Laughing Monk Cafe - Boston

I would recommend this place if you're looking for higher quality food of what they have on the menu, but I'm not sure if it would be recommended because they have a special item. I'd also like to note that this place is $10-20 because they have dishes like the Thai noodles that can fill you up, but can also get expensive if you decide to add other dishes.When you enter you'll see another door and a window. The window is for pick up and the door is to enter for dining in. It says don't enter, but unless it's packed it seems like it's okay to just walk in.For my dine-in I ordered the crab rangoon, chicken drunken noodle, and 2 orders of 2 piece amaebi nigiri.I received my crab rangoon about 5 minutes after ordering. The shell had a nice crunch! Thickness of it and temperature of the filling is warm which made it easy to bite into. The filling also is seasoned well, plus has a nice cheesy pull and creaminess when I bit into it. The shreds of crab is sizable and gives the filling a nice texture as well. The size and the shape of the rangoon allows for a full and more filling than something like Panda's, which I appreciate. The only negative note I'd like to mention is that the dish with the sauce isn't big enough for the rangoon to be dipped in, but I appreciate that they have the small spoon for the sauce to be scooped for people to pour.The chicken drunken noodle came out right as I finished the app. All the veggies and the noodle were cooked well and had the sauce incorporated very well. The basil was fresh and added generously enough to give the dish a nice flavor! Chicken is a little on the drier side but still absorbed the sauce flavor very well. The flavor overall was strong and well seasoned, though it could be a little salty for some.The amaebi had a nice sweetness and 말랑말랑 texture! The first order I had, the wasabi taste was too overwhelming as someone who is sensitive to it. The rice was a good amount but typical slightly vinegar'ed flavor. The amaebi alone could give a little 텁텁함, and the topped roe was helping to reduce that but did add a bit more fishiness as a result, but this is where the wasabi would balance it out.The server that helped me today is superb. The server let me know that the drunken noodle could be spicy and asked if I was okay with that. They also checked in to make sure everything was okay, plus fill my water when they noticed it half empty. I also appreciated that they remembered that I didn't want my water refilled, but also asked me several times whether I was okay on the water in case I might want some. They also took the time to follow up with the chef to ask where my order is. Also something that I didn't realize is that the staff in the front isn't a server so I had to wait for the waitress to come take my 2nd order. They also apologized that I received my order later.

My office is located near by and this is my go to lunch spot, as in the only place I ever go! I really like that they have a variety of lunch specials and an easy online order process. I’ve gotten their noodles, sushi, and chicken dishes and found them all delicious the sushi rolls are very big which I appreciate and most of the noodles comes with sides of crushed peanuts, chilli flakes etc. It’s a little pricey, I definitely couldn’t afford this place if I went to the office more often but it works for now!

All we ordered was delicious, great surprise having stopped there!! I will need to get back there more times, that's fot sure!!Food: 5/5

Fresh, delicious and nice presentation. Delivery was fast and notes taking in consideration.

Dining method: Take-outItem(s) ordered: Veggie Pad ThaiSpeed: Arrived on time, in under an hour via DoorDashThe short answer: Good quality Thai food with veggie options, though I wish there were a bit more flavor.The long answer: I enjoyed my veggie pad thai, as it had many vegetables and lots of tofu (I ordered steamed, and it was delicious). Unknown to me prior to ordering, the sauce was not the traditional (tamarind-based) orange sauce. If you're vegetarian, make sure to request it without fish sauce. Also remember to request sauces/sriracha. I haven't been in-person so I can't speak to the ambiance, but their food is certainly a solid option for Boston-area Thai food.