Highland Street | Page 8 of 12

Scallops with Basil from Thai Time on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

Upon entering Thai Time those familiar with the previous restaurants that inhabited this location were greeted with a cleaned up version of its predecessors. The staff was friendly and helpful. After reviewing the menu, I decided to shy away from my usual favorite types of Thai food and opted for the scallops with basil.

Described as a slightly spicy basil dish with green peppers, onions, broccoli, mushrooms and a spicy basil sauce. The dish was well prepared and included sliced zucchini which was a nice addition. The scallops were small and did not seem to take on flavors of the spicy basil sauce. The vegetables were perfectly sautéed and the flavors were clean and fresh tasting, but seemed to be lacking a little kick or edge to them. Overall, the dish could have benefited from a little more basil and spice.

Overall, my dining experience at Thai Time left me looking for a little more. Neither the location nor my meal left me clamoring for more. The food quality and taste for me was respectable but left me looking for a little more. Thai Time seemed to have a fairly heavy college student following that looked to be enjoying their dining experience. A return trip is in store for me to try a few different things and see how they perform on my second go.

Duck Choo Chee from Thai Time on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

I had the privilege of choosing this month’s Worcester Foodies location. My choice, based on one excellent experience prior to, was the recently opened Thai Time on the corner of Highland Street and Denny Street. Some of you may remember this location formerly as Tortilla Sam’s, and even earlier days as The Mexican Acapulco (80’s flashback). The layout has not changed and neither has its BYOB policy. Parking is difficult, as with any spot within that area, but manageable.

I began my experience with the Pork Dumplings appetizer and chose steamed over fried. Six somewhat small sized dumplings arrived on the plate with a side of light soy sauce. They were fresh, not frozen and full of flavor. If I had to point out anything, I would only say, make them bigger! Otherwise, a great appetizer.

For my entrée’ I went for one of my go to’s when dining Thai, Duck Choo Chee. Traditionally, Choo Chee is served over fish. I was introduce to the Duck Choo Chee dish a few years back at a Thai restaurant and fell in love with it. You can find it at most Tai restaurants however; Thai Time did not have it on the menu. They had Choo Chee dishes, and they had duck–three different prepared styles actually–but not them combined. Which leads me to exemplify how great this place is; they created it from scratch, and it was fantastic! I’m always overly impressed when restaurants can get off the beaten path to accommodate.

A great addition to the Highland Street area and to Worcester’s growing list of great dining choices. A reasonably priced menu, excellent service and fantastic food, Thai Time is a winner. Highly recommended!