So, I found myself over in Stamford, CT, the other day, and you know how it is when that midday hunger hits. I wasn’t really sure what I was in the mood for, which can be a dangerous game. I started scrolling through options, and this place, Ocha Thai & Japanese Cuisine, popped up. Thai AND Japanese? My brain immediately went, “Hmm, ambitious.” Sometimes places that try to do too much end up doing nothing particularly well. But, curiosity (and an empty stomach) got the better of me.
I decided to head over. Finding parking in Stamford can sometimes be a bit of a mission, but I managed to snag a spot not too far away. I walked in, and the place had a pretty straightforward vibe. Not overly fancy, but clean and seemed like a local favorite, a few tables were already filled which I usually take as a good sign. It felt like a comfortable, neighborhood kind of spot.
The Menu Dilemma
Then came the menu. And yeah, it was extensive. One side Thai, the other Japanese. My eyes were darting back and forth. Do I go for a classic Pad Thai? Or maybe some Drunken Noodles? Then again, a fresh sushi roll sounded tempting too. This is always my problem when there are too many good choices. I spent a good few minutes just flipping pages, probably looking completely lost.
I figured, to really see what they were about, I should try a bit from both sides of the menu. It felt like a good test, you know? So, I started with a Thai classic. I went for the Green Curry with chicken. I asked for it to be medium spicy; I like a kick but I still want to taste the food. For the Japanese side, I kept it simple and ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll. Can’t go too wrong with that, and it’s a good benchmark, I think.
Putting It to the Test
The food didn’t take too long to arrive, which was great because I was definitely ready to eat. First up was the Green Curry. The aroma was fantastic as soon as they put it down. It came with a side of white rice, standard stuff. I took a spoonful of the curry, and honestly, it was pretty good! The chicken was tender, veggies were crisp-tender, and the curry sauce itself had a nice balance of creamy coconut milk, spice, and that distinct green curry flavor. The medium spice level was just right for me – present, but not overwhelming.
Next, I turned my attention to the Spicy Tuna Roll. Presentation was neat. I popped a piece in my mouth. The tuna was fresh, the rice was seasoned okay, and the spicy mayo had a decent little zing. It wasn’t, like, the most mind-blowing sushi I’ve ever had in my life, but it was definitely solid. Especially for a place that’s also churning out Thai dishes. It didn’t taste like an afterthought, which was my main concern.
- Green Curry: Definitely flavorful, good spice, veggies cooked well.
- Spicy Tuna Roll: Fresh tasting, decent execution for a non-specialty sushi spot.
The service was efficient. They were busy, so it wasn’t overly chatty, but my water glass stayed full, and they cleared plates promptly. That’s all I really ask for, especially during a lunch rush.
So, my little experiment at Ocha Thai & Japanese Cuisine turned out pretty well. I walked in a bit skeptical about the dual-cuisine approach, but I left pleasantly surprised. They managed to pull off both Thai and Japanese dishes competently. It’s a good option if you’re with someone and you both want different Asian cuisines, or if you’re like me and just can’t make up your mind. I’d say it’s a reliable spot in Stamford if you’re looking for a casual meal with a good variety. I’d probably go back if I was in the area and craving either Thai or some straightforward sushi. Not bad at all.
