Silk Elephant, a delightful Thai restaurant nestled in Ankeny, IA, presents an enticing culinary experience that has quickly captured the hearts of locals. Patrons rave about its authenticity, flavor, and inviting atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, the soothing jazz sets a relaxed tone. The menu shines with standout dishes like the Kung Pao Chicken and Bangkok Fried Rice, both praised for their portion sizes and flavors. Sarah noted the refreshing Dragon Fruit Italian Soda, emphasizing the friendly service that made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The crab rangoons, crispy and creamy, were a hit, though some diners, like Kara, wished for real crab instead of the imitation used. Silk Elephant also offers unique beverages that complement the food beautifully. Their Milk Tea, featuring homemade boba, is a definite crowd-pleaser, while the Sweet Sticky Rice dessert provides a perfect sweet finish. While the medium spice level may surprise some, the overall culinary adventure at Silk Elephant is worth the visit. Each dish is prepared with care, and the vibrant flavors leave you craving more. If you're exploring Ankeny, don’t miss a chance to savor the delightful offerings at Silk Elephant—your taste buds will thank you.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Silk Elephant
Sarah Teeselink
May 23,2025
Tried Silk Elephant Noodles 'n Rice today for lunch. The food was great! We ordered Kung Pao chicken, medium spicy, and Bangkok Fried Rice with chicken, no spice. We were both happy with our choices. We also tried the Mango and Dragon Fruit Italian Sodas which were very refreshing. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We look forward to visiting again.
Farnaz Babaie
May 17,2025
I tried their fried rice with shrimp. It was wonderful! Big portion, well-cooked shrimps and rice came in good texture. The lemonades were also tasty but they were too sweet. If I knew, I would have asked for less syrup/sweetness. We also ordered avocado with rice wrap. It was so fresh. I highly recommend it
Kalynn Graf
May 16,2025
Very nice space. They were playing jazz as we walked in for lunch. We ended up ordering khao soi, crab rangoons, and milk tea with brown sugar boba. The crab rangoons were what you'd expect. Very crispy outside; sweet creamy inside. Boba in milk tea tasted homemade. It was delicious! The thick khao soi curry was a bit too sweet for me. Very coconut-forward. Server was very friendly and the delivery of food to our table was unbelievably fast. Prices were a bit higher than expected but food was piping hot and met our expectations.
Kara Williams
May 15,2025
Went here on a Friday evening around 5:30. We got right in as the place was only a little busy. They have happy hour until 6 (I think!) so we got the crab rangoons, which were good, then ordered the Pad See Ew and Pineapple Fried Rice. Only critique is I wish the rangoons were made with real crab and not imitation, but they were still tasty. All of our food came out super fast and hot. We were in and out of there in less than 45 mins. We will be back! PSA: Their medium level of spicy is borderline super hot! Just a fair warning to anyone who isn't prepared for that much spice.
Nuby He
Apr 5,2025
I ordered green curry lunch special today. The bamboo shoot was a bit too hard but the overall taste is good! I wish the rice could have cooked better. It was a bit squishy. My partner had a Bangkok fried rice with veggie and tofu. The tofu and portion is pretty good but the rice was a bit too wet and squishy as well. But overall is tasty, and I would like to come back and try other dishes We also had a Thai tea with boba. The tea flavor is very good. I would love to have more boba
Travis Green
Mar 8,2025
Silk Elephant in Ankeny is a delightful spot for authentic Thai cuisine. The ambiance is inviting, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive. The menu offers a wide range of flavorful dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. The Pad Thai is a standout, perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, making it ideal for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners. Highly recommend for anyone seeking quality Thai food in the area
Charlie Strawn
Feb 22,2025
Food is excellent, space and bathrooms are super clean, service is fast, and wait stuff is friendly. I would highly recommend the green curry soba noodles.
Dan Evans
Feb 17,2025
Great Thai food in a spacious setting with positive customer service. Loved my Pad See Ew Chicken, selected medium spicy and loved every bite. Fellow diners had some great dishes they loved. Can't wait to try the curry. Plenty of parking.
Reviews For Silk Elephant