Best of Cy-Fair: Mango Tree Thai Bistro

Mango Tree Thai Bistro

by Patricia Hudson

Tai Phoket left Thailand in 2013, with little more than her five-year-old son. This single mom dreamed of a better life for her young child. When her roommate stole her savings, Tai was desperate. Then she met someone from Bayou City Fellowship Church. “I was Buddhist, and didn’t know anything about God, but they told me to pray. I told God, ‘I don’t know who you are, but I need help.’ Someone wrote a check and we were saved!” Tai was embraced by the church, was baptized, and has become an active member of BCF. She has been enrolled in the English as a Second Language program at the church for four years; in May, she became an American Citizen. “I was so happy because my son and I can stay here and have a good life,” she says. “He is in middle school, now. He is in the orchestra and is a good student,” she says proudly. In 2018, Tai went into the restaurant business with a partner, but by 2019, she became the sole owner of The Mango Tree Thai Bistro. Located in a small strip shopping center, the restaurant is a hidden treasure for Thai food lovers. “I love Thai food, and this really is one of my favorite places for Chicken Yellow Curry," says Gail Mayers. Authentic dishes, fresh ingredients, generous servings, and excellent service attracts customers from around Harris County. Thai food lovers like Lisa Kelly can determine the degree of spicyness they like in their meals. “Customers can choose from six levels, from no spice to Thai Hot,” explains the owner. “The spicier, the better!” comments Kelly as she devours her Ka Pao Basil, a stir-fried meat of your choice with onions, peppers, and green beans, served with Jasmine Rice. The most popular dish on the menu also happens to be Tai’s favorite go-to meal, Pad Thai, stir-fried thin rice noodles with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu, egg, onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts in a special sweet sauce. On my recent mid-day visit to Mango Tree Bistro, I ordered the Chef’s Specialty of Thai Pepper Steak with a side of Jasmine Rice. To my delight, I learned that lunch, (11am – 3pm), comes with soup of the day, house salad with peanut dressing, and a fried spring roll. Tai also brought out a tray of steamed chicken dumplings for me to try. It was a good thing that I hadn’t eaten that morning because (I am almost ashamed to say) I ate every last morsel of my lunch! The Pepper Steak was a perfect balance of beef, peppers, and yellow and green onions. I was especially enamored with the Thai Hot and Sour Soup; prepared Chinese style, with bits of tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, egg, cilantro, green onions, fried garlic and black pepper, I am tempted to order a bowlful, along with a glass of her special Thai Tea on my next visit. I can’t complete this review without my favorite dessert: Fresh Mango with Sweet Rice. Talk about delicious! What a wonderful way to finish a meal! Tai is the consummate hostess, and makes every effort to create a pleasant dining experience. Life as a restaurant owner is not easy. Prices continue to escalate. “I used to buy Coconut Milk for $40; now I have to pay $80,” shares Tai. “I have not raised my prices, but I am afraid that I will have to. I appreciate all of the customers that come to Mango Tree. I am very happy that my church friends come to meet and eat at my restaurant!”

Mango Tree Thai Bistro

10130 Grant Road #224 • Houston, TX 77070 (281) 897-8646 • mangotreethaibistro.com