We love Chaba Thai over the years as its in our neighborhood and walkable. The people are super nice. But last night, July 20th, we ordered two Pad Thai with chicken, one MILD and one NO SPICE. And the one with NO SPICE was super spicy. Not okay. Chaba Thai should really comp our next order of Pad Thai. Couldn't eat the dish. And didn't want to have to walk back just to get a replacement last night. Very frustrating. So when you order, be very aware of what you get in your takeout bag.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Tony Arsan
Watch out for the large, metal & concrete umbrella bases placed right at the curb. Caused $200-300 damage to my new car and the Manager didn't seem to care. A little compassion goes a long way. We got none. Disappointing as I am a long time regular at this establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike
I am always scouting out for the best chicken pad thai. I'm from North Carolina and visiting, and this was the best chicken pad Thai I have had since visiting asia. hands down. The peanut sauce, oh my gosh to die for. And i'm a sauce guy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
leila alvarado
Love the food, and love the new remodel! Salted pepper chicken and shrimp fried rice is delicious!! Quick service too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marisol G Serrate
Amazing flavors 😋😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Lau
A Hidden Gem That’s Been Serving Portland for 26 Years – Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd Let me start with this: Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd is NOT the same as the other location you might have heard of. This spot is completely independently owned and operated, and it shows — in the best possible way. They’ve been a part of the Portland food scene for 26 years, which is impressive in itself, but what’s even more amazing is how fresh, welcoming, and vibrant the experience still feels.
They recently underwent a full renovation just five months ago, and the transformation is stunning. The interior is beautifully modern with elegant touches of Thai design that make it feel warm, inviting, and upscale — without losing that neighborhood charm. Whether you’re coming in for a casual lunch or a special dinner, the space feels like it can flex either way. Clean, cozy, and full of great energy.
Now, onto the most important part: the food. I ordered a solid lineup of dishes, and every single one was a 5/5. Truly. - Panang Beef Curry – Rich, creamy, and full of depth. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the curry was perfectly spiced with just the right touch of sweetness. - Papaya Salad – Fresh, zesty, and addictively crunchy. You can taste the care in the balance of lime, chili, and fish sauce. A great palate starter. - Pad Ka Prao – One of my go-to Thai dishes, and they nailed it. Wok-fried ground meat with holy basil, garlic, and chili, served with rice and an egg — full of that signature umami-rich flavor. - Spicy Chicken & Shrimp with Crisp Basil – This dish brought the heat in the best way. Perfectly cooked shrimp and chicken, tossed with crispy basil and a punchy, savory sauce. The textures were on point. - Boat Noodle Soup – A comforting bowl that felt like a hug. Deep, bold broth with rice noodles, meat, and herbs — it reminded me of street food stalls in Thailand. - Longan Juice & Coconut Juice – Refreshing, light, and authentic. The longan juice especially was a nostalgic treat. - Mango Sticky Rice – One word: heavenly. The mango was ripe and sweet, and the sticky rice had the perfect soft-chewy texture, all brought together with a silky coconut drizzle. The ideal ending to a Thai meal.
But beyond the amazing food and beautiful space, what truly elevated the experience tonight was Lexi, my server. She was absolutely phenomenal — friendly, knowledgeable, attentive without hovering, and genuinely kind. Her service felt personal, thoughtful, and warm. You can tell she cares about both her guests and the food. Lexi, thank you for making my night so memorable — you’re a star.
In short, Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd is the real deal. It’s a neighborhood staple that somehow feels like a fresh discovery. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or someone looking to explore something new, this is a place that deserves your attention and support.
I’m already planning what to order next time — and there will be a next time. Soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Weldon Miguel Rodriguez (Thr33*Psyd3z)
Food is always great at Chaba. Service is amazing, they are extremely friendly with cute smiles 😊
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Brandon Runnells
The food was really good. I tried the garlic pepper with chicken and rice and it was really good. A perfect blend of garlic and pepper
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S Dreech
my favorite thai place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Teri Huff
Lexi is my girl! She knows exactly what we order and even remembers no carrots when I forget! Great food too!!!
Tried the eggplant stir-fry and it was phenomenal. Sliverd eggplant in a delicious savory andnspicey sauce that gets my mouth watering as I think about it.
Pad thai was fantastic aswell. Great melding of rich flavors.
Only thing I didn't love was the thai tea, there wasn't much For $5 and the flavors felt weak compared to other restaurants.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai
Charmika Schuster
The staff and service are outstanding! The food was delicious and I really like the atmosphere, I would like to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donald Fontenot
It's just plain old great Thai food. I wouldn't go higher than four out of five on the spices though.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai
Juan Lopez
I love the flavors at this place. I have been there twice in the last week.. Everything has a beautiful presentation. We will be coming soon for more!
