One reviewer on Yelp (yes, people still use that) said the Pad See Ew was "so good it cured my hangover in three bites." I can confirm this is physically impossible, but the sweet soy sauce and charred noodles made me want to believe in miracles. The portion sizes are also aggressively generous; I’m pretty sure they use measuring cups from a giant’s kitchen.
Another reviewer noted the Massaman Curry tastes like "a warm blanket you can eat." That is both weirdly poetic and terrifying if you think about eating a blanket. But fair play—it’s rich, nutty, and comes with potatoes so tender they might vote for Irish independence.
Bai Tong Authentic Thai Food, Belfast - Restaurant menu, prices and reviews
The Skeptics (Or "I Can’t Handle the Heat")
Of course, not everyone is a fan. One grumpy soul on Google Reviews complained the spice level was "too authentic," which is like complaining a waterfall is too wet. They said, "I asked for mild and my face still melted." Look, friend, mild at Bai Tong means "a gentle slap from a chili pepper." If you want bland, there’s a lovely pub serving mashed potatoes down the street.
Another reviewer was offended by the fish sauce smell. To which I say: if you don’t like fish sauce, you might be dead inside. It’s the umami bomb that makes Thai food taste like a party in your mouth, not a funeral for your taste buds.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes. Go. Bring a friend who doesn’t mind you sweating into your noodles. The prices are shockingly reasonable for Belfast—you won’t need a mortgage to afford the Spring Rolls, which are crispy little logs of joy. And if you’re feeling brave, try the Som Tum (papaya salad). It’s a glorious, crunchy mess that tastes like a garden that got into a fight with a chili farm.
Final funny fact: Bai Tong is named after a type of Thai flower, which is ironic because the food will make your tongue feel less like a flower and more like a dragon that just sneezed. But in a good way. Go eat there. Your stomach will thank you, and your mouth will never trust bland food again.
