Explore the Perfect Blend of Traditional Thai Dishes and Modern Ambiance in Frisco
By Ashli Urano
Thai Charm has quickly grown in popularity since its recent opening in Frisco. Located in the Shops at Starwood at 5355 Dallas Pkwy., this family-owned restaurant is currently serving lunch and dinner daily. The menu highlights classic noodle dishes, a variety of curries, fried rice, and house specialties. To complement the authentic cuisine, Thai Charm offers a selection of unique craft cocktails with Thai-inspired flavors.
When I invited my friend to join me for lunch at Thai Charm, she enthusiastically agreed. However, an unexpected change in plans forced us to reschedule. Rather than searching for someone else at the last minute, I decided to dine alone at the bar. Having done this for many years, I’ve always found it to be enjoyable and somewhat therapeutic.
Dining alone at the bar is an underrated experience. The relaxed atmosphere creates an ideal setting to unwind, reflect, and truly savor your meal. Added bonus? It often allows you to skip reservations and simply walk in. Many restaurants feature exclusive bar menus, which are frequently more affordable than main dining room options. With the bartender nearby, service tends to be faster and more efficient. It also provides a front-row seat to watch skilled bartenders mixing cocktails or chefs working in an open kitchen.
Upon entering Thai Charm, excitement and curiosity took over. The decor is incredibly elegant, blending modern sophistication with subtle Thai influences. The color scheme presents striking combinations of regal royal and navy blue, crisp white, and golden tones, complemented by warm wood accents throughout the space. The restaurant’s black ceiling features exposed ductwork and metal beams. Globe pendant lights with bamboo shades are enhanced by recessed ceiling lights and modern track lighting. Wall sconces provide soft, indirect lighting that adds to the cozy atmosphere.
The bar area showcases a white marble counter with royal blue corrugated paneling on the front. A thin strip of warm wood runs horizontally along the bottom, softening the overall look. Plush bar stools, upholstered in royal blue velvet with gold bases, line the counter. Behind the bar, suspended black metal shelves display an impressive array of wine bottles. Plants can be seen cascading from above, adding a touch of greenery to the sleek design.
The dining area offers a mix of seating options including tables and high tops featuring elegant white marble tops supported by gold bases. Built-in banquettes upholstered in caramel-colored leather line the walls, complemented by chairs with black frames and woven cane backs. A standout feature is an accent wall with wood slats and arched mirrors.
After being seated at the bar, Tam introduced herself before discussing the cocktail menu. Thai Charm offers several martini variations, including the Lemon Drop Martini featuring Absolut Citron vodka and Cointreau, as well as their signature Thai Charmtini made with Svedka vodka, Grand Marnier, and prosecco. The menu also has popular classics like the Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, and Manhattan.
I chose the Lycheetini Martini after Tam described it as a personal favorite. It arrived in a chilled martini glass with a pale, almost translucent appearance. Three whole lychees garnished the rim. The first sip revealed a refreshingly light flavor, with the delicate taste of lychee juice taking center stage. The combination of Svedka vodka and Soho lychee liqueur created a dangerously (in a good way) easy-to-drink cocktail with a smooth, well-balanced flavor.
While sipping the Lycheetini, I slowly began to study the menu. The appetizer section features Crispy Spring Rolls, Moo-Ping, which are grilled pork skewers, and Thai Dumplings. Popular salads include Som Tum, made with shredded green papaya, and Larb Gai, consisting of ground chicken, cilantro, scallions, and red onion. Vegetarian appetizers include the Golden Triangle, which is fried tofu and Edamame. Flavorful soups such as Wonton, made with vegetable broth, shrimp, pork, and bok choy are available. Tom Kha, prepared with coconut milk broth and vegetables, is another tempting option.
Curry lovers can choose from red, green, yellow, and specialty curries like Massaman and Panang. House specials highlight more elaborate creations, including Sizzling Ginger Sea Bass and Roasted Duck Curry. The restaurant also offers a selection of signature dishes, including Thai Charm Beef Noodle and Crispy Duck Kee Mow. The menu provides a spicy scale ranging from one to five: mild, medium, spicy, extra spicy, or Thai spicy. The scale allows diners to choose their personal tolerance for spice.
