10 Best Eats In Thai Town

While LA offers up a myriad of great Thai restaurants to dine at around the city, the enclave known as Thai Town changes the game. In fact, whether you're experiencing fiery regional specialties for the very first time or familiar dishes taken to a whole other mind-blowing level, you'll never think of your neighborhood Thai restaurant in quite the same way after a visit to Thai Town.

Jitlada
5233 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-9809
www.jitladala.com

Offering difficult-to-find southern Thai specialties, Jitlada's menu features a massive selection of over 300 dishes that keep visitors coming back time and time again. What you'll find as you enter this always packed, small and friendly family run Thai restaurant is a fabulous array of spicy specialties that might steer most away for its spiciness but items like the steam mussels, their hard to resist fried crispy morning glory salad or the addictively funky fish kidney curry are something that everyone should try. Make sure to get there early as the every-growing popularity of the restaurant means it can get pretty busy.

Spicy BBQ
5101 Santa Monica Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 663-4211

Always packed with diners craving Northern Thai dishes, Spicy BBQ lives up the hype. While it might be a little off the beaten path, dishes like the nam prik oom, an addictive bright green chili paste eaten with crispy pig skin (think of it as the Thai version of chips and salsa) will you leave with tears of joy. Follow that up with their pork belly-studded jackfruit salad and you'll be heaven, even though your mouth might be on fire from the spiciness. It'll all be worth it though.

Sanamluang Cafe
5176 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-8006
sanamluangcafe.menutoeat.com

Open late (3am!), Sanamluang Cafe is a favorite amongst night owls looking for an early morning fix of traditional Thai deliciousness. Boasting itself with a sign having the best noodles in town, the noodles here are a favorite, as well as dishes like their spicy pad kee mow (spicy flat noodles with green chili, mint and onions), or General's noodle, an Indian-style curry noodle soup.

Bhan Kanom Thai
5271 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 871-8030
www.bhankanomthai.com

Bhan Kanom Thai is the perfect place to end your night in Thai Town because, well, they specialize in desserts. If desserts aren't the first thing that come to mind when you think of Thai food, a trip to Bhan Kanom might just change that. From exotic puddings, to Thai slush ice, to the classic mango and sticky rice, It's hard to go wrong with any of their vast array of sweet treats. Make sure to look out for panchi, bite-sized cakes made with taro, corn, and shredded coconut, especially when they're hot off the grill.

Ruen Pair
Ruen Pair
5257 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 466-0153
www.ruenpairthaila.com

One of the most reliable spots in Thai Town, Ruen Pair has firmly established itself as a local favorite for its late hours, reasonable prices, and consistent cooking. Stir-fried morning glory and its harmonious union of soy and garlic can be found on most tables. Don't neglect the standards, including a standout papaya salad and pad thai that's straight outta Bangkok.

Pa-Ord #3
5269 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 466-4281>

While the Pa-Ord empire slowly expands across Hollywood, the latest chainlet, which earlier this year took over the space of Thai Town favorite Ganda, might be just the greatest. Pa-Ord #3 serves the same high-quality, soul-satisfying soups as the original but with an added bonus. The beloved Ganda steam table remains which means regulars can continue to enjoy a plate of crispy catfish along with a steaming bowl of tom yum noodles. Other standout dishes include their rad na or the classic pad thai.

Sapp Coffee Shop
5183 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-1035

Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner Sapp Coffee Shop is sure to satisfy. This Anthony Bourdain approved hole-in-the wall is regarded for its stunningly complex boat noodle soup that will have the offal-averse changing their tune. If blood-enriched broth isn't your thing, pristine jade noodles certainly won't disappoint. Neither will the prices, with no dish over $10. Just don't plan on making Sapp a late night stop because it closes it 8.

Pailin Thai Cuisine
5621 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-6775

Perennial Thai Town standout Pailin continues to wow diners with their fiery Northern Thai specialties. Their unctuous khao soi is often declared the best in the city and for good reason. The dish's creamy coconut broth is the ideal consistency with just the right amount of heat. House-fermented sausage is a must order and the frog leg curry will have you jumping for joy.

Lacha Somtum
5171 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 486-7380
www.lachasomtumthairestaurant.com

Fans of papaya salad are sure to be delighted, if not overwhelmed, by a visit to Lacha Somtum. This Thai Town newcomer and Jumbo's Clown Room neighbor offers several variations of the dish including a standout crispy papaya salad. Purists can rest easy, as their straightforward version of the Thai staple, provides the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.

Rodded
5623 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 962-8382

There is perhaps nothing more crave-worthy in all of Thai Town than Rodded's duck noodle soup. The sweet, murky broth, mouth-watering stewed duck, and al-dente egg noodles make up the holy trinity for this need-to-order dish. Sorry, grandma. You ain't got nothing on this. With terrific prices (cash only though), and a ton of tasty items including their Tom Yum Kai soup, the duck pad thai and, of course their fried banana desert, it's a must visit.

Article by Dave Klein.