so much of this place and I'd say it lived up to my expectations!
(5)Alicia J.
This place was in the middle of what one might consider the middle of no where. The food was really great and so was the service. I loved the decor very Asian like. I would definitely visit again. I enjoyed the scenic drive down the winding road.
(4)Tina P.
Small, cozy romantic restaurant. Always busy even when they just open! It is missing the last star due to the fact that we really can't choose whether we want spicy or not, but this is definitely a good place to come once in the blue moon when you have a craving for Thai food. (as there really aren't many restaurants in the area). We have ordered the chicken skewers, boon chicken - which both tasted amazing. The entree I usually get the beef in green curry and over rice -YUM! The pad thai is average. Thai iced tea or coffee - yummy. Service is great and I think the owner does his walks around to see how everything is which is nice. Price is fair too but it is my place to go when I have a Thai food craving.
(4)Bob K.
Love, Love, Love coming to this place! Food is the best Thai I have experienced ever! Love the Drunkin noodle, to the soups, and the citrus tea. Can not say enough of how good it is here. Sometimes there is a wait outside, but even if they expanded you would still probably have to wait! It's that good. Friendly owners and staff...check it out for yourself!
(5)Phil H.
Worst dinner experience ever. Took an hour and a half for only most of our dishes to come out. People who came in after us got their food, ate, and left before we even had a chance to eat. Ended up cancelling the dishes that didn't arrive and calling it quits. Sub par Thai food, and even smaller portion sizes at expensive prices. Definitely ruined a Saturday night. Would not recommend this restaurant.
(1)Linda T.
Excellent authentic Thai food. Small cozy atmosphere with outstanding staff always friendly and working to provide a great dining experience. You won't find better anywhere. I have been here many times and never anything less than wonderful. It does get busy and there can be a line but it is well worth the wait or call ahead and try take out.
(5)E M.
We had a wonderful meal here on a Friday night. It is a small place that does not take reservations, so a wait is possible. We were able to get in pretty quickly and had excellent service. We had the Tom kha soup, green curry and drunken noodle, all which were wonderfully delicious. So glad we found this place!
(5)Adam B.
Service is slow. Food is ok but the prices are cheap so I can't knock them too hard on that... Overall I was pretty disappointed given the high marks on yelp. They only have a single type of beer, sing ha, with "some wine" that was described just like that -- I don't even know whether it was red or white. Seemed like there were a lot of regulars that knew the owner and service staff .... I found the place to be a little dirty.
(3)Katie L.
My partner in crime and I went up to the Shawnee Inn for a weekend getaway this winter and after reading bad reviews of the brewpub, we opted to go to Saen instead. It's one of the best decisions we made the entire trip. We were seated right away, though they were very busy and every party after us had to wait. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, despite the fact that they were slammed. I had a type of curry I never tried, and it was phenomenal. The Tom Kha soup was the best I've had at any Thai restaurant, ever. My partner had the drunken noodles, which were also fantastic. Totally not what I was expecting in such a small town. The only reason I didn't give the restaurant five stars is because the service was slow. It was 100% absolutely worth the wait, though! We'll definitely go back the next time we're in the area. If you're planning to go, get there early, or expect to wait a bit.
(4)Bunty A.
Excellent Thai dishes, except for the Pad Thai we had at lunch, which seemed a bit greasy. A yellow curry, soup, spring rolls, and dishes I cannot remember the names of were rich, flavourful and filling. My only quibble is that the dining room is dark, even at lunch time. Service was fast and friendly.
(4)Scott F.
Always look forward to eating at Boons place. The food is always great, nice atmosphere and Boon knows how hot I like my food.
(5)Mike K.
Wow how did I miss this place all these years? Everything was delicious. Kids tore up the chicken satay. Green curry was scrumptious. Very simple flavors done well. Desserts were awesome too. Place is a little small and service trailed off as the meal went on a more people showed up. I guess if the only bad thing is that too many people want to come, how bad can that be?
(4)Scott M.
I come into town about every month from Syracuse, NY. I have my dinner here every time I visit! Tonight I had the best Panang curry I've ever had!! It was perfection. I've never had a bad meal at Saen, and I don't expect I ever will because they seem to care very much about consistent excellence! I wanted this to be my little secret discovery, but people are finding it more and more. Very highly recommended!!!
(5)Christy K.
I've eaten Thai food all over the world and the best I've ever had is at Saen Thai Cuisine. This establishment has it all - outstanding food, tremendous atmosphere, wonderful owners. I've lived in this area for 15 years and it's always been a consistent and positive experience.
(5)Shoo P.
Curry was severely lacking spice and goopy. Tasted like heavy cream, not coconut milk. It was too cold inside, but the aesthetics were lovely.
(2)Rob L.
Keeping it short and simple: excellent Thai food; wonderful, friendly service; and a staff that truly cares about your experience here. Very unassuming exterior, and not too many frills inside either... just great food served by great people. What more could you ask for?
(5)Josh F.
Very good Thai food for the area. The staff are very friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and quaint, it can be small if it's packed...which can also mean a bit of a wait sometimes. Basic Thai entrees, which can be ordered to your spice liking...pretty standard. If your up in the woods there, it's the best place for food in my opinion.
(4)