Reviews

LOWELL -- In the 1920s, during Prohibition, Americans began to experiment with Chinese food. The cuisine of this faraway land was deemed exotic and those tired of stuffy hotel restaurants glommed onto the trendy feel of Sterno-fired pu-pu platters, flaming duck and fried rice.

Nowadays ordering Chinese takeout is as American as a swing through the golden arches. More complex Southeast Asian fare from Thailand and Vietnam has eclipsed the allure of Chinese. Pad Thai and pho have become ho-hum and sushi is so overexposed it's enough to make a curious palate wonder what's new under the spatula.

Enter the earthy, tantalizing flavors of Khmer cuisine. Read full review

There are a lot of good authentic Asian restaurants in Lowell, however, they all suffer from the same flaw---well lets just say that the decor is rather humble. If you're looking for an upscale Asian Restaurant that also has great food, look no further than Tepthida Khmer. The restaurant is sparkling clean, nicely decorated and has ample parking. The food is authentic, fresh and well presented. Their beef skewers, were exceptional with an unmistakable cumin flavor that set it apart from many others that I've eaten. Be sure to order the Hot Pot which comes with a generous amount of seafood and pork seasoned to perfection. If you enjoy a tasty beef and vegetable entree the Teuk Prahak Sach Ko is for you. The lemongrass accent and fresh vegetables tantalized the palate. No less impressive was the Trei Chu-Aem consisting of fresh pieces of fish in a wonderful sauce surrounded by pineapple, onions and peppers. > >Tepthida Khmer is a delightful addition for those who enjoy authentic Asian cuisine and is sure to be packed with diners who appreciate both atmosphere and good cuisine.

Jamal Aruri
Aruri & Scully - Attorneys at Law

I recently had the opportunity to take lunch at the new Tepthida Restaurant on Chelmsford Street in Lowell. Our host for the meal that day was the proprietor Elly Hsu who welcomed us into the restaurant like it was her own home. The decor of Tepthida is a striking mix of modern outfitting coupled with classical Asian artwork. The place has a small, intimate feel with an attractive bar and lounge-able couch adjacent to the main group of tables.

We were treated first to a spicy shrimp salad which was freshly flavorful but not too overwhelming. This was followed by a delicious Tom Yum soup with a nice bite and vegetables that were not overcooked. Tepthida's tofu triangles were served with a mild peanut sauce and offered a crunchy but uniformly cooked consistency.

For the main courses, we were served curried clams with a slightly pungent lemongrass flavor followed by a wonderfully composed seafood dish displayed in a cut-away pineapple - a real treat for the eyes and the mouth! This preceeded an appetite-busting dish of Pad Thai with a very generous supply of shrimp and a selection of frog legs which were exquisite.

The food was all served on fine plates and smartly arranged with garnish. A very unique feature of the restaurant is the use of stainless steel chopsticks which add a flair of modernity to the classic Cambodian dishes.

Overall, I would recommend Tepthida Restaurant as a great and distinct addition to Lowell's fine selection of Khmer eating establishments.

Mehmed Ali

The setting is elegant and simple. The silver wear and plates were of high quality. The food is colorful and beautifully presented, particularly the salads. We enjoyed a wide variety of dishes. My two favorites were the spicy beef salad and the soup which had a hint of ginger. Every dish had a unique and pleasant flavor.

Jim Wilde