Tastes of Thailand: Getting Your Thai Fix Near Volcano Village Lodge
When visiting our Big Island’s renowned Volcano bed and breakfast, Volcano Village Lodge, guests are surrounded by some of the finest natural wonders the world has to offer. From the lodge’s own lush grounds to the nearby majesty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s enchantment is on full display, providing island visitors with a true heaven on earth experience.
Beyond the natural treasures the area of Volcano Village Lodge has to offer, this region of Hawaii is also known for its flavorful culinary scene. Foodies can enjoy fresh seafood, local Hawaiian delicacies, and dishes from multiple Asian cultures during the course of their stay. One particularly popular choice? The bright, fresh flavors of Thailand—and the lucky guests of the Volcano Village Lodge have two delicious options at very close hand.
Bangkok Flavor on the Big Island
After enjoying an exciting day of exploration at Volcanoes National Park, nothing quite hits the spot like the authentic, bold flavors of Thailand. The strong warming spice of tom yum soup, the unparalleled freshness of green curry, the filling comfort of a bowl of pad thai—even the most exhausted adventurer comes back to life after a good Thai meal!
Situated halfway between Volcanoes National Park and the Volcano Village Lodge—making it an unbelievably convenient stopping point after your park visit—Thai Thai Bistro and Bar is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Guests routinely give this family-owned establishment top marks for the cleanliness of the interior, the friendliness of its staff, and the excellence of its food.
And excellent the food is. Thai Thai Bistro’s menu is packed with all the delicious Thai classics that you’d expect, from spicy-sour tom kha soup to an array of fresh, vegetable-packed based curries. Reviews consistently highlight the pleasing, robust flavor palettes and generous portion sizes of their meals.
Flexibility for those with dietary needs is also a point of pride for Thai Thai Bistro; many menu items are naturally gluten-free, or can be made so. They also offer a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes for the plant-based crowd! And for those who accompany Thai-food lovers but might not be into the cuisine themselves, there are multiple “Western-style” menu options such as burgers and chicken nuggets. There’s something for everyone here—no one leaves hungry.
Signature Standouts
Like any restaurant, fans of Thai Thai Bistro have their particular favorite dishes that get frequent shout-outs in reviews.
Avocado Fries: This appetizer, with a crispy tempura battered exterior providing a delicious contrast to the creamy avocado center, is often given rave reviews by diners. It’s served with a homemade tartar sauce, and would be an excellent pairing with any of the local beers from the drinks menu—try it with the light and slightly fruity Big Wave Golden Ale.
Green Curry: Guests order this with chicken, tofu, beef and more, but no matter the choice of protein, it is a beloved dish with a number of devotees. This is the mid-heat option on Thai Thai Bistro’s curry menu (though the staff are happy to add extra chilis for those who like a couple of extra alarms on their fire), and it’s praised for its perfect flavor balance, with enough chili for a good kick without overwhelming the freshness of the cilantro, coconut milk, and vegetables. Pair this with a glass of the equally flavor-balanced Santa Christina Pinot Grigio, a wine that’s bright yet delicate to provide the most perfectly refreshing accompaniment.
The Details
Thai Thai Bistro and Bar is open from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch, and then again from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM for dinner, Friday through Tuesday. Guests can dine in or order their food to go.
Note: According to a note on Google Maps, Thai Thai Bistro and Bar will be closed for the month of September, 2024. The current target reopening date is October 7th.
The Bistro welcomes parties of all sizes, but they do request that parties of 6 or more call ahead for a reservation, just so they can be sure they’re able to accommodate your group smoothly and comfortably. Their number is (808) 967-7969.
Visit the Thai Thai Bistro and Bar at 19-4084 Old Volcano Road in Volcano, Hawaii, 96785.
Casual Vibes
If food trucks are more your jam, look no further than Aunty Pon’s Thai Food Truck at Cooper’s Center. This tiny blue wagon boasts a surprisingly substantial menu and an outsized reputation for excellence.
Aunty Pon’s, much like Thai Thai Bistro, is famed for high-quality food and extremely generous portion sizes. Experience Volcano makes particular note that the food truck works with local farmers and markets; when you dine here, you’re supporting multiple small businesses and getting fresh local food. Now that’s a total win-win!
Plump summer rolls, creamy spiced curries, and veggie-forward noodle dishes with glossy rich sauces feature on Aunty Pon’s website, and the reviews indicate that everything dished up here lives up to their photographic depictions. Super fresh and intensely flavorful are the words of the day here—there isn’t a bad choice to be made anywhere on this menu! And once again, plant-based foodies rejoice; plenty of Aunty Pon’s meals are naturally vegan, and they’re happy to make adjustments if you like.
There’s very limited outdoor seating at Aunty Pon’s, so your best option is to plan to take your food to go. The truck is located within a five-minute drive of Volcano Village Lodge, so it’s perfect for stopping in and loading up with delicious goodies on your way back from a day of adventures.
Visit Aunty Pon’s Food Truck between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday to Thursday; they’re located at 19-4030 Wright Rd in Volcano. Want to phone in your order ahead of time? No problem: the number to call is (808) 785-5795.
Unforgettable Flavor, Unparallelled Convenience
When you’re staying at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you already know you’re getting a world-class luxury experience. Beautiful views, plush accommodations, and fantastic access to attractions are just a few of the plentiful perks you can enjoy.
A world-class luxury stay deserves a world-class dining experience to go with it, so be sure to make note of Volcano’s amazing Thai food offerings. The taste of Thailand is exactly the finishing touch you need to make your stay at Volcano Village Lodge absolutely perfect.