The area outside the walk-in gate at Osan Air Base known as the Songtan entertainment district is a visual feast of colors, advertisements and beckoning tourist opportunities.

But don’t overlook a modestly sized hanging sign at the top of the street signaling, simply, Pad Thai Restaurant. A matching signboard on the sidewalk directs you up a flight of alley stairs to the restaurant.

Inside the small dining area there are four tables, with additional bar seating overlooking the street. Despite its size, the dining area does not feel cramped. Thai decorations adorning the walls add to an air of authenticity.

The staff are from Thailand -- one server and two cooks, who provide excellent service. One of the cooks, who preferred to remain unnamed, was in Thailand in November for a conference on Thai cuisine.

Choose your seat, and while the server retrieves your beverage order, look over the 20 menu options.

I ordered a Thai tea, massaman curry with chicken and, of course, the restaurant namesake, pad Thai, also with chicken. Given a choice, I opted for a two out of five on the spice level.

The tea was served cold with the cream and tea layers separated in the glass. It is a very sweet but not overpowering beverage.

The two dishes arrived 15 minutes after ordering, each in a serving size that you could share with someone.

Made with peanut paste, coconut milk, potatoes and onions, the massaman curry is influenced by the countries surrounding Thailand.

The curry was a savory, slightly sweet dish that was not very thick at all but with the vegetables, meat and side of rice was more filling than you might expect from a curry. Even at a two on the spice chart, it was bit spicier than I anticipated. I would recommend the massaman to someone looking for a Thai dish that’s not noodle based.

Pad Thai is probably the most popular Thai dish globally. These stir-fried rice noodles can be found in any Thai restaurant, and I was very interested in seeing how it comes across in a restaurant that stakes its name on it.

It arrived a dark orange color that I didn’t expect, but it was a tastier, tangier mix of noodles with peanuts, meat, vegetables and egg than I’ve had before, and I plan on another visit soon.

The meal and experience were great, and the location makes it an easy place to dine in or pick something up and get back to base quickly.

The Pad Thai restaurant may not be front and center among its neighbors, but this little piece of Thailand holds its own.

Pad Thai Restaurant

Location: 302-94 Sinjang-dong, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Directions: Across the street from the Osan Air Base walk-in gate into the Songtan entertainment district. On the left look for the signs and the stairs that lead to the restaurant.

Hours: Open daily 10:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Prices: Pad Thai was 12,000 won, or about $8.50. The massaman curry was 16,000 won and the Thai tea was 7,000 won.

Dress: Casual

Information: Phone 031-667-4459