"Mama Janet," as she is lovingly known, was the former chef for the royal family of Thailand. So, when you come for Thai food, you’re going to get real Thai food. This is not your standard Americanized version of Thai.

Staple menu items are cooked per order. The Drunken Noodles are one of their staple menu items and they are to die for. Layered with flavor from green and red bell peppers, pieces of Thai basil from the restaurant’s own garden, wide egg noodles thickly coated with sauce, and your choice of either chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or seafood. If you choose to add some spice to your meal, expect a building heat.

But word of the wise; if you’re a lover of spicy foods, they have 4 levels – no spice, medium spicy, hot spicy, and Thai spicy. We do not recommend anyone go above medium unless you enjoy a side of tears with your meal.

Make sure to ask about their limited-time or seasonal options as well. You’ll find that at the peak of mango season, you’ll have options like sweet slices of fresh mango paired with homemade sticky rice, glazed with coconut milk, and garnished with mint. You’ll also find Mama Janet in the kitchen, whipping up dishes like her Thai beef braised noodle soup with meatballs or a five-spice roasted duck that cannot be missed when they’re available.

If you’re still having trouble deciding, ask Janet. She’s quick to make suggestions and once you do decide, she’ll insist you try it a certain way. We recommend letting her take the lead when ordering because she knows what she is doing.

Thai Garden Cuisine is truly the jewel in the crown of Downtown Goldsboro. Your royal treatment begins with a tangerine and ends with a full stomach. The motto here is, just because you aren’t royal, doesn’t mean you can’t eat like one.