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Sawadee! If you are looking for a genuine home cooked Thai meal you can stop by Somjai House in Mangilao. After several decades of operating freestandingThai restaurants on Guam, Somjai Vongjalorn has made the brilliant decision to operate her restaurant from her house! After all, this is where she raised her sons (all grown men now). She can cook anytime and doesn’t really have a set schedule. If you see an open sign on her door than feel free to go in and enjoy your meal.
I’d been meaning to stop by and see Somjai (the last time was when she helped her daughter-in-law Soraya at Bangkok Cuisine). She is such a delightful person who loves to share her passion for cooking. She has created a kitchen and dining area by enclosing the carport You are only a few feet away from her as she cooks. It’s like having a personal chef. Better still this is Momma Somjai’s home and you are an invited guest! Zee and I stopped by on a Saturday for lunch. She suggested I try a combination of her two popular appetizers - the Deep Fried Pork and Deep Fried Chicken, costing $10 (half/half). This comes with a sweet chili dipping sauce. The pork and chicken pieces are cut into long strips and are breaded. They are crispy and nearly greaseless, and very tasty.
Zee ordered the Vegetarian Pad Thai ($8.00), which was beautifully presented. I had a few bites of these tasty noodles. One thing about Thai food is you can always find a way to eliminate meat and still have a fabulously delicious Thai dining experience.
My main dish was Pad Kapao Shrimp ($10), which is laden with garlic and basil. The shrimp are plump and juicy and the broth excited the palate. She used a special rice called Thai Hom Mali Rice. It seems to be a bit sweeter than some others I’ve had. Somjai’s menu is simple and offers some of the more popular selections like Tom Yum, Steamed Blue Mussels, Penang Chicken, Beef Salad and Thai Curries. Somjai has a unique way of making guests feel right at home, and if she’s not cooking, she’s engaging you in a conversation. Stop by and eat at Somjai House. You’ll feel right at home!
Bon Appetit!
