Charming Thai mom cook serves the island best Pad Thai with friendly cats but some tourists warn of surprise price hikes
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Short, brutal summary
อาหารตามสั่ง(พีโส) is a tiny, owner-run spot that earns raves for its Pad Thai and homey service but carries a clear warning flag about inconsistent pricing. Rating sits at 4.4 from 26 reviews — mostly ecstatic locals and tourists, with one explicit complaint about being charged above the menu price. Free street parking is available; other practical details like payment methods and opening hours are not specified in the data.
What almost everyone agrees on
- Pad Thai is the headline act. Multiple independent reviewers call it the best on the island or the most delicious they ever tried. That kind of repeated praise from different diners is rare and meaningful.
- Owner-run, personal service. Reviews consistently describe the owner as the cook and the face of the place — warm, funny, welcoming. Expect a personal, informal dining experience rather than polished staff rotation.
- Local lunchtime traffic. One reviewer specifically notes locals come for lunch. That’s a strong signal of ordinary reliability and value — not just tourist hype.
- Atmosphere and extras. Guests mention a home-like mood and friendly cats on the premises. Cat lovers see that as a plus; anyone with allergies should note it.
- Value perception. Several reviewers call prices unbeatable or affordable. The consensus is this place punches above its weight for cost-versus-taste — when the billed price matches the menu.
Where the picture breaks: the pricing contradiction
One 2-star review documents a specific overcharge: a coconut listed on the menu at 50 baht was billed at 80 baht at checkout. The same reviewer compared neighboring vendors where coconuts run up to 60 baht, which makes the 80 baht claim stand out as an anomaly and not a simple market fluctuation.
That single account clashes with multiple 5-star reviews praising unbeatable prices. The most plausible explanation, given the data, is inconsistent, ad-hoc pricing on certain items rather than a blanket rip-off. This inconsistency matters for diners who expect menu prices to be final.
What the numbers tell us about risk and reliability
A 4.4 rating from 26 reviewers is strong but not ironclad. The sample size is small enough that a few bad interactions could swing perception quickly. Positive reviews are recent and frequent — one as recent as a week ago — which indicates the kitchen’s quality remains high at least through the latest entries.
Still, the documented pricing dispute is specific and actionable: it’s not a vague complaint about taste or service, it’s a numeric mismatch between menu and bill. That elevates the concern from theoretical to practical risk.
Actionable guidance — what to do when you visit
- Go for Pad Thai, especially at lunch. If you want the dish the reviews rave about, lunchtime seems to draw locals and likely gives you the truest experience.
- Confirm prices on flexible items before ordering. Verbally confirm the price of items that could be treated as extras, especially fresh coconuts and any seasonal produce.
- Request a written or visible menu total before paying. The data shows at least one billing dispute; asking for clarity avoids awkward conversations after the fact.
- Bring cash. Payment options are not specified. Carrying cash removes uncertainty and speeds up a small, owner-operated transaction.
- If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask the owner directly. Vegetarian options aren’t listed in the data; the owner-cook model makes direct questions the only reliable route.
- Cat lovers and allergy sufferers take note. Friendly cats are mentioned — a draw for some, a dealbreaker for others.
- Combine the visit with nearby businesses. The restaurant sits close to Ya Nui Beach Villas, a supermarket (Tops daily Soi Ban Yanuy), and small services like massage and car rental, making it convenient for a broader outing.
Who should eat here and who should stay away
- Go if you want authentic, low-key Thai food led by an owner-chef, love a strong plate of Pad Thai, enjoy informal local spots, and don’t mind confirming small details at the counter.
- Avoid if you require strict adherence to posted prices, need formal accessibility or payment guarantees, or are uncomfortable with animals in the dining area.
Final verdict — honest and practical
This is the sort of neighborhood meal that can be the highlight of a trip when everything lines up: excellent Pad Thai, warm service, locals at lunch, low prices — a genuine mom-and-pop win. But the data documents a real pricing red flag. That single reported upcharge on a coconut changes the calculus for cautious diners and budget travelers.
If you value flavor and atmosphere and are willing to be assertive about price at the point of order, this place is worth seeking out. If you want guaranteed menu-bill parity and formal service protocols, this is not your kind of spot.
TL;DR: brilliant Pad Thai, charming owner, friendly cats, free street parking — check prices on extras before you pay.
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