New Thai Restaurant at Cornell College Town

As someone always on the hunt for delicious new food spots in Ithaca, especially around the Cornell University area, I was super excited to check out Thai Joy (泰酷辣) located at 100 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. With so many options for Thai food in Ithaca, NY, I wanted to see if this new spot truly brings a fresh "taste of Thai" to our college town. Here’s my honest take after a recent visit! First off, let’s talk about the Thai Style Pork Jowl. This was an absolute standout! The OCR picked up on how I described it: thin slices, wrapped with fresh veggies, and a sauce that’s "spicy, limey, and sour – super refreshing." Honestly, it hit all the right notes for me, earning a perfect 10 out of 10. If you’re looking for something vibrant and packed with flavor, this is an absolute must-try. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to come back just for it. Next, I dove into the Tom Yum Mama Noodle Soup. I was intrigued by the idea of a "home-style vibe," and that's precisely what I got. While the OCR noted I found it "very bland" and "nothing like Tom yum or mama ramen seasoning," it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It offered a comforting, milder broth, which could be perfect if you're not in the mood for the intense flavors usually associated with Tom Yum. Think of it as a warm, cozy bowl rather than a fiery explosion. It’s certainly a unique take for those exploring different facets of Thai cuisine. I also tried the Roasted Duck with Fried Rice, which was on sale during my visit. The duck itself was "well marinated," as the OCR indicated, and had good flavor. However, I agree with my initial assessment that it was "way too salty." The curry fried rice, while tasty, also leaned heavily on the salt and curry powder, making it a bit rich for my preference. My advice? If you order this, maybe ask for less salt or pair it with plain white rice to balance things out. It still offers a hearty meal, but keep the saltiness in mind. Finally, the Peach Oolong Milk Tea. I love a good boba, and this one truly impressed. The OCR highlighted it as "very smooth, better than many Boba shop," and I stand by that 9 out of 10 rating. It was fragrant and perfectly balanced, a fantastic way to cool down and cleanse the palate after the meal. Definitely don’t skip their drinks menu! Overall, Thai Joy offers a mixed but largely positive experience. It’s conveniently located for Cornell students and locals seeking authentic Thai food in Ithaca, NY. While some dishes might need slight adjustments to suit individual tastes (like the salt level), the highlights like the Pork Jowl and Oolong Milk Tea are truly exceptional. If you’re a fan of fresh, vibrant Thai flavors and a cozy atmosphere, this new spot is definitely worth a visit to discover your own favorites. It’s a great addition to the Ithaca food scene, providing another excellent option for that sought-after "taste of Thai" right here!