Siam Umami

My family and I loved our experience at Siam Umami for a few reasons:Making an online reservation via the restaurant's website was simple. We reserved a spot just a few hours before we wanted to eat. Service was wonderful. We went at opening on a weekday, and there was only one other party there. We were given the option to sit indoors or outdoors. We chose indoors, were promptly seated and, since it was our first time there, introduced by our friendly waiter to the menu and its seasonal items. Ambiance was inviting for a dinner date: somewhat plain walls, mildly dim lights, and background jazz music that altogether seem to direct attention to conversation around the dining table. The food was, by far, the best part. Each dish seemed to have a variety of flavors and consistencies that made each item delightfully unique. We ordered the La Tiang and Chor Chaba appetizers. The La Tiang was surprisingly rich with flavor and taste, balanced by the light and fluffy omelette base. The Chor Chaba similarly had a rich interior but with more peanut flavor and a crunchy outer lettuce wrap. Our main entrees were the coconut water braised pork belly and spicy tamarind salmon. The pork belly was tender and juicy. The broth had a light and refreshing nature that reminded me of a soup my grandmother used to make. The salmon was a fun dish with a conglomerate of tastes including sweet and sour (from the sauce), herby, and spicy. The salmon was tender throughout and crispy on the edges, adding a nice crunch to each bite. Lastly, we ordered the taro crème brûlée for dessert. The caramelized and hardened top contrasted well with the soft and sticky consistency below. The taste was more reminiscent of butter mochi rather than taro, but sweet and delicious nonetheless. Overall, I highly recommend Siam Umami and will be back to try some of their other dishes.

A cozy Thai spot serving unique royal thai cuisine with novel dishes like Chor Muang and Kratong Thorng. The space is on the smaller end so be sure to make reservation. Service was also on the slower side so do be patient.We got most of the appetizers to try and particularly enjoyed the Chor Muang and Chor Chaba. I would say they all tasted similar though with common ingredients and spices across the dishes.We split the Khao Mok Gai for entree and that was our favorite dish of the night. The grilled chicken thighs were very tender and juicy. Rice was flavorful, as well as the cilantro sauce. Next time we would do two entrees instead of a bunch of appetizers.We also tried both the desserts and the Taro Creme Brulee came out on top with decadent taro custard with crispy sugar top. The Japanese Cotton Cheesecake with Pandan was good too though! Lighter and less sweet.

Incredibly unique preparation, presentation, and frankly locale being in the South riverfront area. There's also an incredibly unique but far too strong incense smell to mask heavy cooking smells..., it's an acquired aroma.Flavors were awesome... though the crispy cups dish was just not for me. The winner tonight was the shrimp curry and the pork belly. The cocktails are worth a read and try. Taro crème brûlée was my favorite tonight. It's clear to me the owner has 5-star hotel experience and he confirmed it with his background.My one concern is the credit hold protocol that I personally do not appreciate and it has to be called out. I understand the last thing a small business wants is to prepare ingredients for a larger party only to have them not show up. That could be material loss. But to have a very steep hold amount per person and to actually POST the charge rather than PENDING hold is a bridge too far. Of course I got my deposit back, but this is the very first establishment that does this that I've ever experienced.

Excellent spicy food with the accompanying friendly service. I would argue this is one of the best local places to eat.

This was an experience from the moment you step into the intimate space until the dessert is served. I savored every bite. The service was excellent and the staff so friendly they actually took time to get to know you and talk to you about your meal. I was impressed that they were able to offer me a substitute due to allergies. Although the pork belly was melt in your mouth experience leave room for the taro crème brûlée. The food was a full sensory experience that was unbelievably delicious. The drink menu was filled with great options as well. This is going on my list of great date night recommendations and was also a wonderful place for my dining alone evening