We love Chaba Thai over the years as its in our neighborhood and walkable. The people are super nice. But last night, July 20th, we ordered two Pad Thai with chicken, one MILD and one NO SPICE. And the one with NO SPICE was super spicy. Not okay. Chaba Thai should really comp our next order of Pad Thai. Couldn't eat the dish. And didn't want to have to walk back just to get a replacement last night. Very frustrating. So when you order, be very aware of what you get in your takeout bag.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Watch out for the large, metal & concrete umbrella bases placed right at the curb. Caused $200-300 damage to my new car and the Manager didn't seem to care. A little compassion goes a long way. We got none. Disappointing as I am a long time regular at this establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am always scouting out for the best chicken pad thai. I'm from North Carolina and visiting, and this was the best chicken pad Thai I have had since visiting asia. hands down. The peanut sauce, oh my gosh to die for. And i'm a sauce guy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Love the food, and love the new remodel! Salted pepper chicken and shrimp fried rice is delicious!! Quick service too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing flavors 😋😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Hidden Gem That’s Been Serving Portland for 26 Years – Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd
Let me start with this: Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd is NOT the same as the other location you might have heard of. This spot is completely independently owned and operated, and it shows — in the best possible way. They’ve been a part of the Portland food scene for 26 years, which is impressive in itself, but what’s even more amazing is how fresh, welcoming, and vibrant the experience still feels.
They recently underwent a full renovation just five months ago, and the transformation is stunning. The interior is beautifully modern with elegant touches of Thai design that make it feel warm, inviting, and upscale — without losing that neighborhood charm. Whether you’re coming in for a casual lunch or a special dinner, the space feels like it can flex either way. Clean, cozy, and full of great energy.
Now, onto the most important part: the food. I ordered a solid lineup of dishes, and every single one was a 5/5. Truly.
- Panang Beef Curry – Rich, creamy, and full of depth. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the curry was perfectly spiced with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Papaya Salad – Fresh, zesty, and addictively crunchy. You can taste the care in the balance of lime, chili, and fish sauce. A great palate starter.
- Pad Ka Prao – One of my go-to Thai dishes, and they nailed it. Wok-fried ground meat with holy basil, garlic, and chili, served with rice and an egg — full of that signature umami-rich flavor.
- Spicy Chicken & Shrimp with Crisp Basil – This dish brought the heat in the best way. Perfectly cooked shrimp and chicken, tossed with crispy basil and a punchy, savory sauce. The textures were on point.
- Boat Noodle Soup – A comforting bowl that felt like a hug. Deep, bold broth with rice noodles, meat, and herbs — it reminded me of street food stalls in Thailand.
- Longan Juice & Coconut Juice – Refreshing, light, and authentic. The longan juice especially was a nostalgic treat.
- Mango Sticky Rice – One word: heavenly. The mango was ripe and sweet, and the sticky rice had the perfect soft-chewy texture, all brought together with a silky coconut drizzle. The ideal ending to a Thai meal.
But beyond the amazing food and beautiful space, what truly elevated the experience tonight was Lexi, my server. She was absolutely phenomenal — friendly, knowledgeable, attentive without hovering, and genuinely kind. Her service felt personal, thoughtful, and warm. You can tell she cares about both her guests and the food. Lexi, thank you for making my night so memorable — you’re a star.
In short, Cha’Ba Thai on Sandy Blvd is the real deal. It’s a neighborhood staple that somehow feels like a fresh discovery. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or someone looking to explore something new, this is a place that deserves your attention and support.
I’m already planning what to order next time — and there will be a next time. Soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is always great at Chaba.
Service is amazing, they are extremely friendly with cute smiles 😊
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The food was really good. I tried the garlic pepper with chicken and rice and it was really good. A perfect blend of garlic and pepper
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
my favorite thai place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lexi is my girl! She knows exactly what we order and even remembers no carrots when I forget! Great food too!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai, Red Curry
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolute favorite Thai restaurant. All their curries are delicious and the pad kee mao is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Red Curry, Yellow Curry, Peanut Sauce, Fresh Mango Salad, Chicken Fried Rice
Tried the eggplant stir-fry and it was phenomenal. Sliverd eggplant in a delicious savory andnspicey sauce that gets my mouth watering as I think about it.
Pad thai was fantastic aswell. Great melding of rich flavors.
Only thing I didn't love was the thai tea, there wasn't much For $5 and the flavors felt weak compared to other restaurants.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai
The staff and service are outstanding! The food was delicious and I really like the atmosphere, I would like to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's just plain old great Thai food. I wouldn't go higher than four out of five on the spices though.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai
I love the flavors at this place. I have been there twice in the last week.. Everything has a beautiful presentation.
We will be coming soon for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Logan
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