Nosh & Nibbles: Cate School’s Food Critic Column

Comparing Lao Thai and Siam Elephant: Convenience vs Nostalgia

By: Tallulah Bates '25

In the small town of Carpinteria, California, two Thai restaurants offer a distinct dining experience: Siam Elephant and Lao Thai. While both serve delicious Thai dishes, they each have their unique charm and appeal depending on what you're in the mood for. Lao Thai, the newer of the two, has quickly become a popular choice among Cate students due to its convenient location near the bus stop. It’s perfect for those who need a quick meal or prefer takeaway. The menu here features fairly traditional Thai-American fare such as Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Fried Rice, an assortment of curries, or the all-time favorite of Flora ‘26, Tom Yum soup. In contrast, Siam Elephant offers something a little different. Although it requires a longer commute, the experience is undoubtedly worth it. The restaurant has a nostalgic feel, making it feel like home with its cozy and warm ambiance.

But let's get into the itty-bitty-nitty-gritty nibbles & nosh:

Restaurant Review: Lao Thai

Location: 1017 Casitas Pass Rd, Carpinteria, CA

Overall recommendation: ★★★☆

Our nibbles:

Golden Spring Rolls with shredded vegetables and rice noodles, deep fried ($9)

Fresh Spring Rolls with spring mix salad, served with peanut sauce ($12)

Our nosh:

Tom Yum: the hot and sour soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other vegetables ($11-16)

Drunken Noodles: flat rice noodles pan-fried with chili, carrot, garlic, onions, & bell peppers ($17)

Pad Thai: tender rice noodles stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, ground peanuts and sweet tamarind sauce ($18)

Thai Fried Rice classic fried rice served with any meat, egg, onions, peas, and carrots ($17)

The nibbles were great. Plain and simple, it’s hard to go wrong with two different types of rolls. It’s important to note that $12 dollars for rice wrapped veggies is a bit steep, but the price did not impact their flavour. The nosh continued with a similar theme: flavorful and fiery, the Drunken Noodles delivered with their bold chili kick, fresh veggies, and savory garlic sauce. We found it pairs best with Lao’s golden tofu. The Pad Thai is, of course, an American-Thai classic. Here, the thin noodles are tasty and well-executed, though the nearly $20 price tag might make you think twice for a go-to takeout option. Lastly, the Fried Rice is a solid choice, comforting and well-seasoned. 

If you're in a rush or just looking for a quick bite, Lao Thai is ideal. Tori Kim ‘27 goes so far as to “think that Lao Thai is undeniably better.” Furthermore, this joint’s popularity with Cate students was evident in a survey conducted amongst ten female boarders, where seven preferred Lao, with nearly zero hesitation at all.

Restaurant Review: Siam Elephant

Location: 509 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 

Overall recommendation: ★★★★

Our nibbles:

Chicken Satay marinated in a mixture of Thai spices, grilled and served with peanut sauce ($11.99)

Tom Khah: a spicy coconut soup with mushroom, lime, galanga, and lemongrass ($9.50)

Our nosh:

Spicy Fried Noodle: flat rice noodles pan-fried with chili, carrot, garlic, onions, & bell peppers ($17)

Red Curry: meat cooked with red curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo, and Thai basil ($18)

Pumpkin Curry: meat cooked with red curry paste, coconut milk, pumpkin, carrots and green peas, and Thai basil ($15-17.99)

Full disclaimer: the above items are just the most recently consumed dishes at the lovely establishment known as Siam Elephant. There have been many Pad Thai, Tom Yums and Fried Rice enjoyed by yours truly and her even lovelier companions; however, for interest sake, we shall focus on the newer, unique items. 

According to our in-house soup expert, Flora Adair ‘26, the Tom Kah at Siam was “creamier and mild” in contrast to the Tom Yum at Lao, which, in her opinion, packs a “sharper” mouthful, the flavour being “a bit stronger and defined.” Despite waiting longer for the Chicken Satay than for our main meals, it was extremely satisfying. The peanut sauce was decadent, smooth, and perfectly spiced with chili oil. The curries at Siam Elephant are exceptional, too, with rich, bold flavors that stand out. While the noodle dishes are, unsurprisingly, a bit heavier in the belly, they are undeniably delicious, the perfect splurge after a long week. Moreover, the portion sizes are arguably larger than at Lao Thai and with a cheaper price tag; they can also be made into shared plates easily. 

—

While Lao Thai excels in convenience and lighter options, Siam Elephant feels like a place where you can truly unwind and indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a wonderful place to sit down and enjoy a meal with loved ones. After dining at Siam Elephant, you often leave feeling content and satisfied, as the food here has a soothing, wholesome quality. Both Lao and Siam offer great Thai food, but Siam Elephant’s warmth and delicious curries make it the perfect spot for a more fulfilling dining experience. Flora perhaps explains it best: 

“Same menu, but Siam has better vibes.”

Whether you're looking for a quick meal or a nostalgic dining experience, these two restaurants cater to different needs, each with its own unique vibe.