(Dined 04/27/26 MO @ 5:30pm): Thai food and sushi always made me happy!…read more
I decided to explore the nearby shopping center and came upon Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro And Sushi Bar. It was happy hour and dinner time, the happy hour menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=sU3aNqKNoeIXrrigGqvftQ caught my attention, and the overall frumpy decor and look captivated me to give them a shot. Founded in 2012 in Aspen, Colorado by Chef Paula Rungsawang and her partner Kirk Coult, they've visited the community several times and thought this would be a great opportunity to share their award-winning cuisine where there was little to no traditional Thai food presence. Would I be bowled over by some banging Thai food and sushi resulting in a very happy tummy!?
PURCHASE(S)
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail ($12.00 HH): A sweet elixir which the bartender made somewhat strong (thank you!), this drink always made me happy simply because of the color. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=Mj1qbpJwcyYJUdNDr_4S9w
3pc Bangkok Pork Sliders ($12.95 HH): Simple nibblers to work up the appetite, I found these an odd menu choice, that I just had to order them (nothing special). https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=wyB2_9x_jxvaNufqZw5L-g
Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde Lager Beer 4.8% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Bright amber color, citrusy malty tropical aroma, light body, citrusy malty flavor, crisp finish, and citrus malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=6idV9X-Co-OVVG-KTP-zFw
2pc Pork Egg Rolls ($8.95 HH): A nice crisp flaky wrapper packed with minced pork and some veggies, this made sense on the menu. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=_VN5rQh9ajIgQ_AryiYBtw
Sapporo Breweries Sapporo Premium Beer 4.9% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Rich amber color, malty sweet aroma, low body, light malty sweet flavor, clean smooth finish, and light malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=hcBRxXNeOEjVj2Oh0xUZLg
10pc Heritage Rock JImi Hendrix Sushi Cut Roll ($28.95): Crispy soft shell crab, avocado, asparagus topped with avocado, spicy ahi, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo and sweet soy, there was a lot going on within each ginormous piece as flavors bounced around your mouth. This was one rockin' roll! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=x6ZuRWgpGDrNBzlpePWscA
Mango Sticky Rice ($14.95): This large portion was amazingly fresh, sweet, and could've made it a separate entree on its own! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=_6lCggMO4ba2dAUOxgpT6g
To Go Fee ($1.05): For my dessert, I've never been charged this before, but I understood businesses needed to cut/pass along costs as much as possible - c'est la vie.
SERVICE
I was immediately greeted by a gentleman as I headed towards the bar where I was then warmly greeted by the female bartender/server. She helped me work the happy hour menu, recommended the sushi roll, quickly delivered everything, and we shared some casual chatter. It was a relaxing dinner with good company - mahalo!
PARKING
(FREE; N/A this instance): Located within the outdoor Poipu Shopping Village, there were plenty of spots although I took the 10-minute easy walk from the Sheraton Kaua'i Resort Villas - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A weathered-looking eatery with both indoor and outdoor dining that had competing decor ideas and a club feel, there was a short bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=fLb8Xkq9JnzJYFeJAY48ZQ to your left once you entered, the main dining area to your right, and then patio seating out front where there was live entertainment on a small stage. A decent amount of natural lighting came through the wide front opening while an assortment of electric ceiling light fixtures covered the rest. There were several muted TVs throughout, while pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=teGtMAhYedc3smx8Yh8UDQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro And Sushi Bar was a chill time, and I would consider another visit to actually eat Thai cuisine from their sizable menu. The happy hour was really good, the food was tasty, the prices were a bit elevated, and the service was efficient and friendly. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $95.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS