Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles
Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Krua Thai: Authentic Northern Thai Cuisine in Atwater Village
Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Atwater Village, Krua Thai shines as a beacon of authentic Northern Thai cuisine. This unassuming eatery has garnered a loyal following among locals and discerning diners alike, who seek an escape from the typical Thai restaurant experience.
Upon stepping through the doors, you're immediately transported to the bustling streets of Chiang Mai. The decor is simple yet inviting, with warm lighting and traditional Thai artwork adorning the walls. But it's the flavors that truly captivate the senses, as the kitchen masterfully blends aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and bold ingredients to create dishes that sing with complexity.
One must-try is the Khao Soi, a signature dish of Northern Thailand. This hearty curry noodle soup features tender chicken or beef swimming in a rich, coconut-based broth, topped with crispy fried noodles that add a delightful crunch. Each spoonful is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the silky noodles to the fragrant, slightly spicy curry.
Another standout is the Laab Gai, a vibrant salad that showcases the region's love for bold, zesty flavors. Minced chicken is tossed with a tantalizing blend of toasted ground rice, shallots, mint, cilantro, and a tangy dressing that perfectly balances the heat and acidity.
For those seeking a heartier meal, the Khao Niaow Ma Muang, or sticky rice with fresh mango, is an absolute delight. The plump, sweet mango pairs beautifully with the sticky, sweet-savory rice, creating a harmonious and indulgent dessert that offers a satisfying end to the meal.
What sets Krua Thai apart is the attention to authenticity and the commitment to preserving the unique flavors of Northern Thai cuisine. The chefs hail from the region, and they meticulously source ingredients to ensure that every dish is a true representation of the culinary traditions of their homeland.
What else is in this post?
- Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Krua Thai: Authentic Northern Thai Cuisine in Atwater Village
- Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Night + Market Song: Late Night Partiers Fuel Up on Boat Noodles
- Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Jitlada: Southern Thai Curries that will Jolt You Awake
- Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Luv2Eat Thai Bistro: Hidden Gem Serving Royal Thai Cuisine
Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Night + Market Song: Late Night Partiers Fuel Up on Boat Noodles
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Night + Market Song is the energetic late-night eatery from chef Kris Yenbamroong. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food scene of Thailand, this hip hangout is a must-visit for those seeking big, bold flavors well after dark.
The menu spotlights boat noodles, a quintessential Thai street food featuring an intensely flavored beef and pork broth swimming with rice noodles, meatballs, and slow-cooked beef slices. Each personalized bowl allows you to customize the spice level and select from a variety of tasty toppings like pork blood, crispy pork rinds, and Chinese broccoli. Slurping up these rich, noodle-stuffed bowls with chopsticks is the perfect way to satisfy hunger pangs in the wee hours.
Beyond boat noodles, the menu thrills with items like papaya salad served with salted crab and fermented shrimp paste, and sai ua - Northern Thai-style sausage sizzling with spice and herbs. The Thai-style fried chicken with chili vinegar is another late-night favorite, with juicy meat enveloped in an ultra crispy and fragrant shell.
To quench your thirst, opt for Thai drinking Vinegars made with fruit and spices, or go for the boozy cocktails like Siam Sour. Created with Thai rum, passionfruit, lime leaf, and coconut, it perfectly complements the fiery flavors.
Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Jitlada: Southern Thai Curries that will Jolt You Awake
Tucked away in Thai Town, Jitlada is a beloved LA institution revered for its fiery Southern Thai fare. This family-run eatery transports diners to the tropical Southern provinces of Thailand through complex yet balanced curries that will jolt your taste buds awake.
The Southern Thai curry selection shines brightly at Jitlada, showcasing fragrant herbs, aromatic spices, and a variety of proteins from seafood to chicken. The Gaeng Tai Pla is a must-try, featuring succulent fish chunks swimming in a thick, intensely flavored Southern-style red curry. Notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and Thai basil mingle with the creamy coconut milk and red chili paste, while vegetables like green beans and bamboo shoots provide added texture. Each bite reveals new layers of flavor.
For those craving chicken, the Gaeng Phed Ped Yang features juicy, charred chicken thigh meat saturated in a magnificent red curry packing serious heat. The slow-cooked curry achieves the perfect harmony between the chili heat, the richness of the coconut milk, and the sweet smokiness of the chicken. A squeeze of lime brightens each spoonful.
The Gaeng Luang is another stunner — a hearty yellow curry loaded with fish balls, cherry tomatoes, and chopped vegetables. Turmeric and cumin lend earthiness to the sauce while the fish balls contribute hearty bites. A drizzle of tangy pickled garlic ties all the elements together in this complex yet utterly addictive curry.
Rise and Dine: The Top Thai Breakfast Spots to Fuel Up in Los Angeles - Luv2Eat Thai Bistro: Hidden Gem Serving Royal Thai Cuisine
Tucked into an unassuming strip mall in the heart of Hollywood, Luv2Eat Thai Bistro is a culinary sanctuary that transports diners on a flavorful journey through the rich traditions of Thai royal cuisine. This hidden gem, helmed by Chef Tui Sungkamee, offers an elevated dining experience that shines a spotlight on the complex, nuanced flavors that have captivated royalty for generations.
Upon entering the serene, elegant space, the senses are immediately invigorated by the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and aromatic spices wafting from the open kitchen. The decor, while understated, exudes an air of refinement, with ornate Thai carvings, soft lighting, and crisp white tablecloths setting the stage for an exceptional meal.
The menu at Luv2Eat Thai Bistro reads like a veritable treasure trove of royal Thai delicacies, each dish a masterful balance of flavors and textures. One standout is the Gaeng Massaman, a rich, aromatic curry that has been a staple of Thai royal cuisine for centuries. The velvety coconut-based sauce is infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, creating a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tender chunks of beef or chicken. Served with fragrant jasmine rice, this dish is a true testament to the culinary artistry of Thailand's royal kitchens.
Another must-try is the Pla Rad Prik, a whole fried fish smothered in a fiery, sweet, and sour sauce. The fish, masterfully fried to a delicate crisp, serves as a canvas for the complex sauce, which features a harmonious blend of chilies, garlic, lime, and palm sugar. Each bite is a symphony of contrasting flavors and textures, with the moist, flaky fish and the bold, punchy sauce creating a sensation that lingers on the palate.
For those seeking a more delicate yet equally captivating dish, the Phad Thai Goong Sod stands out. This iconic Thai street food is elevated to new heights, with plump, juicy shrimp wok-fried with rice noodles, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and a tamarind-based sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and savory.