Than's Garden (263 Good Days in Tacoma: Lunch in Tacoma's International District)

A short drive up the hill from downtown or down 38th from the Mall, takes you to a part of Tacoma where the Vietnamese signs outnumber the English ones. Today, after a few chores near the Tacoma Mall, we made our way to that part of town for a lunch adventure.

Than's Garden is an inviting place, with a large fish tank, a purple ceiling, and lots of fake greenery. The overall atmosphere is pretty cozy. When we walked in the door, the chef made a point of coming out to welcome my daughter and make sure she was happily settled.

Than's menu is filled with authentic Vietnamese specialties and French influences, such as "Frog Legs with Spicy Lemon Grass Served with Rice." The most expensive thing on the menu is 9.95.

My four year old lunch companion was feeling morose, so I made sure she got a mango bubble tea right away. Keeping her taste buds in mind, I ordered the stir-fried chicken and fresh mango, crossing my fingers that it wouldn't be some syrupy Americanized concoction. The dish came with a generous portion of large fresh mango slices and just the right amount of flavor. It had just a hint of natural sweetness to go with the garlic, soy sauce, and red bell peppers. I wish I had more time and more people with me to better explore the menu, judging from this lunch it would be a lot of fun.

Than's has plenty of parking behind the restaurant, in a large lot it shares with a few other businesses. There's plenty of room for large parties, and take out is also available.

Than's Garden

711 S. 38th St

Tacoma, WA 98418

253-475-1226