Pad Kee Mao: Stir-fried wide rice noodles with garlic, chili, egg, cabbage, tomatoes, and sweet basil ($10).
Pad kee mao: Stir-fried wide rice noodles with garlic, chili, egg, cabbage, tomatoes, sweet basil and pork ($10). Photo: Emilie Raguso

Come along with Nosh as we explore the East Bay food scene in photographs. This week we focus on Sukho Thai in Oakland.

A relative newcomer to Rockridge, Sukho Thai is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, which already boasts many fantastic restaurants to choose from. Sukho Thai opened last fall several blocks south of the Rockridge BART station; those familiar with the neighborhood may recall the previous business, Pearl of Siam, which closed last June after 25 years.

Friendly service, cozy surroundings and outstanding flavors set this Thai restaurant a cut above many others in the area. The flavors pop, with the right amount of heat on the spicy dishes, a satisfying firmness in the cooked vegetables, and masterful seasonings that make each dish memorable. Portions are ample enough for leftovers, especially if your party is small and you want to try a few dishes. Save room for a sweet treat for dessert.

Those looking for a deal may wish to try happy hour from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with small appetizer plates available, as well as half-price beer and wine. There’s also a summer lunch special (details here) that ranges from $8 to $12 depending on your choice of main, and includes free soup or salad, and complimentary tea (unsweetened iced or hot Thai).

Sukho Thai is the kind of spot where it’s easy to imagine becoming a regular, with reasonable prices and stand-out cuisine in a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Already looking forward to a return trip.

Sukho Thai is located at 5498 College Ave. in Oakland. See the menu here. (Photographs by Emilie Raguso.)

The curry puffs starter: stuffed potatoes, onions and curry powder, deep-fried and served with cucumber salad ($7).
The curry puffs starter: stuffed potatoes, onions and curry powder, deep-fried and served with cucumber salad ($7).
Coconut milk soup with Thai herbs, mushrooms and chicken ($5).
Coconut milk soup with Thai herbs, mushrooms and chicken is delicate and decadent at the same time ($5).
Sukho Thai, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
The dining area is cozy and can get crowded, so plan ahead if you have a larger group.
Roasted duck in red curry with pineapple, tomatoes, sweet basil and coconut milk ($14).
Roasted duck in red curry with pineapple, tomatoes, sweet basil and coconut milk ($14).
Sukho Thai, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
A sweet end to the meal: fried bananas with ample servings of creamy coconut ice cream over honey ($6).

Enjoy more highlights from Nosh on the Town. See more Oakland dining features.

Related:
Nosh on the town: Great China in Berkeley (05.07.14)
Nosh on the town: Duende in Uptown Oakland (04.01.14)
Nosh on the town: Centouno in Jack London Square (03.12.14)
Nosh on the town: Vientian in Oakland (02.20.14)
Nosh on the town: Bourbon & Beef on College Ave. (01.09.14)

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Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist...