Osha Thai on the Embarcadero
Friday, July 10, 2009
Pad Thai, Osha, $10
If you’re local, you’ve probably already identified your neighborhood Osha. A wildly popular chain in SF serving affordable and tasty Thai food, there is an Osha outpost wherever you turn in this city (Geary, Valencia, 2nd St., Union, Embarcadero).
The Embarcadero locale is the one I frequent the most, and as we discovered a few weeks ago, is the perfect spot for a fancyish group dinner without the fancy prices. We ordered 5 dishes for 6 of us and feasted family style for $17/person including tax and tip.
The ambiance/decor is sexy tropical Asian, think rich colors, exotic statues, orchids, and a demure hostess dressed to the nines. The food hits the spot with that addictive combination of great textures and bright flavors that makes me constantly crave Thai cuisine. Coconut milk curries, chili heat, thai basil, fresh lime, crunchy bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, noodles that are full of what we Chinese call “wok hei.” That savory, magical flavor that can only come out of a high heat, seasoned wok.
When I’m craving Thai, chances are, I want one of two things. Pad Thai or Pad See Ew. While the Pad Thai with shrimp at Jaiya in NY is still my favorite (oh, while we’re reminiscing about NY Thai, the Curry Puffs at Spice! OMG they make me weak in the knees.), this staple dish at Osha does the trick.
Pad See Ew, Osha, $9
I could eat this Pad See Ew all day. So. Good. Made with broad, flat rice noodles, pan fried with Chinese broccoli, egg, a black bean soy sauce, and your choice of chicken, beef, pork, or tofu, this dish is a popular street food in Thailand.
Pumpkin Curry, Osha, $13
The Pumpkin Curry is another favorite at Osha. Kabocha pumpkin, chicken and bell pepper in a red curry sauce topped with crispy yam slices. The perfect dish for these chilly SF “summer” nights. I love the mild sweetness of the pumpkin mixed with the coconut milk-based curry that I would lick out of the bowl.
Duck Curry, Osha, $14
The great thing about dining family style with a big group is you have the freedom to get a little adventurous after you’ve ordered all your go-to “must haves.” Our wild card was the Duck Curry, and boy did we get lucky…it may have just earned its place as a new “must have.” Made with the same coconut milk, tomato, red curry, (and maybe…I dunno, crack?) base as the Pumpkin Curry, this version has a rich flavor or duck infused rather than pumpkin, and some lovely chunks of pineapple for a subtle sweetness. The slices of roasted duck arranged on top are crispy, succulent, and perfect.
Chocolate Mousse Hazelnut Crunch, Osha
Our Chocolate Mousse Hazelnut Crunch dessert reminded me of Ferrero Rocher chocolates (those golden nuggets of goodness), with layers of silky chocolate mousse with crispy chocolate wafer pieces crumbled in and hazelnut praline.
All in all, a great night out full of good food and good friends!
Hua and TLP lick my spoon!
Yay Dirty Dozen Hope Colleggge! Yay Bruno! Yay Hua and Katie!
4 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 788-6742
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In my last job, I worked less than a block away from Osha’s and never tried them, it just did not look legit, but based on your review I’ll have to give them a chance.
I’ve never heard of this place, but sounds like a great place to go. Last time I tried a Thai restaurant in downtown SF, it was a bit dissapointing. So I haven’t been adventurous enough to try other casual Thai places since then. Looking at your photos makes me want to go there right now!
Well, now I’m hungry! That pumpkin curry and the chocolate mousse look fabulous.
that is some great presentation and also pad see ew is heaven
mmm hmmm my kind of heaven.
Aren’t the food at Osha awesome?! I can’t believe they first started in the TL.
My mom loves Thai food! Next time we’re in the city, we’ll definitely check it out!
I love Osha! This is usual place for Thai in the city (at least once every other week)… I recommend the Pineapple Fried Rice or the Volcanic Beef. Yummm!!!
mmm thanks for the recos! sounds delish. i’ll have to try them my next time there.
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