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Prik Nam PlaA-Worth Trying

Name: Prik Nam Pla
Address: 24 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, Somerville, United States
Rating: 4.6

24 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02144 · Thai restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (147 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Small Davis Square Thai spot with standout Khao Soi and fast, friendly service; great for takeout, limited seating, and spice-forward flavors.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Prik Nam Pla delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—particularly its signature Khao Soi—and warm, attentive service. Consistency shows minor variation in sweetness levels and portions, while severe space constraints limit seating comfort during peak hours. The restaurant excels as a neighborhood favorite with strong lunch value and loyal following, but tight quarters and occasional operational inconsistencies prevent grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked just off the Red Line in Davis Square, Prik Nam Pla feels cozy and bustling at the same time. The room is tiny, the pickup traffic is steady, and plates arrive piping hot. One diner summed it up: "Small room, big flavors, and staff that makes you feel welcome." Service skews warm and quick, though the space can feel crowded at peak times. The cooking leans classic Thai with care—housey curries, bold spice, and a Northern Thai specialty: Khao Soi. Fans rave about its depth and balance, and the beef stew noodle gets love for tender brisket and fragrant broth. If you are sensitive to sweetness, ask them to go easy on sugar for Pad Thai; several diners did and got spot-on balance. Lunch specials are a standout value for a fast, satisfying meal. Families can make this work thanks to familiar items like chicken fingers, fried rice, mild noodles, and the ability to tweak spice levels. Seating is tight, so it is easier for one or two people than a big group, and there is no kids menu. If your crew needs room to spread out, plan for takeout or come during off-peak hours.

At a Glance

Khao Soi specialty draws repeat visits
Fast service and strong lunch specials
Convenient Davis Square location near transit
Very limited seating and busy pickup area
Some dishes skew sweet unless requested otherwise

What Sets It Apart

northern_thai_khao_soi_focus
strong_lunch_special_value
fast_turnaround_for_takeout

What People Love

House-like curries with depth
Northern Thai Khao Soi options
Friendly, attentive staff
Hot, fast execution with fresh vegetables

Points of Concern

Seating is tight and drafty near the door; better for takeout at peak times
Pad Thai sweetness can be high; request less sugar if desired
Inconsistent experiences reported on crispy chicken add-on and portion sizes
Isolated report of a food safety issue; many others report clean, reliable experiences

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost$28-40 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Go Khao Soi first; pair with an $8 appetizer for value
Beef Noodle Soup or Beef Stew Noodle when craving richer broths
Vegetarian diners: Khao Soi Veggie and Mango Curry are reliable picks

Perfect For

Quick Thai lunch before the Red Line
Weeknight takeout with bold flavors
Solo bite at a small table
Curry lovers chasing great Khao Soi

Location Insights

Area: Bustling college-adjacent square with casual eateries, cafes, and steady foot traffic; popular with students and locals.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked, well-lit; typical urban bustle with frequent delivery drivers.

Nearby: Steps from Davis Square Red Line; near Tufts University, shops, bars, and casual restaurants.

Davis SquareDavis Square is a lively and eclectic neighborhood known for its walkability, arts scene, and diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries to trendy restaurants. It attracts a mix of MIT and Tufts students, local residents, and visitors seeking a vibrant social atmosphere with accessible public transit and nightlife.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00 Wednesday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00 Thursday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00 Friday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00 Saturday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00 Sunday11:30–15:00, 16:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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