Most times when I travel, I plot out the very best restaurants I can find along the way. Sometimes, though, the best finds are the unexpected ones. That happens to be the case with Yummy Thai in Merced, California, which I stumbled upon while searching out a quick lunch spot.



Yummy Thai serves up Thai and Laotian food - from larb and pho to tom yum and curry.



I started with a slushy watermelon boba tea, which was great. And then paired with their crab rangoons, which have crab meat, carrot, onion, celery and cream cheese wrapped in crispy wonton. When the inside of the wontons is impossibly creamy and a hint sweet, it's just one of the most delicious foods in the world.



This pad thai was also maybe one of the best I've ever had: pan-fried thin rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, green onions, tofu and crushed peanuts. So silky and flavorful and crave-able.



Grade: A