Secrets of Tiger opened in Emeryville in August 2023, a hole in the wall spot with an IYKYK feel. Well, at least it seems that way because the locals know all about it, and have fallen for the restaurant’s Northeast Thai cuisine. The restaurant offers some of the Thai classics that Americans have come to know and love, presented in a way that’s authentic to how the chef wants it (See: pad see ew, but with a menu note that says it’s served “Thai style without carrot and broccoli”).
It’s that attitude of realness that infuses the sassy menu, which explains there are no appetizers, no courses, and no waiting, meaning that dishes will all hit the table at the same time, and aremeant to be shared. The popularity of Secrets of Tiger spawned sister restaurant Payakk, which opened in Oakland in the fall of 2025, but here’s what makes the original a good one.
The restaurant is small but cozy, nestled in a corner building on Hollis Street. String lights adorn the ceiling and keep the dining room feeling festive. A mix of real and fake plants will keep you guessing, but all add a welcome element of greenery while eating. The artwork is very fun, including the tiger-themed prints and mural on the back wall, and a few posters for The Adventures of Tintin.
The restaurant offers a handful of beers, all of which are Thai imports, including Singha, Beerlao, and Chang Beer. Of the nonalcoholic offerings, diners can choose from Thai iced tea or coffee, a few sodas, and a Thai iced tea lemonade, that I’m sorry to say I didn’t order. Instead, I went for the bai bua bok, a pennywort-based drink that tasted earthy and (almost too) sweet upon first sip. While I wasn’t exactly impressed when it first arrived at the table, I eventually was converted into a fan when I tried it against the spicier dishes. The drink really fought back the spice much like a Thai iced tea would, but without the heavier dairy element. Worth a try, if you’re looking for an alternative to the usual offerings.
As mentioned, the restaurant has become a favorite of locals, and as such, it’s probably safest to just snag a reservation via Resy. The restaurant is small, and it does get packed at times, so it’s better to just glimpse the available options earlier in the day rather than chance it.