Special Thai |
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511 South Brookhurst Street, Anaheim, CA 92804
Special Thai was reported closed or not Halal 9 years ago No longer called Vilays Special Thai. All food is still halal. Added on December 30, 2007 and last updated 10 years ago
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The staff of this restaurant has verbally confirmed halal status. May 2012 restaurant confirms all halal menu.
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| as selected by the Zabihah editors |
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★★★★☆ Alhamdullilah, I like visiting this restaurant for their all you can eat buffet. Keep in mind that they only serve the buffet on Friday to Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Some of my favorite dishes here are their Thai Pad See Ew (dark and light, both are delicious though I personally like the light version more), Sesame Seed Balls, Spring Rolls, and Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai).
As the other reviewers have mentioned, there is a new ownership for this restaurant. We asked if the meat was still halal and the lady said yes.
Which brings us to their sushi. Please be careful here. I saw the packaging for the crab used in their sushi today and one of the ingredients used is RICE WINE. Please just ask them which sushi uses the crab meat since I notice some of them have it and some of them don't.
All in all, a very good halal Thai option in Orange County / LA area. Just have to be careful with the sushi. Posted on April 21, 2013 |
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NR Never ate there but it is now closed and converted to a Thai restaurant. Don't know if the Thai is halal. Posted on September 6, 2015 |
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★★☆☆☆ We were disappointed at the quality of food for the price. It was dry and stale. The soup was very salty and not edible. Posted on March 11, 2014 |
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★★★★☆ Came to the all-you-can-eat buffet which they have on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7-9 pm. The place was completely packed that night...and we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. The place was filled with mainly Thai patrons which may speak to the authenticity of the food.
After we were finally seated by the very friendly staff, we got our plates and helped ourselves to several of the dishes. They had about 10-15 different items on the buffet....many of which would go fast when the chefs would come by to refill. The pad Thai was great as was the glass noodles. They also had fried shrimp ( good) and steamed clams in a spicy sauce. The braised (?) Shrimp in green peas was excellent but they didn't refill it while we were there. They also have desserts which consist of an authentic salty/sweet rice pudding (an acquired taste apparently) and muffins and macaroons. For the most part, the food was good, though my only complaint was they didn't refill some of the main items frequently enough (we never got any satay which we were waiting for). I was told however, by the staff that on this particular night it was busier than usual, which might explain why they seemed short on some items. Also, it can be a bit pricey if you have a lot of adults for the buffet ($13-14/ adult,$7-8/children 6-9 years; $4-5/children 3-6 years). Sorry don't remember the exact pricing....that's an approximation. Overall pretty good food and the staff was very good. Posted on February 17, 2014 |
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★★★★★ New management. This place is now owned by Muslims. Food is great again !!! Posted on November 18, 2013 |
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★★★★☆ Good Halal thai food.
Food tasted good especially liked their chicken on stick as appetizer. Lady at cash register was kind of rushing when I asked for itemized receipt. May be it was their closing hour.
If in that area would visit again. Posted on September 28, 2013 |
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★★★★★ The original owners are back! The quality of food and service are also back in full force. I was very disappointed with the interim management. My family and I visited this place twice in July. We enjoyed their "Best in Town" halal buffet. O.k. o.k., I added that first part, but what can I say they have the best halal Thai food in Orange County. I heard they opened another place somewhere in Torrance. My family and I will definitely be back! Posted on August 19, 2013 |
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★☆☆☆☆ The quality of the food here is horrible! Things have changed since they are under new ownership now. I last went to the buffet and the food was dry and did not taste fresh at all. Also, please be aware and take a look at your check before paying. The manager told the waiter to ask how old my son was since she saw that he was eating a plate as well. I told the waiter he's 3, and the waiter said ok that's fine for 3 and under the buffet is free. When I received my check, I got charged 6.99 and it said (3 years) on the check. I confronted the manager and she asked when his bday was, ridiculous!! I wouldn't mind dishing out the extra money for his plate (I get kids meals all the time for him), I just wish they were honest! I miss the feeling of going to this restaurant where I felt like I was treated as part of the family and not as if it's all about the money! The manager is very RUDE! I will definitely not be returning to this restaurant ever again! Posted on June 22, 2013 |
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★★★★★ In the last couple of years, we've been here a few times. The buffet is on Friday and Sunday nights, about $13 to $14 per person. They have a large variety of Thai dishes. The previous owner apparently moved and opened a restaurant in Torrance area. The new owner here, I asked her if meat was still halal and she said yes. But it would be good to verify with a certificate, which I didn't do. They have now added some Japanese dishes also, like sushi and soup. While I was there, a large party of about 30 people were celebrating a birthday party and there were at lease 10 kids in their party, about 10 years old. So this place is also fun food for kids Posted on January 7, 2013 |
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★★★★★ [No review submitted] Posted on December 30, 2012 |
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★★★★★ Since the fire they have completely revamped the place..it is a nice restaurant with a good ambience. The food delicious and staff pleasant. Good deals certainly for lunchtime. Posted on May 18, 2012 |
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★★★★★ We went for their dinner buffet. There was many items to choose from and it was very good food. The price was excellent and they allowed us to eat even though they were 20 mins to closing. Posted on May 13, 2012 |
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★★★★★ THE. BEST. THAI. FOOD. I. HAVE. EVER. HAD. PERIOD! And I have eaten a whole lotta Thai!! MashAllah seriously, so delicious! Not only that, but the restaurant is clean and large. The owners and employees are some of the FRIENDLIEST, NICEST, FAST, ATTENTIVE, so incredibly sweet!! Thank you for a wonderful meal, we'll be back inshAllah :) Posted on March 26, 2012 |
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NR Very tasty food. But last time I went there in November 2011 it says the business temporarilly shut down due to fire accident.
