San Franciscans will be familiar with the name Osha and Thai food as a chain of restaurants and Uptownians, well, have a chain of Thai all their own. Long the location of local franchise Sawatdee, we now welcome Roat Osha and Sanook Bar in an ultra modernized and cubed refit of the fast food architecture of the ’60s. Uptown in the past five years have seen an explosion of Thai, maybe too much as vita.mn compares them to Starbucks. We came into Osha with a bit of reserve as Jeremy Iggers at SOTC lamented “more of the same” with a familiar menu format and too much Americanization. Our verdict for Osha is it could use some fine tuning in the food department and be sure to maintain service. The decor is… decor.

My initial impression (which carried through the night) was, as just stated, impeccably attentive service which Metromix noticed during lunch (and we do for dinner). The host was genuine, the water was filled and even the manager stopped by a few times to greet us. My veg friend’s initial impression was a fabulously good looking crowd. As my eye traced the people and the decor, the words business casual came to mind. There were pieces of textured art and unique vases which gave a tone of clean and austere.

Food came quick. Veg spring rolls were fresh with usual lettuce, carrots, cucumber, etc but the basil and coriander seemed to disappear. Dipping sauces also tasted scratch and light. Veg friend’s noodle curry ($13) was sweeter than usual but still spiced hot and fragrant with cilantro and lime. It matched well with the helpings of potatoes and noodles. Metro Mag notes the curries are recommended.

The model turned dancer waiter noted they were a seafood restaurant so I had their signature Roat Osha dish ($19). It comes in a trough of scallops, squid, and shrimp mixed with some vegetables and vermicelli noodles in a rich poignant sauce. On the side was a bowl of plain broth with lots of red pepper flakes and spring onions. I was slightly confused, eating the dish for a while and drinking the soup until another waiter confirmed with the kitchen I was to pour the soup into the dish. It became a sort of Hong Kong Lo Mein where the intense flavors of the sauce diffused and blended as the broth entered the dish. The flavor became subtle and delicious, hot with sweet basil overtones.

Veg friend liked his curry, eating full but the portion was lacking somewhat (he holds King and I as top Thai with quality and portion). My signature dish was meant to be an experience but didn’t quite live up to it. The price doesn’t meet the ingredients since the same seafood noodle mix can be found at other authentic asian restaurants for $11. The addition of more vegetables and a tuned broth would have elevated it. The price reflects more that my portion was hefty.

Based on price and decor, we think office workers and extended family will enjoy the experience but on both counts, Osha is a once-in-a-while joint for Uptown. Catching one of the limited booth seats will be difficult. We don’t see the families who patron Tum Rup Thai coming here (yet?). While a breath of upscale feeling is forward-thinking for Hennepin Avenue, it doesn’t entirely jive with Lowry Hill and Osha will welcome suburbanites. Still scenesters, delight in the curry and be confident you’ll be treated right if your best friend from college comes into town.

Roat Osha
2650 Hennepin Ave