“Live free or Thai hard.” That’s the motto behind The Black Thai and owners, Dean Johnson, Brayden Wynn and Charlie Phillip, who set out on a mission to serve American-Thai food straight from an unassuming food truck. Inspired by their time living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, these three friends share a love of food, cooking and relating to others, which pushed them to make their dream a reality.
You can find The Black Thai (sometimes known as “Bolo”) all around Greenville with an ever-changing menu that’ll keep even regulars surprised. What exactly is American-Thai food you may be asking. Think traditional Thai dishes, with a funky American twist.
Take their Pad Thai Fried Rice, for example. This dish has all the elements of Pad Thai you’d expect: scallions, red peppers, cilantro, peanuts and some spice, but instead of traditional Thai noodles, you get perfectly cooked fried rice. The rice is a perfect base for this dish because you get a little bite of every component with each delicious forkful. Add chicken and you’ve got one filling dish!
You simply can’t have a Thai inspired menu without a curry dish. And let me tell you, Black Thai’s is out of this world. My friend, who considers herself a curry connoisseur of sorts, ordered this dish and said it was the best curry she’s had in Greenville. Their Yellow Curry consists of potatoes, broccoli, peppers, baby corn, onions, carrots and the most complex and satisfying curry sauce. There’s a delicate balance of sweet and spicy that just keeps you coming back for more.
When I used to think of broccoli salad, my mind immediately pictured a Southern-style picnic or cookout. So, imagining Thai Broccoli Salad is a little perplexing. That’s exactly why you MUST try this dish for yourself. Tossed with sunflower seeds, cilantro, red onion, craisins and a peanut vinaigrette sauce, this dish offers a bright and refreshing side to any of their dishes.
Although I don’t have a picture of this dish, I feel I must pay my respects to the Black Thai Burger. This was the first dish I ever had at Black Thai, and as corny as this may sound, it was love at first bite. Served on an English Muffin, this burger consists of ground chuck, duck and bacon and is topped with Muenster cheese, famous “Bolo Sauce” (similar to a thousand island, but with a kick) and shishito peppers. One juicy, flavorful bite into this burger and I guarantee you’ll fall head over heels too.
While these are some of their signature items, The Black Thai is always changing things up with specials such as Buffalo Shrimp, wontons, Brussel Box and more. Be sure to follow @TheBlackThaiGVL on Instagram so you’ll never have to ask, “Where’s Bolo?”
The Upstate Foodie 