The food is absolutely authentic! If you're from out of town, order one level up from what you would normally get or get extra spices on the side, the locals have something against spicy foods. You can substitute ANY noodle with rice or rice noodles. I don't know if they use the same pan though, celiacs should ask (just intolerant here). If you're missing Thai food, no need to make the drive to St. Louis, we've got a great place here that measures up to any of them. And try the Thai iced tea, it's fantastic!