Lunch began with one of my favorite appetizers – Shrimp Salad Rolls with peanut dipping sauce. Six rolls, tightly wrapped in translucent rice paper, revealed a colorful mix of lettuce, rice noodles, shrimp, and fresh basil leaves. As I tasted the roll, the basil leaves immediately stood out, elevating the entire dish in a wonderful way. It was all I could think about. The peanut sauce, rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice, complemented the fresh ingredients perfectly. I smothered each roll with this delicious sauce, creating an absolutely mouthwatering combination.
For the next course, I chose a cup of Tom Yum Soup with shrimp, as recommended by Tam. It arrived in a gorgeous gold bowl with steam rising from the surface. The broth was a rich reddish-orange color, dotted with vibrant green cilantro leaves and scallions, alongside small chunks of tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. The soup’s flavor was an impressive balance of spicy and sour. A slight taste of lime preceded a gentle heat that built with each spoonful. Having absorbed the broth, the mushrooms were like little flavor bombs, while the shrimp remained tender and sweet.
Before ordering an entree, Tam recommended the Mango Martini. It arrived in a classic martini glass, and its bright orange color made it even more appealing. The drink’s texture was smooth and creamy from the mango puree, with Svedka vodka providing a subtle kick. A splash of cranberry and lime juice balanced the sweetness of the mango, resulting in a refreshing tropical cocktail. At the bottom of the glass, a maraschino cherry added a hint of classic cocktail charm.
For the main course, I ordered Shrimp Pad Thai. Rice noodles were mixed with scallions, sweet radishes, and small pieces of scrambled egg. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with a slight chewiness that is characteristic of excellent Pad Thai. The house-made tamarind sauce added tanginess without overpowering the other flavors. Plump shrimp and fresh bean sprouts topped the dish, with crushed peanuts placed on the side. A final squeeze of lime juice over the dish brightened the flavors, ultimately tying everything together.
After eating nearly half of the Pad Thai, I still found myself intrigued by the menu. I decided to ask for a to-go box, relax for a moment, then ordered the Tangerine Chicken. The key to exploring an extensive menu while dining solo is to eat slowly and comfortably, appreciating each bite. This approach allows you to sample more of the menu without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. Each dish becomes its own experience. You can decide to continue or stop at any point, guided by your appetite and curiosity.
The Tangerine Chicken’s presentation was as exciting as its taste. Golden-brown fried chicken breast pieces were tossed with a colorful vegetable medley comprised of bright green broccoli florets, orange carrot slices, red and green bell peppers, and yellow onion. The house-made tangerine sauce coated each ingredient, with a hint of ginger and garlic in the background. The ratio of chicken to vegetables was spot-on, guaranteeing a good mix with each bite. After finishing most of the chicken and vegetables, I took a long break before ordering dessert.
Thai Charm’s Fried Ice Cream arrived on a wooden, butterfly-shaped plate, adding a nice touch to the presentation. The fried ice cream sat alongside a swirl of piped whipped cream, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with coconut flakes. A bright red maraschino cherry was placed on top. Cutting into the fried ice cream revealed a crispy, warm exterior, giving way to cold, creamy vanilla ice cream inside. The honey was an unexpected and somewhat surprising addition. Every ingredient served a purpose in bringing this dish together.
Charm is at the heart of the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, guiding its approach to both food and hospitality. There’s a sense that every detail, from the elegantly balanced cocktails to the thoughtful presentation of each dish, is designed to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re sharing a table with friends or dining alone at the bar, Thai Charm genuinely lives up to its name.
To make a reservation or check restaurant hours, visit Thai Charm’s website at thaicharmfrisco.com. The site features beautiful photos of each dish offered during lunch and dinner service, catering information, and dietary accommodations. Happy hour is available weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring discounted food and cocktails.
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime, and her Golden-doodle named Sadie Kirenia.
