"When we dined in, I appreciated the restaurant's intimate and romantic atmosphere. We made a late reservation at 8:45, so it wasn’t crowded, which gave it an exclusive vibe with dim lighting and a tranquil ambiance—much like a hidden gem you might find on a quaint side street in Honolulu, but surprisingly right here in Columbia, South Carolina. Our server was exceptional, presenting himself well, providing a detailed overview of the restaurant, the chef, and the dishes, which truly immersed me in the experience reminiscent of dining at Robert De Niro’s Nobu—a high compliment indeed. Typically, only Nobu evokes such sentiments for me.
We (Chris and I) started with ribs and pork belly buns. The meat was tender and perfectly seasoned, and the bao was wonderfully fresh—too good, in fact! Chris loved them so much he ordered two more to take home. (Military folks will get the reference.) For our entrees, I had the salmon with Japanese and Thai eggplant, while Chris opted for the New York Strip, both paired with Bodhi fried rice. For drinks, he enjoyed a Thai White Russian, and I had the Tropical Nivit—trust me, you’ll want to try it. I had two... okay, three!
For dessert, I chose coffee gelato, while Chris had the taro custard. It was a nearly flawless meal in an equally fantastic setting. The only thing to note is that the prices are what you’d expect from high-end chef-prepared cuisine. While not exorbitant, it might cause a bit of breathlessness if you’re not used to higher prices with modestly sized plates.
Overall, I doubt you’ll find much to complain about. Bravo, Bodhi Thai! You've brought the allure of dining experiences from New York, Seattle, or Hawaii right to the streets of Columbia, SC. I truly wish more places would aspire to do the same."
Crispy Duck