Could somebody tell us if they started opening again? Posted on November 24, 2011 |
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★★★★☆ This place has some great Thai food! Highly recommend the Angel wings and Thai steak with sauce. Delicious! Posted on July 16, 2011 |
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★★★★☆ The food is great and the buffet is cheap but they only have it on friday and sunday. Posted on November 10, 2010 |
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★★★★★ went for the Friday buffet...large variety of food and most of the food was amazing. Loved the chicken satay and different Thai curries. Have been there thrice, but they have maintained their quality. Posted on September 28, 2010 |
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★★★★☆ went for the ramadan buffet...great variety and some dishes were amazing while some tasted stale - which can be expected from a buffet. overall great place. Posted on September 6, 2010 |
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★★★★★ We visited this restaurant towards end of July, but I've only got round to write th review.
It is a very good place to eat. When we visited, there was an asian wedding function, and it was busy. Nevertheless, we were seated very promptly. We opted for the buffet at $11/head, and it was good. I particularly enjoyed the crispy chicken wings, the crispy prawns and the chicken satay. The desserts were homemade but very good.
There is ample free parking outside. Posted on August 12, 2010 |
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★★★☆☆ I ate here a long time ago but I am leaving a review now. The food was ok, not too big of a deal, but the prices I found to be rather expensive for the taste I was recieving. I did like a beef steak dish. I heard it is better now though, so maybe I will go again to see how it is. Posted on June 13, 2010 |
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★★★★★ Went there today with my co-worker (american). I ordered Chili Chicken with mint and my collegue ordered Orange Chicken (both lunch specials). The food was amazing, tasty, flavorful and we were both very pleased. It consisted of the main dish, 2 fried shrimps, rice, healthy helping of salad and soup. Oh yes, and free sample of Chicken with green curry. All this for $15 (tax and tip included) for two people. WOW!!! will go there again and again. Posted on February 2, 2010 |
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★★★★★ After my second visit with friends, I would like to give my feedback. Great food in a nice and quiet atmosphere with reasonable prices. Posted on June 29, 2009 |
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NR I will rate this one only for average. I order sate beef and the beef was so tough. Yellow curry was just so so and fired rice is ok. Not really impressive.
However the servers are nice. Place look clean.
I heard the owner is not Muslims. Well, not sure about the meat. Mayor may not go back again unless I really really crave for Thai food otherwise will look for new place Posted on March 25, 2009 |
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★★★★★ My wife and I went had a positive experience. We tried the yellow chicken curry and tomyum soup, delicious. Portions are very generous for the price. Clean and friendly environment. Posted on December 30, 2008 |
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★★★★★ Pros: Very tasty food, even if you haven't tried thai before, you will fall in love with their food. Try their thai steak and satay (both beef and chicken). Vilay, the owner, is a genuinely nice person who cares about customers and it shows. Food arrives within a few minutes. The decor is reasonable, they have a very large place that can easily accomodate parties as well.
