For as long as I can remember, Sri Thai has been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a favorite place for my family and me in Hoboken. Having lived in Jersey City for more than 18 years — Sri Thai has been our favorite go-to spot for every celebration, family dinner, and occasion that calls for the comfort of authentic Thai cuisine. But now, I’m facing the unexpected reality of saying goodbye to our beloved restaurant. Rumor has it that Sri Thai has closed its doors for good. It’s been nearly a month since they last served a plate of their famous pad thai or any dish. While I hope this isn’t the end, I feel compelled to pay tribute to the place that has meant so much to me and countless others who call Hoboken home.
For those of you who never had the chance to visit Sri Thai, let me describe what made this place so special. A small, humble place, Sri Thai sits in the corner of a quiet street at 234 Bloomfield St. In the serene setting, adorned with Buddha figures and bamboo plants, you can smell the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked Thai food. Our family’s order rarely changed: two chicken pad thai, one green curry, two shrimp or chicken skewers, four spring rolls, and two servings of mango sticky rice. Each dish represented the culinary talent of the chefs, but personally, for me, it was the chicken pad thai that had me enamored. It’s simply the best with its perfectly seasoned chicken and balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Sri Thai was more than great food, it was also about the experience. Every time you peer above the counter you can catch a glimpse of the food being prepared fresh. And for someone like me, who struggles with a sensitive stomach, this freshness made all the difference. Sri Thai was one of the few places where I could indulge to my heart’s content without fear of regretting it later. The food arrives fresh from the kitchen, clouded with steam. Though dishes are served fast, the attention to detail that goes into the food is unmatched. It wasn’t until I ventured out of Hoboken to different places like Miami and a cruise to Aruba that I gained a newfound appreciation for the Thai food at Sri Thai; both experiences resulted in terrible stomach aches. These experiences made me realize just how special Shri Thai was; their food wasn’t just delicious, it was prepared with a level of care and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere. On my last few visits, however, I noticed slight signs of change. The once fully stocked dessert menu was suddenly lacking, with their iconic mango sticky rice—one of my favorite treats—frequently unavailable. The dessert was a delightful conclusion to the meal, with the perfect combination of coconut and mango. The contrast of cold mango and warm rice created an enjoyable experience, resulting in a euphoric blend of flavors.
I truly hope that I will once again be able to walk through the door of Sri Thai and sit at the same table we always sit at, near the windows with the red curtains. From there, you can watch the chill Hoboken lifestyle as you enjoy your delicious Thai food. So, to Sri Thai, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for the countless meals, the warm hospitality, and the memories that will linger long after the last plate of pad thai and mango sticky rice has been served. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
