Thai Essence
“But the best is the chocolate soufflé they have for dessert, you might wanna order ahead so it's ready on time.”
“It's BYOB, lunch specials run 7 days a week, and the prices are great.”
“We started with the basil rolls and chicken dumplings for an appetizer and I had the PAD KRA PAO with shrimp.”
Thai Essence
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Just stopped in for lunch today and the food was actually very, very tasy.
Two co-workers and I were in the mood for Thai and our first choice, House of Thai Cuisine 2 in Newark, seemed a little dumpy and didn't take credit cards and our second choice, Orchid Thai Cuisine in Nutley, is now closed. Thankfully we didn't give up and we found Thai Essence.
We started with the basil rolls and chicken dumplings for an appetizer and I had the PAD KRA PAO with shrimp. Unfortunately I didn't order it spicy enough (dummy), but it tasted delicious. The vegetables were done very well (not overcooked) and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. My co-workers had the PAD KRA PAO with Chicken and the Thai Essence Fried Rice. Both seemed to enjoy their meal as much as I did. BIG fan of their Thai Iced Tea! Place was a little pricy for lunch, but our waiter was friendly and we were served quickly…always a big plus for me. Since we're kind of limited around here when it comes to Thai food, I will definitely go back to Thai Essence…
I came here last night on a lovely double date. It was the first time we'd eaten here (my fiancé and I), and as soon as you walk in, the scents TAKE CONTROL. It smells fantastic, and we couldn't wait to eat…
We started with the wings (sweet+sour sauce), chicken satay — they were fantastic. For the meal, a mix of orders from curry, to Pad Pad, to Ginger chicken and shrimp, it was all delicious.
Check this spot out for a great Thai meal.
A few friends and I happened to pass by this cute Thai joint after not being able to find the Bosphorus. It was a happy surprise! We each ordered something different – one a chicken red curry, pad kee mao, and seared tuna. We all loved everything we had and service was pretty solid. The prices are fair for Thai as well.
It wasn't prime time dinner but we did go on a Friday evening and were well attended. Might return if we happen in the Nutley area!
Thai Essence was one of those places my family always noticed but never went to. Thankfully we rectified the situation.
Meals are in the $12 range and I had the spicy chicken saute. I love spicy food and this was right up my alley. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we'll keep Thai Essence in our back pocket for a nice change of pace.
BTW, their is a metered parking lot in the back.
I have to admit, I was in one of those "I'm hungry but I have no idea what I want for dinner nights." My husband suggested Thai and off we went.
The inside is cute, and has a decent atmosphere. The restaurant is a BYOB which is always a plus. There is a municipal 24 hour metered lot behind the restaurant.
We started with appetizers: Thai salad and roasted eggplant. The thai salad was normal and neither fabulous nor displeasing. The eggplant dish was odd, but quite good. It was roasted eggplant, shrimp, lettuce in a spicy sauce.
As for entrees, we ordered the Pad Ke Mow, Beef Fried rice and Chicken Green Curry. The Pad Ke Mow was OK, but nothing compared to others we've had in the past. My husband called the Beef fried rice – barely edible. My husband also didn't care for the green curry, but he doesn't like coconut so take that with a grain of salt. I thought it was quite good but the sauce was a bit thin.
No dessert that night so nothing to report. Overall things were OK. However, I've had other Thai food in the area that blows this one away so I'd have to say I won't return. I wish there were half stars because i'd really like to rate this place a 2.5.
Located right on Franklin Avenue, in the heart of Nutley, Thai Essence stands out.
I met up with a friend there and the place was half-packed at 6 p.m. on a Thursday night. We were seated immediately, at the smallest table they had (when there was a table for two right next to us that was larger – made no sense).
The food was good. I had Chicken Satay as an appetizer and the Sauted Eggplant with Chicken as my main dish. For dessert, Carmelized Bananas with Ginger Ice Cream.
The Chicken Satay was delish and the dipping sauces were unbelievable. The chicken was barbequed to perfection.
The Sauted Eggplant was good as well. Very tantalizing to the tongue.
The dessert had my tongue confused. Every time I would take a spoon of the ice cream, it was so different every taste.
By the time we left, the place was packed. Word must have gotten around ….
Over all this is a great place. Good food. Pricing not too bad. Decor was like something right out of NYC.
There was also some free entertainment. Someone who worked there must have brought their daughter – she was about 3 or so – and she was quite the entertainment. LOL!!
One complaint that the lighting was too dim. Once the sun started to go down, they dimmed the lights.
Oh, and it is a BYOB.
I give this place three and a half stars after dining here for a large family celebration.
When we first arrived it seemed a bit disorganized. It seemed as though the staff was suddenly overwhelmed because they were rearranging seating by taking away tables from our party to sit another party even though we were still waiting for more guests. Good thing it's BYOB because we were able to get ourselves some drinks (from down the street) while waiting a very long time to be waited on. In the meantime we were handed menus but not told whether we can order anything, are being given a choice of three entrees or have family style entrees like in some large party situations. After some time we finally learned that we could order any entrée. I got the pad see ew with shrimp which was so delicious even my toddler loved it. A family member treated us to the chocolate soufflé which was surprisingly good for a Thai place. I would love to come back and try this place for dinner and see if service is better as part of a smaller party.
We have both eaten in and had take out in the past always with good results. Thai Essence was one of the few restaurants open tonight on Christmas Day so we stopped in. Hubby and I decided on two dishes from the dinner specials. Hubby had the Sizzling Salmon, with minced shrimp, scallops, shallots and garlic over sautéed spinach. My dinner was similar, delicious pan fried jumbo shrimp topped with garlic, shallots and pineapple also over a bed of sautéed spinach. Both dinners were delicious, well prepared and presented and very fresh. The restaurant is also lovely. Nicely decorated and clean and comfortable. The service has always been excellent. Very attentive. Great food, great service, nice atmosphere. Highly recommended