Brick, New Jersey, is a place mostly known for sprawling suburban developments, proximity to the Point Pleasant boardwalk, and the kind of traffic on Route 70 that makes you want to pull your hair out. It isn't exactly where you’d expect to find some of the most authentic, aromatic, and unapologetically spicy Thai food in the state. But there it is. Herbs Thai Kitchen in Brick has quietly become a local legend, tucked away in a strip mall like most of the best-kept culinary secrets in the Garden State.
Finding good Thai food is harder than it looks. A lot of places lean too far into the sugar, turning a delicate Pad Thai into something that tastes more like candy than a balanced meal. Others skimp on the aromatics, leaving out the galangal or the kaffir lime leaves because they’re "too expensive" or "too niche" for a general audience. Herbs Thai Kitchen doesn't do that. They treat their ingredients with a level of respect that honestly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a family kitchen in Chiang Mai rather than a storefront near the Jersey Shore.
The Reality of Herbs Thai Kitchen Brick
If you’ve spent any time looking for a table here on a Friday night, you know the vibe is intimate. It’s small. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s loud. But the smell—that specific, sharp, citrusy, and earthy fragrance of crushed lemongrass and toasted chilies—hits you the second the door swings open.
Most people come for the classics, and they’re right to do so. The Pad Thai is a benchmark. It’s not that neon-orange stuff you see at food courts. It’s a deep, tamarind-stained brown, earthy and tart, with a texture that is chewy but never soggy. You can tell they aren't just dumping a pre-made sauce over noodles. There’s a balance of fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind that creates that essential "umami" profile that defines high-end Thai cooking.
But the real magic happens when you stray from the standard takeout orders.
The Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are a revelation. They carry a distinct wok hei—that "breath of the wok" that only comes from cooking over intense, searing heat. The wide rice noodles get those slightly charred, crispy edges while remaining silky in the middle. Tossed with Thai basil, bell peppers, and a soy-based sauce that carries a serious kick, it's the kind of dish that clears your sinuses and warms your soul at the same time.
Navigating the Spice Levels (A Warning)
Let’s be real for a second. Thai "spicy" and American "spicy" are two very different languages. At Herbs Thai Kitchen Brick, they don't play around. If you ask for "Thai Spicy," you better have a glass of Thai iced tea (or three) ready to go.
The heat here isn't just about pain; it’s about depth. In their Red, Green, and Panang curries, the chili heat acts as a scaffold for the creamy coconut milk. The Green Curry, in particular, is vibrant. It’s packed with bamboo shoots and eggplant, and that signature green chili paste that tastes fresh, not like it came out of a can three months ago. You’ve got to appreciate a kitchen that understands that "hot" shouldn't mean "tasteless."
What Most People Miss on the Menu
While the curries and noodles get all the love, the appetizers and salads at Herbs Thai Kitchen are where the technical skill of the kitchen really shines.
Have you tried the Crispy Duck Salad? Most people skip the salads because they want carbs. That's a mistake. The duck is rendered beautifully—crispy skin, tender meat—and then tossed with red onion, scallions, pineapple, and cashews in a lime-chili dressing. It is a masterclass in texture. You get the crunch, the fat, the acid, and the heat all in one bite.
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Then there’s the Tom Yum Soup. It’s the ultimate litmus test for any Thai restaurant. At Herbs Thai, the broth is clear but incredibly potent. You can see the stalks of lemongrass and the slices of galangal floating in there. It’s medicinal in the best way possible. If you’re feeling under the weather or just need a reset, this is the move.
The Atmosphere and Experience
It’s not a white-tablecloth, fine-dining establishment. It’s a neighborhood spot. The service is typically fast, though it can get a bit hectic when the takeout orders are flying off the hook. There’s a genuine warmth to the staff that makes you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time.
The decor is simple, clean, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and a hoodie after a long day of work and still feel like you’re having a "special" meal. In a town like Brick, which has plenty of chain restaurants and fast food, having a place that feels this authentic is a huge win for the community.
Why Authenticity Matters in Ocean County
For a long time, the Jersey Shore's culinary identity was basically pizza, subs, and seafood shacks. Don't get me wrong—those are great. But as the population has diversified and the "foodie" culture has migrated down from North Jersey and NYC, the demand for "real" international cuisine has skyrocketed.
Herbs Thai Kitchen Brick fills a massive gap. They aren't watering down the flavors for a suburban palate. They use holy basil when it's supposed to be holy basil, not just standard sweet basil. They use the right kind of bird's eye chilies. This commitment to the craft is why they have a dedicated following that will drive 30 minutes past five other Thai places just to eat here.
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Many people think all Thai food is basically the same. It's not. Regional differences in Thailand are vast. While Herbs Thai offers a broad selection that touches on various styles, their focus on fresh herbs (hence the name) reflects the lighter, more aromatic traditions of central Thailand, balanced with the bold, spicy profiles of the North.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Call Ahead: Seriously. This place is popular, and because it’s small, it fills up fast. If you’re planning a weekend dinner, don’t just show up and hope for the best.
- BYOB: Check their current status, but like many Jersey gems, bringing your own bottle can make the meal even better. A crisp Riesling or a light lager pairs perfectly with the spicy and sweet notes of Thai food.
- Parking: The parking lot can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours. Be patient. It’s worth the three minutes of circling.
- Special Requests: If you have an allergy, tell them. They are generally very accommodating with gluten-free options (many Thai dishes are naturally GF because of rice flour), but it’s always better to be safe.
The Verdict on Herbs Thai Kitchen
Is it the best Thai food in the entire world? Maybe not. But is it the best Thai food in the Brick/Toms River area? Quite possibly.
There is a soulfulness to the cooking at Herbs Thai Kitchen Brick that is hard to find in a suburban landscape dominated by franchises. You can taste the intention in every sauce and the freshness in every herb. It reminds us that food doesn't have to be expensive or "fancy" to be world-class. It just has to be done right.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Thai cuisine or someone who just wants to branch out from your usual Friday night pizza, this spot deserves a place in your rotation. Just remember: when they ask how spicy you want it, be honest with yourself.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the hours: Herbs Thai Kitchen often has mid-day breaks between lunch and dinner service; verify their current schedule on their official website or Google Maps before heading out.
- Order the "Secret" Favorites: Next time you go, skip the Pad Thai and try the Khao Soi (if available as a special) or the Massaman Curry for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Support Local: Small businesses like this rely on word of mouth. If you have a great meal, leave a specific review mentioning the dish you loved; it helps the kitchen know what they're doing right.
- Explore the Spice: Start with a "medium" if you're unsure. You can always add more chili flakes, but you can't take the heat out once it's in the bowl.