Aroy Thai Cuisine

With its no-frills decor, friendly staff and low prices, Aroy has earned a loyal following of lunchers. Get there early or late, because during prime hours the line goes out the door and chances of getting a table are slim.

It's the light sauces that are full of flavor--not oil--that set Aroy apart. The pad thai vies for Portland's best. Spiked with chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, green onions, egg, tofu and peanuts, it explodes with tangy flavor. Chicken basil is a steaming-hot dish of lean chicken, basil leaves, mushrooms and onions in a light, fiery sauce, served over rice. Egg rolls are crisp, compact and come with a hot but sweet dipping sauce. The coconut milk soup is pungent and deeply flavorful, the broth filled with morsels of chicken, fresh mushrooms and the spice of red chili. Dinners are exceptional as well, and much less crowded.