Finding decent Thai food in a city obsessed with fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits is harder than you’d think. Savannah is a culinary powerhouse, sure, but the international scene can sometimes feel like an afterthought compared to the heavy hitters on Broughton Street. That’s where The King and I Savannah GA comes in. It isn't flashy. It isn't trying to be a "fusion" experiment with a celebrity chef. It’s just remarkably consistent, tucked away in a strip mall on 70th Street, and honestly, that’s exactly why locals love it.
If you’re looking for a white-tablecloth experience with a view of the Savannah River, keep walking. This isn't that. But if you want the kind of Pad Thai that actually has that elusive smoky wok hei flavor, you’ve found the spot.
The Reality of Dining at The King and I Savannah GA
Most people stumble upon this place because they’re tired of the wait times downtown. Let's be real: trying to get a table at The Grey or Olde Pink House on a Friday night requires the planning skills of a military general. Meanwhile, The King and I Savannah GA sits quietly in the midtown area, serving up massive portions of Green Curry to people who actually live here.
The interior is classic. You know the vibe—intricate wood carvings, gold-flecked accents, and that specific calm that only exists in family-run Thai restaurants. It feels like 1995 in the best possible way. The service is fast. Like, really fast. You’ll barely have time to check your phone before a steaming bowl of Tom Kha soup hits the table.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Don't just default to the Pad Thai. I mean, it’s good. It’s reliable. But the real magic is in the Crispy Duck. In many Savannah restaurants, "crispy" is a suggestion. Here, it's a promise. They serve it with a basil sauce that has enough kick to remind you you’re alive without ruining your taste buds for the rest of the week.
The spice levels are another thing.
Savannah has a weird relationship with heat. Some places think black pepper is "spicy." The King and I Savannah GA does not play those games. If you ask for "Thai Hot," make sure your affairs are in order. It’s an honest heat. It builds. It’s the kind of spicy that makes your forehead bead up but keeps you coming back for one more bite of that red curry.
🔗 Read more: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
- The Amazing Sauce: It sounds generic, right? It’s basically a peanut-based sauce served over steamed vegetables and your choice of protein. It is arguably the best comfort food in Chatham County.
- The Spring Rolls: They’re handmade. You can tell because they aren't perfectly uniform like the frozen ones you get at the grocery store.
- Ginger Chicken: Plenty of fresh ginger. No skimping.
Why Midtown Matters for Savannah Foodies
Downtown Savannah is a beautiful trap. It’s gorgeous, walkable, and expensive. But the soul of the city's food scene has been migrating south toward Midtown for years. This is where the parking is free and the portions are geared toward hungry locals rather than tourists who just shared a praline.
The King and I Savannah GA benefits from this location. It’s right near the medical arts district and St. Joseph’s/Candler. This means at lunch, the place is packed with doctors, nurses, and students. That’s usually a gold star for any restaurant—if the people who work nearby eat there three times a week, the kitchen is doing something right.
The price point is also a breath of fresh air. In a world where a burger and fries can run you $22 in the Historic District, getting a full curry dinner with rice for under $18 feels like you’re getting away with something.
The Nuance of Thai Flavors in the South
It’s interesting to see how Thai cuisine has adapted to the Lowcountry. While The King and I Savannah GA stays pretty traditional, there’s an undeniable "southern hospitality" vibe to the service. It’s a weirdly perfect marriage. You get the complex acidity of lime and tamarind paired with a server who genuinely cares if your water glass is half empty.
One thing to note: they are closed on certain days or have specific mid-afternoon breaks. This is common for family-owned spots. Always check their current hours before you make the trek down Abercorn. Nothing hurts worse than a craving for Massaman curry only to find a "closed" sign on the door.
Addressing the "Old School" Reputation
Some critics—usually the ones who want every restaurant to look like an Apple Store—complain that the decor at The King and I Savannah GA is dated. They aren't wrong. The carpet has seen some things. The lighting isn't "Instagrammable."
💡 You might also like: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
But honestly? Who cares?
