Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sai Jai Thai – San Francisco
Sai Jai Thai - San Francisco
Photo from Sai Jai Thai
Sai Jai Thai at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1449 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#29 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
290
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Pork Shoulder
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Unwelcoming Service
- Tired Decor
- Rough Area
The restaurant, a charming Thai eatery in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. At Sai Jai Thai, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
What truly sets this spot apart is its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re craving healthy options or exploring vegetarian and vegan dishes, this San Francisco gem has something for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Sai Jai Thai
Sai Jai Thai offers genuinely delicious and authentic Thai dishes, with many praising the standout pork shoulder. However, some experiences point to occasional bland flavors in certain items, suggesting a degree of inconsistency.
While the service is generally described as friendly and efficient, a few customers have encountered less welcoming interactions. The restaurant also provides good value, though its overall setting might not appeal to everyone.
Good
7.2
out of 10
290
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
72
negative
17
neutral
201
positive
Sai Jai Thai earns a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction sits at 69.3%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
This assessment is drawn from 290 customer comments, with 201 positive and 72 negative observations. The Food (7.4) is clearly a strong point, frequently highlighted for its quality.
Service (7.3) and Value (7.2) also receive good marks, contributing positively to the experience. However, the Ambience (5.1) lags behind, often noted for its more basic or less appealing aspects.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent pork shoulder
- Friendly, fast service
- Good value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unwelcoming service
- Basic, tired decor
- Challenging location/area
If you prioritize flavorful, authentic Thai cuisine and good value over a polished dining room, Sai Jai Thai is certainly worth considering. The pork shoulder in particular seems to be a consistent crowd-pleaser.
With a recommendation score of 7.5, it suggests a solid choice for many, though be prepared for a no-frills setting and potentially varied service experiences. It’s a place for those who focus on the plate.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sai Jai Thai
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 72.9%, the general consensus is good. Many rave about the authentic Thai food, especially the delicious grilled pork shoulder and flavorful dishes, which are frequently highlighted among the 148 positive remarks out of 203 total opinions.
However, its not all perfect. Some experiences point to bland flavors, with dishes occasionally lacking essential seasonings or having a watery consistency, particularly with curries. A few found certain items, like the soda manao, to be overly sweet, contributing to the 48 negative comments.
Food
203
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
48
negative
7
neutral
148
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai food
- Delicious pork shoulder
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Bland flavors
- Watery curries
- Overly sweet items
Often praised
- foodDespite the unappealing street view and the simple, somewhat tired decor, my experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, primarily due to the amazing food and excellent service. Everything we ordered was delicious and authentic. The Pork Shoulder, which is highly recommended by other reviewers, truly lived up to the hype and was rave-worthy.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was that of a hole in the wall offering straight up Thai food. The food was reasonably priced, and I particularly enjoyed the delicious whole fish and the coffee.
- pork shoulderMy experience at this restaurant was highlighted by the excellently smoked and tender pork shoulder and the smoky sweet half BBQ chicken. These dishes were the standout items on their great Thai menu.
- Pad Thaiall the regular offerings like Pad Thai
- Pork Shouldertheir Pork Shoulder is one of the best dish
- papaya saladMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive, largely due to a few standout dishes. I really like the pork shoulder, fried chicken bones, and papaya salad. While I've tried other dishes, these are absolute must-orders for me.
- pork shoulder fried riceTheir pork shoulder fried rice is Aloi and Amazing!!!
- BBQ porkWe ordered the BBQ pork and beef.
- Pad See EwI enjoyed both meals (Panang Curry and Pad See Ew)
- beef noodle soupBeef noodle soup was hearty and umami and so comforting!!
Frequently criticized
- pad Thaiflavorful pad Thai though, I will say it was a bit underwhelming
- Jasmine riceJasmine rice was actually 3 Ladies rice
- Kao soyit came back without egg noodle, only with crispy garnish
- MSG and saltDespite having encountered subpar Thai takeout before, this visit was particularly disappointing. It seemed that MSG and salt were notably absent from their dishes, resulting in astonishingly bland flavors across all offerings. The fried chicken fried rice was peculiar, resembling chicken katsu atop Chinese fried rice, and lacked the characteristic darker hue of authentic Thai fried rice.
