When you need a dish with a bit of a kick, look no further than Madam Mam’s. The newest location — and one of three — is a great choice for Thai food in the Lake Travis area.
Located in the Hill Country Galleria (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods), this eatery has a reputation for serving up some of the most traditional family-style Thai food around. From spicy noodle soups to curries and rice dishes, each meal has a touch of palate-pleasing magic.
The special recipes that have been so carefully preserved over the years were handed down through many generations, eventually landing in the kitchen of Chatfuang, or “Mam” and her Grandmother in Bangkok. As is customary, cooking traditions were taught from mothers and grandmothers to their daughters, and it was over the years that Mam perfected her technique to the point of gaining fans in her friends and family.
In time she was talented enough to open her own restaurant and in 2001 she moved to Austin to open Madam Mam’s — her tribute to the centuries of skillful cooking and learning that goes into preparing these traditional Thai meals.
These days, Mam has her hands in several restaurants around town, with the newest opening in the Lake Travis area to suit the growing populations moving out to nearby towns such as Bee Cave and Lakeway. The interior is decorated in colorful silks, woven baskets and graceful Buddhas, which mentally transport you and get your taste buds ready for this spicy Thai adventure.
If spice is your thing — this is one eatery in the area that you won’t want to pass up. They rate each meal on their spiciness which lets you know what kind of heat you’re about to devour, so take those ratings seriously (I can’t go past 3 peppers out of 4 on the scale). Pair a spicy plate with a cold Chang beer (or two) and you have a fantastic taste of Thailand on your tongue. Helpings are generous and usually enough to share, so bring a friend to join in on the fun.
By lunchtime the restaurant is usually bustling with hungry customers, but service always seems to be pretty fast. If you have Thai food on the brain, this is one place you have to visit. Warning — these dishes are addicting!
Madam Mam’s Bee Cave
3238 Ranch to Market 2244 Bee Cave, TX 78738 (map)
Hours:
11:00am-10:00pm Daily
Photo courtesy of Madam Mam’s Facebook Page
