No Thai! is proof that you don't need to have that high paying internship or be deep in government grant money to still enjoy a decent meal in the Ann Arbor area. As their website states, in February 2005 4 friends who craved modern Thai food decided to start a restaurant, and they each brought something different to the table. Chef Noerung "No" Hang was the one to put his face and name on the business, and thus No Thai! was born. There are 4 locations, with 3 in the Ann Arbor area and 1 in East Lansing, and they are very popular among the college crowd.
I remember the first time I had No Thai!, and it was at the (now relocated) South University store, that used to be next to campus sushi staple Sadako. An upperclassman in the Marching Band took the freshmen there, and we were all treated to delicious, under $10 fare. Back then, it was only $8 for any of the noodle or fried rice entrees, and a dollar more for shrimp. They still include tax, and they still have the same menu. There are only 4 noodle dishes, about a dozen stir fry dishes, and 3 fried rice dishes. They also only have 3 appetizers and soft drinks or Thai iced tea. It's simple, you choose a dish, a meat (or tofu), and a spice level. My first time I ordered "Yoga Flame," which is half as hot as their hottest choice "Dim Mak (literally "death's touch," I order it every time I go nowadays, even last night), and the Indian kid we were with said "woah, you ordered spicier food than the Indian! You're crazy!" Thus my reputation as a spice hound was established.
Anyway, while this establishment is doing nothing to revolutionize Thai cuisine, they are solid on the sheer principle of consistency. They have been around 8 years, and in the 5 that I've been frequenting them for quick lunch or simple dinner, their quality has stayed exactly the same. This is for better or worse, though, because if you have their food too often, you will burn out on it. They do quite well, and have a high-rent space in the Landmark apartment building on campus (where rent can run $1000+ per student per month per bedroom in a 4 bedroom unit. I think the government should be required to step in and regulate Ann Arbor's housing, because $4000-$5000 for an apartment in Michigan is insanity on a level that I can't describe.) where they've raised prices to $9 for a noodle dish. They give you a discount if you pay by cash, as does most Asian restaurants aimed at students in this area, and it's still as consistent as ever.
The appetizers are nothing to phone home over, but are decent if you want to make a big meal out of it with your friends, and the service is fast and extremely friendly. If you're looking to be adventurous and you've never had Thai before, try No Thai, as it really is "baby's first non-Chinese Asian restaurant," but if you want authentic, high brow Thai, try someplace else, like Tuptim or Lotus Thai (which, after I go back with a few friends will be a full review on itself).
Quality: 3.5/5
Value: 4/5
Caveat: With consistency this is a 4, but the only reason I give it 3.5 is because of how boring the menu is. Seriously, two of the noodle dishes are Pad Thai, but one has curry in it. If you put your name on a business, be a little more adventurous and put a couple of variants in there!
-C
No Thai!
1300 S University AND
226 N 4th Ave AND
1745 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI
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