I've been meaning to do a quick review of Sab-E-Lee Thai restaurant for some time, just hadn't had time until now. I apologize for the pictures because these were of take-out dishes, a couple of hours after the Mister picked them up. So they don't look as good as right out of the kitchen. But they were still just as delicious. I just never seem to have my camera with me whenever I ate at the restaurant. Kirk (mmm-yoso!!) has much better pictures that do the dishes more justice here, here, and here.
The Mister and I have pretty much stuck to our favorite dishes everytime we've been here. It's hard for me to choose which one of these are my favorites because I always want them all when we eat here. So in no particular order, this is what we typically order.
First, the Spicy Mint Leaves Noodles with Beef ($6.50). I believe this is their version of Thai Drunken Noodle (Pad Kee Mao). Thai Drunken Noodles are one of my favorite Thai noodle dishes and Sab-E-Lee's version is very very good. What I like most about this dish is that it is least greasiest version I've ever had AND that the noodles were cooked to perfection. No clumps, great wok hey, and great flavor. The beef is usually tender, maybe a little on the dry side but still good. Also it is not sweet like some other restaurants' I've had in the past.
The next dish is the Thai Sausage Fried Rice ($6.50). At first glance, the dish might look a little bland (that's what we thought) but it's really a wonderful dish. I can eat a whole plate of this in one sitting, I think. The Thai Sausage is a great compliment to all the flavors in the dish. And I love that they use Chinese broccoli in the dish (Mom would be so proud I'm eating my broccoli). We actually ordered just the Thai Sausage (Northern Style) once but didn't like it as a stand alone as much as a compliment.
I know I've said this before but Phad Thai isn't my go-to noodle dish but I've order it everytime I've been to Sab-E-Lee so far. The one below is with Shrimp although we've had it with beef as well. Both are very good. Again, Sab-E-Lee creates a noodle dish that is neither clumpy or overly oily. There's just a bit of sweet flavor and I really like the fact that they put the crushed peanuts on the side.
Another dish that we have to have is the Nahm Tok ($6.95). Typically I order Thai Beef Salad elsewhere and if you look at the menu, description of the two dishes look almost identical. Thanks to Kirk's explanation, you'll see that there is a difference. I love the tanginess of this dish. And the beef have always been tender.
So those are the 4 dishes we've been ordering. But on this day, The Mister decided to add a new dish, Pepper Garlic with Beef ($6.95). Well, neither one of use really cared for this one. The beef was tough and dry, almost jerky like. The sauce wasn't as garlicky as I had expected and not that peppery. I think if the meat was tender, I would have liked it a little more but I still think we'll pass on this one in the future. I knew we should have gone with my first choice, the Spicy Raw Beef (Koy Nua), but The Mister really wanted to try it. And now we know.
Other dishes that I would like to try (soon) are Duck Noodle, Pad See Ewe and Rahd Nah. Oh, and of course Spicy Raw Beef (Koy Nua).
We don't live nearby but have found "reasons" to be in the neighborhood just so we can stop. So if you're in Linda Vista or just driving by, this is definitely worth the detour.
Sab-E-Lee
2405 Ulric Street (corner of Ulric and Linda Vista Rd.)
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 650-6868
Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday
Closed Mondays
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