Royal Thai is where I fell in love with Thai food long ago. When I got braver about eating at new places, and new Thai restaurants began to emerge, I searched out trendier spots and better tastes. Recently, I returned to Royal Thai and thought, “my dear, you were here all along!” Not to say I’ll never stray to Thai Soon, Thai2Go, or Ginger Thai again, but Royal Thai, as a first love, stands up. Take those tulip dumplings stuffed with shrimp, pork and water chestnuts — they pack a punch of flavor, especially when dipped in the spicy soy-based sauce that accompanies them. I like to follow the dumplings with yahm nuah, a spicy beef mixture of finely chopped lettuce topped with thin shavings of flame charbroiled tender beef and mixed with tomatoes, Thai herbs, hot peppers and lime. The Thai Pad, too, is solid. The little restaurant, located at 5500 Greenville Ave., also offers a surprisingly extensive selection of wines. The staff is sweet even when the place is packed, as it often is, and the décor is ultra brassy. Closed from 2:30-5p.m. weekdays — more info at Royal Thai online.