Pretty much agree, though of course there are exceptions. I've eaten in family-run Chinese restaurants and as a rule they're head and shoulders above what you can get at non-Chinese run places or (blecch!) those monster buffets that serve lukewarm food from huge basins on the buffet line. Not much skill is needed to open a massive can or bag, warm up the contents and dump into the appropriate basin.

Agree also on the Thai comments. Most American "Thai" restaurants serve dumbed-down American versions of the real McCoy. I've eaten Thai food numerous times in Thailand, in restaurants and in the homes of relatives, and believe me; probably one in a hundred "Thai" restaurants in America even come close to the real thing. At any rate my wife is Thai and a fantastic cook: I get the real deal whenever I want it (which is often). She has talked about holding classes in Thai cooking here in The Villages, though the demand might not be that great considering that Villagers tend to not do a lot of cooking at home.

We had this great Thai place in Hawaii called Keo's that unfortunately closed back before covid. They had unusual names for their dishes like evil jungle prince for the red spicy coconut chicken. I have never had its equal. For me the meat is the main thing. If it's garbage Panda Express type chicken I know it within the first few bites. So I'll try some of these suggestions thanks. Or I'll make my own... need to access that Keo's menu online because again nothing like it.

Another Thai Blossom recommendation
 

We recommend Thai Blossom restaurant in Winter Garden, also.

I would attend a Thai cooking class! There is supposed to be a learning kitchen in sawgrass, and I'm sure she could do it through them as part of the learning academy.

You know the mantra all the food elsewhere is great and nothing in central fl is as good gets very tiring , I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand including the whole winter before Covid and went back after they opened up again ( had to isolate in hotel for a few days first ) yes the food is different , that doesn’t mean Thai food can’t be tasty here ,and yes even Thai Ruby can be tasty , the vegetables are always crisp and you can have a nice healthy meal in a nice setting. Yes it’s different in Thailand with many more wonderful dishes to choose from , but I’m not there for the food or temples anyway .

Thai
 

We enjoyed our meals at Ruby Thai and the ambiance was nice. Definitely going again. No way drive to Ocala for a meal. Waste of gas.

We are very happy with Thai Ruby. Nice setting, good service and good food. Actually one of our favorite places to eat.

I would love to take Thai cooking lessons!

Ruby Thai makes bland food. They will make it spicy if you ask or will give you a spice tray to season it yourself.

There are a few exceptions (Mongolian Beef!!) but for the most part I think the Thai dishes at Koyame are better than the Chinese choices.

Ayuttaya in Ocala is quite good. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed between 2:30 and 4:30. Closed Sundays.

Another thumbs up for the Royal Orchid in Ocala. Also, we found the strip mall Asian carry out (Sunrise) on 466A Trailwinds plaza, offers both Chinese & Thai. While their Thai menu items may not exactly to your liking, we found the owner to be very happy to make things to your requests, or dishes not on the printed menu.

Yes, although we go to Orchid in Ocala (shorter trip) agree Thai Blossom in W.G. is really delicious !

Can you recommend a local market for ingredients? I am not up to making my own curry paste, can not find the Mussaman paste I want online TIA

Chinese
 

Imagine the fortune that could be made by someone opening a classic Asian restaurant that is in abundance up north. If I was a younger man it would be a gold mine. I have yet to find anything in the south of for that matter the Midwest that rivals the little family Chinese restaurants from Maine to New Jersey. Maybe we could convert one of these churches lol. People would worship the food. Thoughts and Crab Rangoons