Tiger Cry — Takhrai Thai's Signature Dish Since 1999
Some dishes define a restaurant. For Takhrai Thai, Tiger Cry is that dish. Thin slices of tender grilled beef marinated overnight in garlic, black pepper, and crushed Thai chili — cooked over high heat and served with a bold, tangy house dipping sauce. It is smoky, spicy, and unlike anything else on the menu.
Tiger Cry has been on our menu since we opened in 1999, and it remains one of the top dishes our guests come back for. If you have never tried it, this is where to start.
What is Tiger Cry?
Tiger Cry (Sua Rong Hai in Thai, which loosely translates to 'crying tiger') is a northern Thai BBQ dish. The name comes from the idea that even a tiger would cry over missing such a delicious cut of meat — or, in some accounts, from the way the juices run when the meat is grilled.
At its heart, it is a simple dish executed with precision: quality beef, a balanced marinade, a very hot grill, and a dipping sauce that brings it all together. At Takhrai Thai, our chef has been refining the same recipe for over 27 years.
What Does Tiger Cry Taste Like?
The flavour is bold and layered. The beef has a deep smokiness from the grill, the marinade brings garlic and pepper heat, and the special sauce adds a tangy, spicy finish. It is not overwhelmingly hot — the heat builds gradually rather than hitting all at once. Guests who usually shy away from spicy dishes often find Tiger Cry very manageable.
The meat is sliced thin after grilling, which means it is tender enough to eat without a knife. Served with jasmine rice and the dipping sauce on the side.
Price: $21.95 | Served with: Steamed jasmine rice + special house dipping sauce | Spice level: Medium — can be adjusted on request
How to Order Tiger Cry at Takhrai Thai
Tiger Cry is available for dine-in, takeout, and online ordering. You can order Tiger Cry online through iMenu4u and have it ready for pickup or delivered. We are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at 12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy, Poway CA.
What to Order with Tiger Cry
Tiger Cry works well as a main course on its own, or as part of a shared table. It pairs naturally with Panang Curry for a contrast between the smoky grilled beef and the creamy curry. Start with Chicken Satay or the Takhrai Thai Sampler and finish with Mango Sticky Rice for the full experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiger Cry (Sua Rong Hai) is a northern Thai BBQ dish of thin-sliced grilled beef marinated in garlic, black pepper and chili, served with a spicy dipping sauce. It is popular across Thailand and a long-standing signature dish at Takhrai Thai in Poway.
It has a medium spice level from the chili in the marinade and sauce. The heat is manageable for most guests. You can ask for a milder version when ordering.
Tiger Cry is $21.95, served with steamed jasmine rice and the special house dipping sauce.
Yes. Order online through iMenu4u for pickup or delivery from Takhrai Thai at 12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy, Poway CA 92064.