Affordable, Satisfying Thai Food Right in San Mateo
When you want a reliably delicious Thai meal without stretching your budget, New Thai Elephant delivers flavourful curries, comforting classics, and a welcoming space that brings you back again and again.
Why customers choose us
What makes New Thai Elephant stand out
01
Affordable Thai Food Without Compromise
Customers hire New Thai Elephant when they want a satisfying Thai meal that delivers genuine flavour at a price that feels fair. The value proposition is reinforced by inclusive pricing — rice comes with curries at no extra charge — making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious diners.
“Unbeatable prices for delicious Thai food. Best part is that their curries come with rice and it's not an extra fee.”
02
Consistent Comfort Food Cravings Satisfied
Regulars return to New Thai Elephant specifically for dependable Thai comfort dishes — particularly the char siu-style pork, larb, and curries — knowing the experience will be consistent visit after visit. This reliability makes it the go-to spot for familiar, satisfying Thai flavours in the area.
“We've been coming here for years and it's been a consistent experience. Our favorites have been the dishes with char siu style (BBQ) pork, larb, and the curries.”
03
Effortless Group Dining Experience
New Thai Elephant is an easy choice when customers need a welcoming, well-organised space for groups — with flexible seating, a straightforward menu, and a clean, attractively decorated interior. The low-friction experience from arrival to meal makes it a practical pick for casual gatherings.
“The place is easy to find, located right on the corner of the street. It's tidy and clean, with plenty of seating—tables for groups of 2 up to 6 people.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Curries served with rice at no extra charge
“their curries come with rice and it's not an extra fee”
Unbeatable value for the price
“Unbeatable prices for delicious Thai food”
Char siu pork, larb, and curries as standout dishes
“Our favorites have been the dishes with char siu style (BBQ) pork, larb, and the curries”
Bear-shaped ice cubes in Thai Iced Tea
“their bear-shaped ice cubes that come with their Thai Iced Tea”
Nicely decorated interior worth photographing
“Interior is nicely decorated and is the kind of place you'd post to Insta rather than a typical Thai restaurant”
Roast Duck Curry as a highlight dish
“their Roast Duck Curry is by far the best dish, but they have an extensive menu”
Budget-friendly pricing
“Overall, it's budget-friendly”
Consistent, years-long reliable experience
“We've been coming here for years and it's been a consistent experience”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
Bear-Shaped Ice Cubes
A small but memorable detail: the Thai Iced Tea is served with bear-shaped ice cubes, the kind of playful flourish that turns a simple drink into something worth talking about.
Rice Included — No Hidden Fees
Curries come with rice as a matter of course, not as a paid add-on. It's a straightforward gesture that signals the kitchen is thinking about a complete, satisfying meal rather than padding the bill.
Generous Dessert Portions
The fried bananas arrive paired with a notably generous scoop of ice cream — the kind of portion that feels like a little bonus at the end of a meal.
A Thank-You for Leaving a Review
Guests who leave a Google review while dining are offered a complimentary ice cream — a lighthearted way of acknowledging and rewarding the people who take a moment to share their experience.
Warm and Friendly Staff
Multiple guests highlight the friendliness of the team on the floor. Even on busier days, the warmth of the staff leaves a positive impression that carries the overall experience.
Thoughtfully Decorated Interior
The dining room goes beyond the functional — guests describe an interior that feels genuinely considered and visually appealing, the kind of space that makes a meal feel like more of an occasion.
Clear, Readable Menu
The menu is laid out in a way that makes ordering easy and approachable, reducing the friction of navigating an unfamiliar cuisine and letting guests focus on the enjoyment of choosing their meal.
Consistent Experience Across Visits
Long-term regulars note that the quality and character of the restaurant holds steady over years of visits — a quiet form of care that tells guests their loyalty is being honoured each time they return.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Easy corner location
The restaurant is located right on a street corner, making it straightforward to find.
Curries include rice
Rice comes with the curries at no extra charge, so you get a complete meal without hidden add-ons.
Try the roast duck curry
Reviewers highlight the Roast Duck Curry as a standout dish worth ordering on your first visit.
Order Thai Iced Tea
The Thai Iced Tea comes with bear-shaped ice cubes, making it a fun and memorable drink to try.
Leave a review on-site
There is a note at the counter offering free ice cream if you leave a Google review while dining in.
Seats groups of various sizes
The restaurant has ample seating with tables accommodating groups of 2 up to 6 people.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
Fried Bananas and Ice Cream Worth Saving Room For
“We also enjoyed the fried bananas and ice cream, but it was more ice cream than banana as we had 4 pieces of fried banana”
Convenient Corner Location, Easy to Find
“The place is easy to find, located right on the corner of the street.”
Spacious Seating for Groups of Different Sizes
“It's tidy and clean, with plenty of seating—tables for groups of 2 up to 6 people.”
Friendly Staff Who Make You Feel Welcome
“the staff are very friendly”
An Extensive Menu with Something for Everyone
“they have an extensive menu”
Thai Comfort Foods Alongside Classic Dishes
“Solid Thai restaurant with a focus on Thai comfort foods alongside classic Thai dishes.”