I’ve driven by this bright yellow Thai cart on Highway 99 dozens of times and I am wondering what kind of karma I must’ve acquired to miss out on this heart-warming food for so long.
Warm curries, noodles, and rice inside
When Pla, the “Angel of Ubon” was a small girl, she had to hide in dug-out pits with her eight siblings to avoid the ravages of war that surrounded them. The Laotian Civil War drove them to Thailand where the family scraped by a meager survival by selling fish at the market.
Then, Bill, the successful American contractor went on a month-long vacation in Thailand. One month turned into four months. Then seven months. He had met Pla before returning to the States to sell his properties, cash out of America, and return to the land that he had purchased in Thailand. Well, something happened. It was called the greatest recession in 80 years. You know the one, right? Bill and Pla lost nearly everything.
They picked up the pieces and started their food cart on Highway 99. What they found was a way to make money by selling Pla’s traditional Thai recipes.
I ordered the Pad Kemao, having an aversion to any pad thai dish that I see. The atmosphere of Ubon Thai Kitchen is very relaxing. When sitting at the table under their outside coverings, I am instantly in love. There are dozens of potted plants, fountains, and statuettes, yet it isn’t over crowded. I got my phad kemao and thai coffee and went into their neighboring art gallery where Pla has her artwork on the walls as well as thai music playing.
As well as cooking traditional Thai food, Pla also paints stark, beautiful images and displays them in the neighboring art gallery.
Every thai place has a pad thai, and I don’t really get what the big deal is about peanut sauce and rice noodles. The pad kemao on the other hand had plenty of green peppers, broccolli, carrots, snow peas, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, basil, and red onions mixed with traditionally seasoned wide rice noodles and chicken. The chicken was cooked in coconut milk and the portions were definitely generous for $5.50. I haven’t had pad kemao that was this tasty since I was in San Francisco. The menu is vegetarian friendly, with tofu options and lots of veggies. I wish they had a sampler plate, but everything is made to order, so it’s a worthy trade-off.
Pla’s recipes shine through like the sun on a glistening island morning and If I can’t get a sampler plate, I will definitely be back to try everything on the menu. Hey, they even have a “Eugene style pad thai with vegetables” that I might try.
Price Range: $5.50- 6.00
Location: Highway 99
Hours: 11:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M Monday through Friday. 541-689-0033!
I love your site. I’m really excited that someone is talking about Eugene food carts. You should consider including hours with your posts. I was thinking about checking out Ubon for dinner, but I’m not sure if they’re only open for lunch. Thanks!
This is Ubon Thai Kitchen. Just wanted to let everyone know that our hours are 11:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M 7 day’s a week except for some Sundays we will close. Call ahead for Sundays 689-0033. Thanks and hope to see all of you.
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Thanks for the comment Stacey! We will definitely start including hours. Keep trying out those carts!
Bill and Pla – it was a pleasure meeting you today. My special vegan pad thai was DELICIOUS!! And the service was the best! Thank you for the experience. Your place is a little oasis right there off Hwy 99! You’re a great inspiration. I’ll let you know when we open our food cart. Look for Cornbread Cafe – hopefully we’ll find our Whitaker spot!
All the best to you and your wonderful little restaurant! Business was hoppin’ while I was there, and I’ve heard lot of great things. I can see why now.
Blessings,
Sheree
I think Ubon is delicious!
I asked for the shrimp fried rice and if Pla could put some basil in it and although it was not on the menu she made it for me. I love this place! The hours are so convenient, the food is delicious, the quantity of food is amazing, and the owners are so nice. I have been there twice now and I plan on eating there on a regular basis. I love Ubon thai!!! YUM!
Feeling a bit down one wet night in Eugene, I tried Ubon Kitchen and found warmth, not only in the yellow curry but in the owners and their art gallery where I enjoyed my plate. Most delicious Thai food I have had since living in Bangkok years ago.
I spotted the the yellow caravan just the other day. With a name like Ubon Thai I was expecting a north-eastern style variety. Please tell me I can find somtam and sticky rice on the menu. With food carts popping up everywhere, there must be a home for the most popular street food in Thailand.
No longer open on weekends! I just went there and there was a big sign saying “Closed Sat & Sun”.
As someone who has been to been to Thailand several times, this place serves some of the best Thai food I’ve had in North America.