- Penang curryPenang curry (too liquidy)
- Thai foodworst tasteless bland stale Thai food I have ever had
- Tom YumAbsolutely awful Tom Yum - just spicy water with mushrooms
- authentic Thai foodmove away from authentic Thai food
- authentic Thai fried ricelacked the characteristic darker hue that signifies authentic Thai fried rice
- bell pepperthe bell pepper were raw and burnt at the same time
If youre craving authentic Thai flavors and dont mind the occasional inconsistency, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their standout pork shoulder. Just be mindful that some dishes might lack the punch you expect or lean a bit sweet.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 72.5%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 40 comments, 29 rave about the friendly and professional staff, often highlighting the great service and quick wait times, even noting their willingness to customize orders.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few of the 8 negative remarks point to some less-than-stellar interactions, with terms like waitress attitude and unfriendly employees popping up. Some guests unfortunately encountered what they described as terrible service from certain staff members.
Service
40
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, professional staff
- Quick service
- Customizable orders
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff attitude
- Terrible service
Often praised
- serviceboth times the service was really fast
- staffThe staff were really friendly and willing to customize
- Servicethe service is fine
- businessPleased to support this business with Gratitude.
- customize based on requestThey are able to customize based on request for vegetarians.
- friendly and professionalStaff was friendly and professional
- great serviceAuthentic thai food, great service.
- preparation timePrepared and ready in 10 minutes
- prompt with call-in ordersthey are prompt with call-in orders
- serversAs a Thai person, I can confidently say this is the most authentic Thai spot I've tried in San Francisco so far! It's a no-frills, hole in the wall place, so don't expect much in terms of ambience, but the food is amazing and the servers are really friendly. They offer a large variety of Thai food, but the highlights are the grilled pork neck and som tum (papaya salad), which taste exactly like they do back home.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service of today terrible by the waitress
- attitudeShe was giving the attitude as soon as we went into the restaurant
- employees are unfriendlythe employees are unfriendly
- new ownerabsolute worst since the new owner has taken over
- ordering timeI visited this place in December 2019 around 10 PM. A waitress, who appeared to be Asian, told us we had five minutes to order, and there were four of us. We ordered quickly, and the food tasted good.
- staffStaff were very condescending too they seemed very annoyed to even take my order
- waitressthe waitress who served us was a wild
Overall, you can generally expect good service here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few isolated reports of less-than-ideal interactions, the majority of experiences suggest a positive visit. If quick, customizable service with a smile is what you're after, this place is usually a safe bet.
Ambience (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many appreciate the nice quiet vibe and good atmosphere, often describing it as a charming mom and pop shop. Despite an average score of 5.1, there are 8 positive remarks highlighting these pleasant aspects, suggesting a certain appeal for those seeking a particular kind of place. However, the overall customer satisfaction for ambience sits at a rather low 30.8%, indicating significant concerns.
A major drawback is the location, frequently described as an unsafe area or rough area, coupled with difficult parking and even a strong restaurant smell. These issues appear in 13 negative comments.
Ambience
26
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice quiet vibe
- Mom and pop shop
- Good atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unsafe area
- Difficult parking
- Restaurant smell
Often praised
- atmosphereclean, excellent atmosphere
- placeThe workers are very friendly and understandable. I really admire this place a bunch for how greatly it's been these past 2 years I've been showing up 🥰. It's an absolute must-visit if you're hungry and craving some special Thai.
- bathroomSoap in the bathroom
- mom and pop shopIt's a small mom and pop shop
- nice quiet vibeMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive, marked by a nice quiet vibe. The food was good overall.
Frequently criticized
- areaThe area is pretty sketchy outside
- parkingnot as convenient for parking
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- TenderloinTheir pork shoulder fried rice is Aloi and Amazing! I have to warn you though, it's in the Tenderloin! Be brave!
- decorsimple set up and tired decor
- hair netsat least one of the people cooking in the kitchen was not wearing any hair nets
- homeless individualsmany homeless individuals around
- locationthe location can be a problem
- restaurant smellrestaurant smelled like straight up wet dog.
- rough areaUnfortunately in a rough area
If you're seeking a cozy, unpretentious mom and pop atmosphere and can overlook a challenging location and parking situation, this spot might work. However, be prepared for a potentially rough area and some strong negative opinions about the overall experience.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Diving into the value, its clear this place hits the mark for many! Diners frequently praise the affordable spot and great price, often highlighting the reasonable prices and the overall great value. With a good score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a strong 76.2%, it’s evident that most of the 16 positive comments out of 21 total reviews reflect a happy wallet.