Cons: Hard to think of any. Posted on November 25, 2008 |
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★★★★★ When we went to this restaurant (a party of 4) we were greeted with a friendly hello and served very promptly. The servers explained what the food was when we asked and were very polite and considerate. The food is amazing and distinc. We tried the pad thai (chicken, beef), a Thai steak dish, and a combo platter with fried rice. First of all, the portions were enormous for us and we couldn't finish them (they gave us takeout boxes). Secondly, the price came out to $33 plus tip for 4 people! And best of all, the food was delicious! Posted on November 24, 2008 |
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★★★★★ The food here is fantastic. You must try the spicy beef salad and the chicken satay. We had a party of 15+ and they were able to accomodate us easily. The food is also really cheap. If we lived in the area I would visit all the time! Next time I go to SoCal I'm definitely going back. Posted on November 24, 2008 |
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★★★☆☆ the place and service are ok but the food is not that good when comparing to the price and the other place. I lives near by there but I think the other choices are better. Should go for Halal chinese restaurant on Oreangthrop and Habor. Must better.... Posted on November 24, 2008 |
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★★★★☆ Had the buffet during Ramadan. It was reasonable price and the taste. It's not as spicy as you would get in Thailand. Try the chicken satay. Posted on November 24, 2008 |
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★★★★★ I was visiting disney land and looking for a good place to eat. I came across this restaurant from this website. They have a Big board that says Zabihah, Halal put up on the side of the road. The food was Super delicious. Reasonably priced for reasonable portion. I had angel wings (6.75), beef steak (around 7 $), stir fried noodle, a coconut curry, everything was super delicious. I'm a connoisseur of good food and I recommend this thai restaturant to everyone. Posted on October 13, 2008 |
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★★★★★ Assalaamu 'Alaykum. We've been to Vilay's multiple times and every time the service and food have been excellent. The prices are very reasonable as are the food portions. Earlier, the restaurant's interior left something to be desired but the owners have clearly been working on fixing up the appearance. All in all, this is one of my favorite restaurants and a regular destination. Since there have been some questions about their meat being halaal: http://al-ilmei.org/halal.php Posted on September 12, 2008 |
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★★★★★ I was sent to investigate on opening night. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I was surprised as the dishes arrived at my table, I tried over 6 different dishes and all of them were extremely tasty. I spread the news. I decided to visit Special Thai the following week and met with the owner and other employees, the service was good and I learned about their plans and how they will cater to the Muslim community. I have been a regular and they have done a lot to improve the layout (dividers/blinds for female only parties) and the service (female staff for female customers who cover up) towards our community. I will continue to enjoy the great food at this restaurant. The meat is legit and I hope our representation and ways will give the owners a better understanding of Islam and the Muslim community. I look forward to visiting and eating at this place on a regular Posted on August 11, 2008 |
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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
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★★★★★ The owners are non-Muslims and they were about to close the business until they were given the idea to go halal by a Pakistani brother. He helped them to obtain zabihah meat from a brother (I think the name is Abu Sattar) in bakersfield. The have the invoices on hand of the meat they purchase.
The food is excellent as is the service. Inside the restaurant is very clean. The beef and chicken satay were great, although I preferred the beef satay. I liked the chicken curry dish, it had the right amount of spices. The lemongrass soup was excellent as well. The mint chicken was really good. Prices are very reasonable (about $6 for the curry chicken, which comes with soup, egg roll, and salad during lunch time).
This is the best zabihah thai food I have tried. You won't be disappointed Posted on July 10, 2008 |
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★★★☆☆ While it is nice to have a new halal Thai restaurant, the food was just okay. The lemongrass-based soup was very good. Posted on July 9, 2008 |
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★★★★★ The couple of times I have been to this restaurant, the food has been great. Satai chicken and beef were excellent, so was the Tum Ka coconut soup, and others. The pad thai were not as great however. The restaurant itself is nice with lots of seating available.
Service-4/5 Cleanliness-5/5 Taste- 5/5 Area- 4/5 Posted on June 16, 2008 |
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★★☆☆☆ Food was delicious, however after seeing hair in my food not once, but twice, I don't think I will visit again. Posted on June 11, 2008 |
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★★★★☆ Assalamu alaykum,
I liked the restaurant and the food was very good as was the service. All the plates I ordered I liked and the Thai tea was really good and tasted like boba. The only thing is I think the owners are not Muslim, Allahu 'alim, so I felt a little unsure if the meat was halal-but they are willing to show the proof if you ask. The only problem for me is are the rest of the ingredient halal and who supervises this? I felt a little uncomfortable seeing the menu still had pork as an option, only crossed out. The gentleman was very polite, that was okay for me but with my wife and female relatives…well that’s another story. Prices were reasonable. Posted on April 1, 2008 |
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★★★★★ AH I have been craving thai food for a long time. Now I can go here to fulfill my cravings. This place is excellent, the food was great, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable. will definitely go back again. I'm actually craving as am I'm typing this out. lol. Posted on March 10, 2008 |
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★★★★★ I rarely rate restaurants as excellent, but this establishment did a great job. The food was quite good, although the beef steak was slightly tough. Beyond that, a gentleman who resembled the owner offered the three of us an extra dish of yellow curry on the house, beyond the other items we ordered, because it was our first time. The chicken wings were also a great choice as an appetizer. Decent looking establishment with very reasonable prices. I look forward to returning for the great customer service. Posted on March 9, 2008 |
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NR I called this place. Owners are not muslims, but they say that buy meat from Brother Abdul Sattar. Posted on January 20, 2008 |
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★★★★☆ Pretty good! Ordered the Thai Beef steak...tom kah gai was very good too. My only suggestion would be to change the movie on the screen to something more appropriate... Posted on January 19, 2008 |
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★★★★★ Ordered Chicken Wings and Satay for appetizers. Both were excellent. Tum Ka Chicken was excellent as well. I used the spices to make it my liking. Ordered Pad Se Yu, Pineapple Fried Rice and Beef Steak. All were very good. The Service was also very good. All in all an excellent experience. Will definitely go back and soon. Posted on January 11, 2008 |
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