Our dining group included much of my extended family, about 15 members and my niece who happens to be a hostess for the restaurant. It is fair to note that nothing was said about a "Food Critic" being in the group, but we were initially not going to review the Benjarong Thai Restaurant until such time as we could do so with a smaller group. But also, in fairness to the Benjarong the dining experience was exceptional.
It is fair to note that this review was done on a very busy night… with every table seated, a line at the door, and yet service seemed fast and attentive for everyone.
We were served family style plates of just about everything from the menu with my niece quietly editorializing the different dishes as they were passed around the table. It was initially assumed that we had received a fair amount of preferential treatment, but after observing the other tables such was not the case.
The plates included several soups, a semi-spicy chicken-mushroom in a slightly sour broth plus a typical egg drop soup interestingly including a touch of fresh chopped cilantro. The house specialty wonton soup was a favorite, and loaded full of pieces of chicken, shrimp and barbecued pork with loads of noodles. All very good. The salad that followed was beautifully presented as were the assortment of egg rolls and fried wontons served with a spicy sweet and sour sauce.
Passed around were plates of pepper steak beef in a soy-based sauce, garlic chicken plus several vegetable dishes and several plates of pad-thai. The curry chicken was possibly a bit spicy for some, but overall what was most impressive with the entire meal was the balance of seasonings and blending of flavors. Loads of baby corn and straw mushrooms with dashes of chopped cilantro accentuate many of the dishes; combined with the Benjarong House Style Thai rice made for an interesting meal.
We were also served many of the Benjarong House Specialties. Marinated chicken satay skewers served with a peanut sauce, plus huge shrimps on skewers. Very interesting were the “curry puffs,” which is a blend of ground chicken, onion, and potato all spiced with a liberal amount of curry.
The family meal, which was a 50th birthday party for an in-law was a huge success… and we all left commenting on just how enjoyable a meal the Benjarong Thai Restaurant had provided. Exceptionally well done; even if you do not like Thai Style Restaurants, the wonderful blending of spices and flavors is sure to make this a Redlands favorite. Be sure to try this one!
As a side note to this review; before rating this dining spot as highly as we were inclined to do so, based only on a family function hosted by one of the restaurants employees, we decided to try an unannounced lunch. Several of my lending and restaurant friends joined me for a lunch that was equally well served with the presentation confirming that the Benjarong Thai Restaurant is also an excellent business destination. The noise levels can become a bit much… but the service and pleasant atmosphere assure an enjoyable time. Prices are moderate.
