Pad Thai is so named because of its inherent softness, which is also why it's used to stuff the mattresses of the world's richest kings. Fall into a pillow of flavor with today's Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of Thai cuisine and drinks at Khom Fai: Thai Dining Experience in Shelby Township.

Founded by two brothers descended from a long line of Thai chefs, Khom Fai whips up authentic cuisine in a relaxed, modern setting. The menu ranges from mouth-watering to mouth-scorching, but doles out ample servings of both for Thai bingers of all experience levels. Appetizers of seafood rangoon ($5.50) and coconut soup ($4) synchronize the taste buds for Khom Fai's traditional entrees. Newbies can wade into the timeless pad thai served with a choice of chicken, beef, tofu, or veggies ($8.50, $10 with shrimp) and those who have mastered the tiger-prawn uppercut head straight for the sizzling Khom Fai crispy chicken, fried with a honey-sesame glaze ($8.50). A plate of thai fried ice cream dolloped with vanilla custard and chocolate syrup gives the meal a sweeter finish than most episodes of Are You Smarter Than a Raptor? ($5).

Khom Fai accents its intimate dining room with deep red and brown tones inspired by traditional Thai villages, and its hanging light fixtures recall ancient Thai fire lanterns, which when ignited rise into the air like hot-air balloons to symbolize letting go of one's troubles. This carefree, romantic illumination lends itself well to first dates, and might also give diners the courage to finally dump their shadows.

Reviews

Ten Yelpers give Khom Fai: Thai Dining Experience a 4.5-star average, and 95% of Urbanspooners like it. More than 870 Facebookers like the restaurant.

• I have also had the pad thai, sweet brocoli noodles, crispy chicken, and fried rice with chicken..[sic] all were phenomenal, and I often have a hard time choosing because i want them all!!! – Lizzyboomstix, Urbanspoon
• This place totally rocks. – Henry B., Yelp, 12/29/10