What a cute neighborhood Thai place! My son is really into Thai food, but we wanted to try some place we had not been. In research, I discovered this entire category of Thai food, of which I was, unaware, namely, Royal Thai food, which apparently was historically served in the monarchy's palace. The distinguishing features of this subset of Thai food include particular attention paid to freshness, balance of flavors, and presentation. Apparently, this cultural gem was created and preserved as a tool of diplomacy, so that dignitaries could be fêted in appropriate style.While Siam Umami is not strictly limited to Royal Thai food, particular dishes, such as the dumplings, do hold pride of place on the menu. I would also say that the philosophy and precision do play a role in this neighborhood joint.For appetizers, we had the chor chaba (albacore dumplings), Krathong Tong (crispy cups stuffed with vegetables) and house pickles. The house pickles were the weak link, and definitely can be skipped. The other two apps were just perfect--the chor chaba, which is a rice powder dumpling, has the perfect amount of give and resistance so it was tender without being gummy. Flavor profile was awesome--vibrant, balanced flavors popped without anything being overpowered. The crispy cups were one biters, providing a pleasing pucker of tamarind.For entrees, we shared the mushroom noodle, the chili glazed branzino, and the stuffed zucchini.Again, the mushroom noodle dish was unmemorable. The mushroom gravy had no depth of flavor and felt over thickened with cornstarch. The noodles were clumpy, but in defense of the restaurant, we chose the gluten-free rice noodles rather than the egg noodles that the dish normally comes with. I would assume those noodles would not clump in the same way. While it's great that they provide a vegan option like this, the dish really needs some attention paid to it so that it matches the overall high quality of the other items.The branzino was gorgeous. The fish was cooked through but not dry, the chili glaze balanced, sweet and heat, giving a richness to the lean fish. A definite winner.Tofu, vegetable, and potato stuffed zucchini, halves were robed in a mesh omelette that stole the show of the evening for the best presentation. Very elegant, it was served with a side of a mint, dipping sauce, that we all thought was reminiscent of a traditional Indian mint chutney. The zucchini was cooked through while still having some structure to it. The flavor of the stuffing itself was on the milder side, so the mint chutney definitely helped add some intensity from a dish that otherwise verged on blandness.Our server, meanwhile, effectively managed the entire front of the house on his own. That meant he was responsible for serving, busing, all while handling bartender duties. We ordered two drinks, one, a non-alcoholic, coconut and salted caramel iced tea, the other was also a rich, salted caramel rum drink that was dangerously addictive. Both were spot on; our server maintained his cool, even as he worked quickly and efficiently to provide an enjoyable experience for the diners.I very much appreciate this restaurant's mission and focus. Chef Tong has created a stellar neighborhood restaurant offering well executed Thai food that doesn't fall into the clichéd offerings of most places in town. That will be a benefit or deficit to your experience, based on whether you are expecting--tried, and true American Thai food offerings, or if you are open to something different. We were pleasantly pleased, and towards the end of the meal, we asked our server how often the menu changes. We were told that, while some items remain throughout the year, that there are seasonal changes about four times a year. We will be back to sample the autumn menu.

siam umami highlights the characteristics of royal thai cuisine: best ingredients from the northwest, well balanced flavors & beautiful presentation.lots of gluten free & vegan options. probs one of the best places to get thai food in portland imo!! would give more than 5 stars if I could.they have a small menu, so it makes choosing what to get easier. but I'll be going back to try more! here's what I got this time around:- appetizer, steamed pork siu mai- entree 1, pork belly braised in coconut water - one of the highlights for me. meat was tender & delicious. I'm truly whipped for their whipped coconut!!- entree 2, soy sweet chili glazed branzino- dessert, taro crème brûlée - another highlight. not too sweet, perf way to end the meal.PARKING - lots of street parking off corbettSEATING - not a ton, but we were able to walk in with no wait on a wednesday evening. they take reservations on yelp.AMBIANCE - vibey, stylish, refined, super chillCOST - paid about $30 for the meal + tipSERVICE - friendly, fast, attentive

Food was surprising and delicious. Service was excellent our server had great drink and food recommendations. Small cozy spot with great ambiance.

Great small restaurant in the neighborhood. The cocktails and food are amazing. I like walking here from home. It is a restaurant on the smaller side so call or make a reservation before you go.

Went here last night with friends. We were blown away by the food, and the service. The food was as delicious as it was beautiful, true works of art. The service was impeccable. We had cocktails, appetizers, salads, main courses, sides and desserts. The cocktails were so delicious we all had a second round. The desserts were to die for. All the food in between was exquisite. The prices were so very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!!