Sam Cafe: Authentic Thai Cuisine Experience in Merced

Welcoming, fresh and delicious food. Worth a stop during your travels. I was welcomed by multiple people when I entered and the suggestions for what to order were on point! The photo of the spring rolls was taken after I enjoyed the first one, so know it is an order of 4, not 3.

Sam Cafe looks like it’s been revamped. It’s clean, well lit, with a demure vibe. We ordered the khao soi noodle soup, fried chicken appetizer, and thai style papaya salad. All great dishes. The owner came out, greeted, and chatted with all his guests like they were all regulars. They even have freshly made hot foods to-go. The place is right off HW99 so if you’re ever passing through Merced, I’d highly recommend.

Sam Cafe is the best Thai Food you will ever eat!!! Ask for the secret menu Fried rice i started many years ago!: my favorite you see in the picture is Yellow Curry Fried Rice! It is the best Curry Fried Rice you will ever eat! Assuming you have a fantastic taste like we do? But you can also order red Curry Fried Rice! Or if you like green Curry that too, but yellow Curry Fried Rice with a spice of lever 7 Is the best combo of flavor and spice. Sam Cafe has a very friendly atmosphere and everyone I bring, always state that Sam is an amazing guy and his restaurant is the BEST! I have been going for over 10 years! It is really worth the drive no matter where you come from!!!!! Trust me unless CoVid killed your taste buds Sam Cafe is the best Thai restaurant in the United States of America!

Hidden gem in Merced, CA. Don’t be discouraged by the location—this place is absolutely worth the visit. The food is excellent, service is fast, and the environment is warm and family-oriented for all ages. We visited for the first time during our son’s birthday week. We couldn’t host a home celebration because I was out of town for work all week, so this meant a lot to us. Our little one accidentally spilled a drink on the table, and the staff were extremely polite, patient, and attentive in helping us. Their kindness truly stood out. My husband is Lao/Thai and I am Hmong, and we are both very picky when it comes to Lao, Thai, and Hmong food in Merced. We’ve tried nearly every Lao/Thai restaurant both uptown and downtown—and this one exceeded our expectations. Even our son, who usually only likes home-cooked food, said this was the best and now his favorite. What really sets this restaurant apart isn’t just the amazing food, but the culture and heart behind it. It feels welcoming—like visiting a relative’s home. Family-centered, friendly, and filled with genuine courtesy and excellent service from every staff member. We will definitely be back.

Amazing food, ordered Orange Chicken, and the Pad Thai. Amazing customer service! 10/10. Food was amazing, very seasoned well and cooked to perfection! Love this spot and definitely recommend!

Good food, great service! Stopped by here on our way to Yosemite and we weren’t disappointed. Food was well cooked, spice level apt and everyone enjoyed. Highlight for us were chicken fried rice, pad Thai and yellow curry!

Spring roll, duck, green curry with chicken, steamed rice and fried rice. Wow! I want to drink the curry sauce! Great flavors and balance. Thank you for a phenomenal lunch! My husband and I are chef. I only write reviews if places are worth dining at. This is a gem! Friendly service and great food, what else can you ask for?

Ran into this place on my way out of Merced heading back home. I wasn't expecting to order any food but stopping off the street to check my car I look up and there's THAI FOOD sign... So I gave them a chance. Place is very spacious, clean and well kept. Staff are very friendly and come out acknowledging everyone who is in there, which is very nice! The wait was good amount of time, especially placing to go order of 3 items right there and then. I ordered beef larb, papaya salad, and Khao Soi [which is very rare to have on a menu at most Thai / Laos places]. All the food was good, however it would be better to have some mint in the larb. I think their papaya salad sauce is already spicy, because I found no peppers in the mix, but it was hot! - that was different (good different). Khao Soi was on point! I'm a Khao Soi person over Khao Poon. Would I ordered again, if I was back in town YES DEFINITELY!!