However, not everyone was thrilled. A few customers, 3 to be exact, raised concerns about the tip policy, specifically an automatically collected 18%. There were also mentions of overcharging on dishes, where some felt the price didnt match the value received.
These are minor points compared to the positives, but worth noting.
Value
21
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Fairly priced
What people don't like
- Automatic tip policy
- Overcharging dishes
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, which was also offered at a really good price. The staff was incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful with anything we needed.
- PricesPrices are reasonable
- affordable spotgreat affordable spot
- fairly pricedSai Jai Thai is fairly priced
- great priceThen they usually tell me they love "pad thai"🤣 Sai Jai is my favorite Thai restaurant in the Bay Area! Nothing fancy, simply very delicious food and great price. Their pork shoulder fried rice is Aloi and Amazing!
- priced foodreasonably priced food
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed awesome Thai food at affordable prices. The service was quick, and the food was super tasty.
- reasonable pricesthe prices are reasonable
- valueoffer such great value
Frequently criticized
- overcharging on dishesovercharging on dishes; they charged me $24
- priceit didn’t cost it’s price
- tipDue to the policy, the tip (18%) was collected automatically
If youre looking for a place that offers good food without breaking the bank, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While a few found issues with automatic tips or perceived overcharging, the overwhelming sentiment is that youll find great value here. It's a solid choice for an affordable and satisfying meal.
How are the prices at Sai Jai Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks actually spend, most prices cluster nicely around this average, with the biggest group spending between $21–$30.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Thai spot in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sai Jai Thai
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Experience After New Ownership
I've been a loyal customer for over 10 years, but my recent experience was the absolute worst since the new owner took over. I ordered my usual Kao soy, a dish I've enjoyed for years and which was always perfect, comparable to the authentic version in Chiang Mai. However, this time it arrived without the egg noodles, only with a crispy garnish.
This significant change in preparation was a major letdown.
- Kao soy2
- egg noodle2
- crispy garnish2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience today was terrible due to the service. I absolutely love the food here, but the service provided by the waitress was awful, as if I were asking for something for free. I ended up leaving without eating.
- food5
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best BBQ Pork Shoulder Fried Rice!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially the food. The #41 BBQ Pork Shoulder Fried Rice is simply the best, and the sauce is to die for. 😋👌🏼 While the area is a bit rough, as a local, I find the #41 dish to be absolutely worth it.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the food also received a perfect 5/5. The atmosphere was rated 3/5, with moderate noise. The wait time was up to 10 minutes, and the price per person is around $10–20.
- #41 BBQ Pork Shoulder Fried Rice10
- sauce10
- service10
- area3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Overpriced and a Scam
My experience at this restaurant was a complete scam. I would advise anyone not to go here! They were overcharging on dishes; they charged me $24 for shrimp fried rice and peanut sauce, and that was it.
- overcharging on dishes1
- shrimp fried rice2
- peanut sauce2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Sticky Rice, Laab, and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with some specific dishes standing out. I thoroughly enjoyed the sticky rice, laab, and miang kham. The som tam was also fine.
I tried the soda manao Singha for the first time, but I would skip it in the future as it was too sweet and tasted like Sprite. I also opted to skip the bik gai tod because I prefer it dry-fried, and this version was served with sauce. The service was super friendly and polite.
The bathroom had soap. It was a good dinner before a concert nearby, and I'll definitely be back for more meats and salads.
- sticky rice9
- laab9
- miang kham9
- soda manao Singha3
- bik gai tod4
What Sai Jai Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Sai Jai Thai accessible and suitable for families?
Absolutely! You’ll find Sai Jai Thai is wheelchair accessible, with both an accessible entrance and seating. Plus, it’s a great spot for kids, offering high chairs to ensure comfort for your little ones during your casual dining experience in San Francisco.
What kind of dining options and service can you expect at Sai Jai Thai?
At Sai Jai Thai, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with convenient table service. They also offer catering, takeout, and delivery, making it easy to savor their healthy, vegan, and vegetarian small plates wherever you are in Little Saigon.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Sai Jai Thai?
Sai Jai Thai holds an overall score of 7.2, with Food (7.4), Service (7.3), and Value (7.2) receiving good marks, while Ambience (5.1) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Sai Jai Thai?
Many customers praise the delicious and authentic Thai food, frequently highlighting the excellently smoked and tender pork shoulder as a standout dish.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience?
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent food quality, occasionally bland flavors, and an unwelcoming service attitude. The basic decor and surrounding area are also mentioned.