King & I

- 545 Broadbridge Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06610

King & I Thai Restaurant stands as a long-standing fixture in the Connecticut culinary landscape, offering residents of Bridgeport and the wider Fairfield County area a taste of truly authentic Thai cuisine. This establishment focuses on traditional recipes, delivering dishes bursting with the complex, balanced flavors for which Thai food is globally celebrated. While the atmosphere may be described by some as simple or lacking the 'dress up' quality of high-end establishments, the consistent praise for its food quality and exceptional service has firmly cemented its reputation as a beloved local 'hidden gem'.

The restaurant’s mission, as stated, centers on providing quality, consistent food that tastes great every single time. This commitment is evident in the depth and variety of their menu, ranging from street-food classics to elaborate chef specials. For local users in Connecticut searching for a reliable source of genuine Thai flavor—whether it’s a perfectly balanced curry or a savory noodle dish—King & I is highly recommended for its powerful and authentic flavor profiles, a feature that distinguishes it within the region's competitive dining scene.

Conveniently located in Bridgeport, King & I is easily accessible to residents throughout the greater Bridgeport Planning Region. The restaurant's exact address is 545 Broadbridge Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA. Its position on a main road ensures easy travel for those coming from neighboring towns like Stratford or Fairfield.

For Connecticut diners, the location’s primary appeal lies in its practicality. While specific details on physical accessibility features (like wheelchair ramps or parking) are not explicitly itemized in the available public data, its location in a suburban commercial area typically suggests a focus on convenience for the driving customer base. Patrons planning a visit should call ahead for detailed accessibility information if required. The restaurant's service structure, which heavily features a robust takeout and delivery system, also ensures that its delicious cuisine is accessible to everyone in the local service area, regardless of mobility or ability to visit the physical location.

King & I Thai Restaurant caters to a wide range of dining preferences through comprehensive service options tailored to the busy lifestyle of Connecticut residents.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant offers full table service for both lunch and dinner, providing a welcoming, cozy, and unpretentious environment for guests.
• Takeout and Delivery: A highly popular choice, King & I offers extensive takeout and delivery services, with its menu frequently listed on major food ordering platforms, making it a top choice for Thai takeout in the Bridgeport area.
• Lunch Hours: Lunch service is available on weekdays, typically Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., catering perfectly to the workday crowd seeking a flavorful and efficient meal. Many popular dishes are available during these hours at attractive prices.
• Dinner Hours: Dinner service commences at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, extending to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, offering flexibility for weekend dining. The restaurant is consistently closed on Mondays.
• Customizable Spice Levels: The menu explicitly notes that many items can be prepared from mild to spicy, ensuring a personalized experience for every customer’s heat preference.
• No MSG Policy: The menu emphasizes that No MSG is used in its preparations, appealing to health-conscious diners.
• Dietary Options: The restaurant is known to offer various vegan options, with many curry dishes, vegetable stir-fries, and tofu dishes available. Customers are advised to inquire for specific vegan preparations.

The King & I is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its high local reputation and make it a worthwhile destination for authentic Thai cooking in Connecticut.

• Authentic Flavor Focus: The most significant highlight is the cuisine itself. The kitchen is praised for dishes that are genuinely authentic and "bursting with flavor." The use of fresh herbs, chili, garlic, and special house sauces like peanut sauce, tamarind sauce, and red curry paste ensures a true Thai taste.
• Signature 'King & I Specials': A dedicated section of the menu features elaborate and unique dishes, including multiple options featuring boneless roasted duck (like Su Kho Thai, Ped Grob, and Duck with Crispy Basil Leaves, all in the $22–$24 range). Specialty seafood options, such as Ou Tong (scallops in green curry) and the Seafood Hot Pot, also showcase the restaurant's culinary ambition.
• Highly Recommended Dishes: Specific items like the Chicken Pad Rama (often cited as "amazing" and flavorful), the Massaman Curry (a blend of curry, roasted peanuts, and peanut sauce), and the Drunken Noodle are consistently rated highly and frequently ordered, demonstrating clear customer favorites.
• Consistent, Exceptional Service: Despite the plain ambiance, customers frequently commend the "exceptional" and attentive service provided by the kind owners, Kamol and Maam, highlighting a welcoming and warm dining experience that often makes up for the lack of formal decor.
• Dessert Offerings: The menu includes classic Thai desserts, such as the highly sought-after Sticky Rice with Mango ($9.00), providing a sweet, traditional conclusion to the meal.
• Vegan-Friendly Menu Structure: The comprehensive vegetable and tofu sections, including dishes like Pad Thai Tofu and various curries prepared with mixed vegetables, make it a reliable choice for vegetarian and vegan diners in the Bridgeport area.

To experience the authentic flavors of King & I Thai Restaurant, local Connecticut patrons can visit the Bridgeport location or contact the staff for current hours and ordering details.

Address: 545 Broadbridge Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Phone: (203) 374-2081 (also listed as +1 203-374-2081)

For residents of Connecticut, King & I offers a compelling choice for authentic Thai cuisine by prioritizing intense flavor and a diverse, extensive menu over lavish decor. What makes this restaurant truly worth choosing is the demonstrable quality of its staple dishes and the ambition of its chef's specials. Many pan-fried favorites are priced around $11.95 for dinner, offering excellent value.

First-time visitors are strongly encouraged to explore the highly-rated Pad Rama, which is noted for its powerful flavor and perfect balance of seasoning and heat. Another key recommendation is the Massaman Curry ($11.95), an item repeatedly praised for its creamy, peanut-infused richness. The trio of most-ordered noodle and rice dishes—Pad Thai ($13.95), Pad Si Ew ($12.95), and the fiery Drunken Noodle ($16.95 for the combination)—guarantee a satisfying, traditional meal prepared with expertise.

For a more adventurous and indulgent meal, the King & I Specials section is a must-explore. The multiple duck preparations, such as Ped Grob (crispy duck) served with a perfect tamarind-chili sauce, are a testament to the kitchen's higher-level cooking skills and represent some of the best Thai specialty dishes available in the Bridgeport area. Other notable choices include the Seafood Hot Pot ($25.00) and the elaborate 3 Kings of Thailand ($18.00), a combination of shrimp, beef, chicken, and pork stir-fried with roasted chili sauce. While some reviewers have noted a more casual atmosphere and, in isolated cases, smaller portion sizes for the price, the consensus remains that the exceptional taste and flavor, combined with the kind and attentive service, solidify King & I as a premier destination for genuine Thai cooking in the region. The focus here is entirely on the culinary experience—a powerful reason to choose this local gem over competitors.

King & I

545 Broadbridge Rd, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA