Southern Gem Alert: Simply Thai in High Point, NC Stole Our Hearts (and Taste Buds!)

Hey y'all! When we started our Girls Go South journey, we promised to highlight the hidden gems we discover along our travels. Today, we're breaking our usual itinerary format to gush about a place that made us literally cancel our evening plans just to eat there twice in one day. (Yes, it's THAT good!)

Simply Thai: The Unexpected Oasis in High Point

Tucked between furniture showrooms in High Point, North Carolina, Simply Thai doesn't look like much from the outside. The modest storefront in a small strip mall might have you questioning your GPS, but trust us—this unassuming spot delivers some of the most authentic, flavorful Thai cuisine we've encountered anywhere in the South (or beyond!).

How We Found It

After a long day exploring the renowned High Point furniture market (more on that adventure in next week's post), we were exhausted and hangry. The usual chain restaurants beckoned, but Maddie remembered seeing Simply Thai mentioned in a local's comment on our Instagram. With expectations appropriately low for a strip mall restaurant, we decided to give it a shot.

Three hours later, we were making reservations to return for dinner the SAME DAY. That's a first for the Girls Go South team!

What Makes Simply Thai Magic

The Family Touch

From the moment we walked in, the family-run atmosphere was evident. The owner, Kat, greeted us like we were guests in her home rather than customers. Her daughter explained dishes with such passion that we immediately ordered twice as much as planned. You can taste the love and heritage in every dish—this isn't commercialized Thai food; it's family recipes executed with pride.

The Flavor Symphony

Let's talk about the food, because WOW. Each dish arrived with its own distinct aroma, vibrant presentation, and complex flavor profile. The balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty elements—the hallmark of authentic Thai cuisine—was absolutely perfect.

Our must-order recommendations:

• Panang Curry: Creamy, complex, with the perfect heat level that builds slowly

• Crispy Duck with Basil: The crackly skin! The tender meat! The fragrant basil sauce!

• Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): A refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the richer dishes

• Mango Sticky Rice: The perfect dessert with freshly sliced mangoes and warm coconut-infused rice

Spice Level Realness

When they say Thai hot, they MEAN Thai hot. Lauren, our resident spice queen, met her match with their "Thai hot" drunken noodles. The kitchen doesn't Americanize the heat levels, which earned our immediate respect. That said, they're happy to adjust to your preference—just be honest about your spice tolerance!

The Little Touches

Handmade ceramic dishware, fresh orchids on each table, and traditional Thai music playing softly created an immersive experience that transported us far from North Carolina. We especially loved the traditional Thai tea served in gorgeous hand-painted cups.

Beyond the Food

What really elevated our Simply Thai experience was the sense of cultural exchange. Between courses, Kat sat with us briefly and shared stories about growing up in Thailand and how she adapted traditional recipes using local Southern ingredients when certain Thai items weren't available.

Her fusion creations—like the Carolina Shrimp Pad Thai using local shrimp and a hint of Carolina BBQ flavor—showcase a beautiful marriage between Thai tradition and Southern influence.

Why It's Our Favorite Southern Destination

We've eaten our way through many Southern states, but Simply Thai represents what our journey is really about: discovering the diverse, multicultural tapestry that makes up the modern South. It reminds us that "Southern food" isn't just biscuits and BBQ (though we love those too!)—it's also the cuisines brought by immigrants who have made the South their home and enriched its culture.

Simply Thai embodies the warmth, hospitality, and flavor that we seek in all our travels. It's not just a restaurant; it's a destination that tells a story about family, heritage, and the beautiful evolution of Southern cuisine.

Plan Your Visit

Simply Thai1234 Main StreetHigh Point, NC 27262Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-9pmClosed MondaysReservations recommended for dinner!

Pro Tips:

• Order family-style to try more dishes

• Ask about the day's specials—often these are traditional dishes not on the regular menu

• Save room for dessert—the coconut ice cream is housemade!

• If you love something, say so! Kat often shares cooking tips with enthusiastic customers

The Verdict

Some destinations are worth a detour. Simply Thai is worth planning an entire trip around. No joke—we've already scheduled our return visit three months from now specifically to coincide with our North Carolina furniture hunting expedition.

Have you found unexpected culinary treasures in your Southern travels? Drop us a comment below with your own hidden gem restaurants!

Follow along on Instagram @GirlsGoSouth.Pod for daily updates from our current adventure through the Carolinas! New posts every week!

Girls Go South is a podcast created by friends who relocated to North Carolina for college, sharing our journey of discovering Southern culture, food, fashion, and adventures!