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 [ Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 ]
Simply delicious
Viet Thai offers scrumptious food in an understated environment
Reviewed by Meghan Day
Collegian Staff Writer
An excellent menu and casual ambiance sure, but some of the best restaurants in State College don't even have knives on their tables. As is the case with Viet Thai Restaurant, 146 N. Atherton St., a tasty but understated eatery where chopsticks are the cutlery of choice.
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PHOTO: Stephanie McDermott
Customers of Viet Thai Restaurant are treated to large portions at inexpensive prices.
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In the building next to the local bus station, the entrance may only be marked by a hand-written sign on the wooden door but vaulted ceilings with swirling fans, dark green marble-like tables, not to mention a unique cuisine are tucked away within this hidden treat.
The menu, which remains the same for both lunch and dinner, offers several options for diners interested in trying one of the only Vietnamese and Thai restaurants in the area. One can enjoy pho -- a type of noodle soup -- rice platters, vermicilli -- a type of noodle dish -- curry entrees as well as several special vegetarian offerings. One important thing to note is that all of the entrees cost under $10, particularly great if you are eating on a budget. You also get plenty of food for the dollars you spend. Served in beautiful porcelain dishes, the nicely presented entrees typically overflow from their respective containers. For an appetizer, the Vietnamese spring rolls, different from the Thai version, make a great choice. Served cold, instead of fried, and with a spicy peanut sauce, shrimp, pork and chicken along with several greens are wrapped precisely in fine rice paper. A blend of several textures and tastes, it will start your meal off on the right taste bud. The pork and spring roll vermicilli, my choice for an entrée, makes a nice selection for those unfamiliar with this variety of food. A heaping bowl of noodles is accompanied with a fried spring roll, which is quite similar to an egg roll, shredded pork, and crushed peanuts. It is also served with cucumber, basil and sprouts for an extra touch.
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PHOTO: Stephanie McDermott
Viet Thai Restaurant, 146 N. Atherton St., features an austere decor.
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The pho, available in many different varieties, is an excellent lunch option. Pork, shrimp and many other choices may be added to noodles cooked in an excellent broth.
While I did not opt for dessert you can choose from several selections of ice cream, including green tea, red bean, mango and plum. Perhaps the highlight of my meal, however, was my refreshing glass of fresh coconut juice. Served with large slices of coconut mixed in, the juice is a great change from the typical beverage and is a lovely complement to the meal. I did not get to sample them, but the restaurant also serves Thai iced milk tea and coffee. The speedy service only complemented the delicious food, by providing insights into pronunciation as well as helping with understanding what was being served. The surroundings are not very elaborate but they do not deter you from the food. The bamboo window shades and vases of roses on each table are simple, but appropriate touches. Chopsticks may abound, but it is a feat worth mastering to experience such a pleasant taste in an equally lovely environment. But yes, you can use a fork. 
PHOTO: Stephanie McDermott
Unique Thai and Vietnamese dishes are served at Viet Thai, 146 N. Atherton St.
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