New Wave of Regional Thai Restaurants

Bay Area Thai dining is shifting toward regional, nostalgic, home-style, protein-focused, and chef-driven cooking. Saam’s national recognition and Oakland’s Payakk add momentum alongside Glom Thai, Song Wat, Ka Kai, Ruay Mitr, Chom Thai Kitchen, HolyShred, and Souk Savanh2.0; a detailed Saam review praises some dishes but criticizes uneven execution and questions a nearly $300 dinner for two. Piggie’s remains a timely Montclair opening lead pending fire-inspection clearance.