Tiffany Zhu

Intricately patterened dishware presents a vibrant spread of pad thai, panaeng curry, garlic chive cakes and green papaya salad. Pineapple Thai created an immersive cultural experience with their attention to detail in both the taste and appearance of each of its dishes.

Swirling strokes of bright yellow shine on a pink Bangkok city skyline. Thorny temples and modern skyscrapers appear side by side. In the middle of it all, martial arts legend Bruce Lee bears a glowing pineapple.

The message of cultural fusion behind this indoor mural embodies the heart and soul of Pineapple Thai, located in Main Street Cupertino. From the subtle geometric shape of the lighting fixtures to the mural decorating the wall, pineapples appear in every aspect of the interior design, a nod to the restaurant’s name. 

Upon walking into the restaurant, an atmosphere of Thai culture with a modern, spunky twist engulfed us. As we settled into our table’s plush velvet cushioned bench, every detail jumped out as purposeful. The abundant greenery and lofty ceilings lent the restaurant an airy indoor-outdoor feel. Even the dishware, with its intricately painted blue and white patterns, heightened the Thai influences with its traditional design.

When it came to ordering, we deferred to the recommendations of our waiter, who ensured that we sampled a variety of tastes native to Thai cuisine. We selected some of their most popular dishes like pad thai and mango sticky rice. 

From the first bite, the pad thai swept us up in an explosion of unique flavors and textures. An ideal balance between sweet and savory, this iconic Thai dish was undoubtedly our favorite item of the meal. Its vibrant array of colorful vegetables and tamarind stained noodles drew our eyes in, and the taste exceeded its enticing appearance. Soft, chewy rice noodles built the foundation of the dish, while the combination of grilled tofu and crunchy bean sprouts added variety, creating a perfect harmony.

The gang panaeng, or coconut curry, was equally delicious, with its strong notes of spicy coconut and tender chicken. Its blend of turmeric and lemongrass lent the dish a complexity that paired wonderfully with the aromatic steamed white rice. Still steaming when it arrived at our table, the curry warmed not just our stomachs but our souls. Despite boasting ingredients foreign to us, the combination of spices felt familiar, each bite a comforting embrace that left us craving for more.

Despite being a last-minute addition to our order, the mango sticky rice proved worth it. The careful arrangement of succulent mango slices layered on the green rice was a visual experience in itself, and the flavor did not disappoint. With a slight aromatic fragrance from the pandan leaf and rich coconut milk, the desert struck the fine balance between acidic and creamy without being too sweet.

Among the three appetizers that we ordered, the garlic chive cake was our clear preference. Bite-sized starchy cubes with a crispy exterior and chewy interior, the garlic chive cakes are a mouthwatering textural experience. A housemade sweet and sour dipping sauce offset the sharp bite of the green onion, creating a well-rounded dish.

Looking for something to cut through the rest of the indulgent flavors on our plates, we also tried the green papaya salad. While we appreciated the fresh tanginess of the pickled fruit, the papaya did not have as satisfying of a crunch as we had hoped for. The salad also came topped on a thick slab of raw cabbage, which was counterintuitive. We weren’t sure whether the cabbage was simply for plating or part of the dish itself, and its large size made it difficult to bite into.

Although most of the food we tried was mouth-watering, the chicken satay, served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish, felt underwhelming. Because we received the chicken satay after all of the other flavor-packed plates, it seemed to fall flat. While the bright yellow color of the turmeric promised a punchy taste, we found the chicken to be mediocre.

Nevertheless, the combination of dishes we ordered provided a satisfying taste of Thai cuisine that left us feeling as if we had experienced Thailand in less than an hour. 

Tucked amidst bustling restaurants with large storefronts, Pineapple Thai is a true hidden gem in Main Street Cupertino. Beyond their heartwarming food, we loved how they infused so much culture into the ambiance with their custom decor and attention to detail.