Prik Hom

They say money talks, but wealth whispers. And the wealth is whispering all over the place at Prik Hom. The casually upscale Thai spot in Laurel Heights is where to get the high-end fancy restaurant experience, without the pretentiousness that can come with the territory. Like a friend who recently bought a vacation home and stocks Aesop in their bathroom, Prik Hom is the epitome of quiet luxury, and a place where you'll keep coming back. 

Step into this small space on Geary, and you’ll be surprised by how lowkey it is. Prik Hom isn’t a big production. There are no flashy lights, trendy TikTok-y music, or waiters moving around in perfectly choreographed movements like a dance troupe. Instead, there are just a few close-together tables and plain white walls, punctuated by wavy geometric paintings that look straight out of a new-age art exhibit on Valencia.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Now, of course, the dining room isn’t empty. People pack in those snug tables covered with flowers and the requisite bottles of natural wine that are now legally required for any business to open in San Francisco. Service is warm, and the place gives off vibes that make you feel like you’re enjoying a cozy Tahoe après ski moment, only with food that’s a million times better. 

When you open the menu, you’ll notice no pad thai or pad see ew. Prik Hom focuses on vibrant, creative curries, salads, and seafood dishes that change seasonally. Each dish toes the delicate line between sweet, sour, and spicy—and sticks the landing every time. Take the aromatic beef curry. It's pounded by hand, slow-cooked, and is on another plane of existence compared to the many ho-hum curries you’ll find around town. Or try the creamy-crunchy scallop and lemongrass “shot” topped with chili jam. The picture-perfect bite will stay with you through the rest of your meal before funneling deep into your subconscious.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

The subtle yet beautiful presentation contributes to the quiet luxury of this place. That feeling is most apparent when the smoked young coconut ice cream arrives. A covered coupe full of Mitchell’s ice cream is infused with smoke from an imported Thai candle—a server will remove the lid to release a fragrant smoke. The dish is the perfect cap to a wonderful meal, and at all costs, it needs to be on your table. 

You never know where Prik Hom will take you, since the menu is always changing. Which gives you more of a reason to return for intimate dates or a we-should-all-really-get-together friend reunion. Just be sure to make a reservation. Despite how casual it feels, this place books up quickly.

Food Rundown

Mo-Mo Paradise

Thin cuts of Thai beef jerky are served with fish sauce, hot sauce, and pickled green papaya. It's crunchy and juicy at the same time. You must get this.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Scallops And Lemongrass

A scallop "shot" served with lemongrass, peanuts, toasted coconut, chili jam, and a coconut cream dressing. This is an exhuberant bite. Open wide.

Mussels

These mussels are cooked in white wine with shallots and lemongrass. Then, the bountiful feast of the sea is coated in a spicy “seafood sauce” and tobiko for texture.

Lemongrass And Summer Fruits

This salad tastes like a hot day at a pool in the East Bay feels—bright, refreshing, and memorable.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Aromatic Beef Curry

A must-order. This curry is deep and rich, and the beef is so tender it falls apart with ease (like that situationship from three years ago).

Umami Spicy Shrimp

Slurp, slurp, slurp. That's the sound of you demolishing these shrimp heads, sucking out every last bit of flavor.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Eggplant With Basil

Funky, juicy, chewy. It's an excellent side dish you should eat with rice.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Smoked Young Coconut Ice Cream

You need the show of this dessert. In case you didn’t read the review, order this, and don’t ask questions.

Lychees Popsicle

A worthy dessert contender, but ultimately it plays second fiddle to the coconut ice cream. It melts pretty quickly, which makes it a bit tough to eat. Still, it’s a great popsicle covered with crispy shallots for a nice flavor contrast.