We’ve reached a point in food culture where we’re over-paying for aesthetics and under-valuing the actual skill in the kitchen. This restaurant is a reminder that a solid recipe and a hot wok matter more than Edison bulbs and exposed brick.
If you want a "concept," go to the Starland District. If you want a Panang Curry that tastes like it was made by someone who has been perfecting it for thirty years, stay right here.
The Takeout Game
Let's talk about the takeout. During the lockdowns, The King and I Savannah GA became a lifeline for the Southside. Their packaging is solid—no leaks, which is a miracle when you're dealing with coconut-milk-based soups.
Even now, you'll see a steady stream of people running in to grab brown paper bags stuffed with containers. Pro tip: if you’re ordering for a group, get the Fried Rice. It holds up better during the drive home than the noodle dishes, which can sometimes get a bit clumped if they sit too long in a plastic container.
How it Compares to Other Thai Spots in Town
Savannah doesn't have a ton of Thai options, but the ones we have are fiercely defended. You’ve got Chive Sea Bar and Lounge downtown, which is "Thai-inspired" but really more of a high-end seafood spot. Then you have Ruan Thai.
📖 Related: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
Ruan Thai is the main "rival," if you want to call it that. It’s located downtown on Broughton. It’s great for a date night because of the location. But if you talk to long-time Savannah residents, they’ll usually tell you that for the authentic stuff, you go to The King and I Savannah GA. It’s less about the "scene" and more about the sauce.
The flavors here tend to be a bit bolder. There’s a certain funkiness to the fish sauce and a richness to the coconut milk that feels more unapologetic than the "tourist-friendly" versions you find in the city center.
Small Details That Make a Difference
- The Tea: Their Thai Iced Tea is the real deal. It’s that deep orange color, topped with a thick layer of half-and-half. It’s essentially a liquid dessert.
- The Rice: They don't overcook it. It sounds simple, but so many places serve mushy jasmine rice. Here, the grains are distinct, which is vital for soaking up curry.
- The Spice Tray: If you look like you know what you're doing, they might bring out the four-compartment spice tray. Use the dried chili flakes sparingly. Use the pickled jalapeños liberally.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
First, the parking lot is a bit tight. It's shared with other businesses, and it can get chaotic during the lunch rush. Second, the lunch specials are an absolute steal. You get an entree, a soup or salad, and a spring roll for a price that makes fast food look like a rip-off.
If you’re planning a visit, try to go on a weekday evening. It’s quieter, the service is even more attentive, and you can really take your time with the menu. It’s a huge menu. It can be overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, though the staff will usually steer you toward the "volcano" dishes if you say you like spice.
The King and I Savannah GA represents a disappearing breed of restaurant. It’s a place that relies on word-of-mouth rather than a massive marketing budget. It’s a place where the owners are likely in the building. It’s a place that reminds us why we go out to eat in the first place: to eat something that tastes better than anything we could make at home.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. To get the most out of your experience at this Savannah staple, follow these steps:
- Check the Heat: Start with a "medium" even if you think you’re a spice pro. You can always add more chili, but you can't take it out once your mouth is on fire.
- Explore the Specialties: Look at the "Chef’s Specials" section of the menu. This is where the more interesting seafood and duck dishes live.
- Bring a Group: Thai food is meant to be shared. Order three or four different dishes and put them in the middle of the table. The contrast between a sweet Pad See Ew and a salty, spicy Basil Beef is what makes the cuisine work.
- Time it Right: Arrive before 6:00 PM if you want to beat the local crowd, especially on Fridays.
Savannah’s food scene will continue to grow and change. New "it" spots will open every month. But The King and I Savannah GA will likely still be there on 70th Street, serving up the same consistent, high-quality Thai food it has for years. That kind of longevity isn't an accident. It’s the result of doing the basics perfectly, day after day.
Whether you're a local who hasn't been in a while or a visitor looking for an escape from the fried chicken circuit, it's worth the drive midtown. Just look for the unassuming sign and follow the smell of lemongrass and garlic.