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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central LA's best

Salad and fried rice

Made for those who want the lightness of a salad balanced by the savory, carb-heavy satisfaction of fried rice.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Nong's Thai Kitchen image 1
Nong's Thai Kitchen image 2
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Small dining room offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with cute decorations and warm vibes. Music adds to the lively yet chill energy, making it feel like dinner at a friend's house.

Papaya salad stands out with its 5th dimension Thai level spice and a dressing that echoes a legendary noodle dish. Larb Lettuce Wraps with tofu also offer a fresh, flavorful option.

Fried rice comes out fluffy, flavorful, and never greasy. The pineapple fried rice stands out as especially memorable, while the basil fried rice offers a nice spicy kick and solid rice texture.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food was the most delicious I've ever had."

"The papaya salad here is legit and fantastic."

"This pineapple fried rice is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is limited parking available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours; consider visiting off-peak.

3

Lunch specials are available for $15, offering good value.

02
Lacha Somtum image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with pleasant decor and a family-owned touch. The menu features an extensive variety of authentic Thai dishes with bold, original flavors. Parking is limited to street options, adding to the intimate neighborhood feel.

Papaya salad stands out with its pickled crab and crispy pork variations. The salad offers a spicy Thai green flavor and pairs well with dishes like larb and spring rolls.

Pineapple fried rice and shrimp paste fried rice stand out with bold flavors. Options include Andaman fried rice and dishes paired with curry or chicken for variety.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Thai food here to be the best I've ever had."

"I loved the papaya salad with blue crab and fried liver."

"The shrimp paste fried rice was the standout dish."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be difficult, but free street parking is available on the side street.

2

The restaurant has an extensive menu with a variety of authentic Thai dishes.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $15 per person.

03
SAMATA VEGAN HOUSE 🌱 image 1

Small space with cozy, intimate atmosphere and quiet setting despite nearby busy area. Decor is beautiful and inviting, creating a romantic, homey vibe ideal for relaxed meals. Staff-run operation adds warmth and personal touch to the experience.

Spicy Chicken Larb Salad stands out with bold flavors. Other notable options include Papaya Salad, Tofu Larb Salad, and Cucumber Salad.

Vegetarian fried rice with tofu stands out with flavorful and perfectly cooked rice. The overall food quality is excellent.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was unbelievably flavorful."

"The salads here are vibrant and comforting, made with so much care."

"The fried rice with tofu is flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

2

SAMATA VEGAN HOUSE opens at 1 pm and closes at 10 pm.

3

The interior is small, so plan ahead and call for reservations.

04
Sapp Coffee Shop Thai Restaurant image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant with authentic vibes and nostalgic 70s decor. Atmosphere stays relaxed and lively, filled with locals during lunchtime and playing classic Thai music. Casual setup invites both gatherings and solo dining, offering a genuine taste of traditional Thai cuisine.

Unique salads like the Blood Larb Salad offer a spicy kick and bold flavors. Options include the liver salad, shrimp salad, and the consistently ordered Jade Noodle Salad.

Fried rice delivers strong wok hei flavor with simple yet satisfying dishes like Kra Pao Fried Rice featuring basil and chicken. Crab fried rice offers a delicious alternative with rich taste.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"I found the Kra Pao Fried Rice simple yet satisfying."

"The shrimp salad was beyond belief."

Good to know

1

Parking is tight; consider street parking or metered spots nearby.

2

The restaurant gets busy around dinner time, expect longer wait times.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

05
Spicy Sugar Thai Mid-City image 1

Small, cozy space with authentic Thai decor and a mom and pop vibe creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet and casual, it offers a family-friendly setting with touches like Thai movie posters and humor in menus. Known for incredible, authentic Thai food, especially spicy soups and tasty noodles.

Papaya salad appears frequently alongside other Thai dishes like larb and Som Tum. Salads come with sticky rice or minced pork, offering a mix of fresh and savory flavors.

Crab fried rice stands out with a delicious taste. The house fried rice pairs well with pork skewers and noodles, making it a solid choice.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was some of the best I've ever tasted."

"I found the Thai salad here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the crab fried rice was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot next to the restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

3

They offer a secret menu with traditional Thai dishes.

06
Ruen Pair image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, crowded space with nostalgic old Thai feel and soft lighting sets a cozy, lively atmosphere. Diverse crowd enjoys authentic Thai flavors in a no-frills, vibrant setting. Busy and noisy, it suits casual meals rather than quiet occasions.

Crab papaya salad stands out with its very spicy and balanced flavor, avoiding excessive sweetness. Son Thom Po offers a unique twist, ranking among the best salads of its kind here.

Shrimp paste fried rice stands out with incredible flavours and is highly recommended. Thai BBQ pork fried rice and pineapple fried rice also show top-notch skills in preparation.

People are saying

"The Thai food here tastes like it's from home."

"The papaya salad here is flavorful, sweet, tangy, and salty."

"The Thai BBQ pork fried rice was some of the best I had."

Good to know

1

Parking is valet and cash only.

2

Expect long lines after 5pm; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Valet parking is available in front of the restaurant.

07
The Night We Met image 1

Thai-inspired Asian parlour showcases luxurious decor with glowing lanterns and birdcages overhead. Dim lighting and live jazz music create a romantic, intimate vibe suited for couples. The space blends modern luxury with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Salads feature flavorful sauces and careful dressing. The Caesar salad stands out as exceptionally good. The Gem Salad offers a small but tasty portion.

Hong Kong fried rice features sweet sausage that stands out. Kimchi fried rice adds a spicy, tangy twist to the meal.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and flavorful."

"The Hong Kong fried rice had really good, sweet sausage."

"You can't skip the Caesar salad; it's exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Parking is available in the structure behind the restaurant with validation.

3

Valet parking is offered for convenience.

08
Yai Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Minimal space with almost no decorations creates a simple, unembellished atmosphere. The energy stays steady without much change in vibe. Only cash payments are accepted, and dishes feature bold flavors like unmatched pork larb and outstanding crispy pork with basil.

Nam Tok Beef salad offers a bold, memorable taste. The menu includes Papaya Salad and a grilled beef spicy salad that stand out for their flavors.

Crab fried rice comes loaded with lots of crab and pairs well with a salty pepper dip. Spicy fried rice stands out as very flavorful, while some fried rice dishes are creamy or slightly bland.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be pretty authentic for LA."

"This place's salads feel like home, reminding me of Bangkok."

"I experienced the best spicy fried rice I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices are affordable, with meals averaging around $32 before tip.

3

The fried egg for the Pad see ew is sold separately for $3.

09
Thai Central Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Thai decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly, and music adds to the vibe. Staff are polite, creating a pleasant dining experience.

Papaya salad features bold flavors but sometimes leans heavily on crab and fish taste. Adjusting the spicy level is possible to suit preferences.

Crab Fried Rice features generous crab meat and pairs well with fresh coconut. Basil Fried Rice offers a flavorful option alongside other dishes like pad Thai.

People are saying

"I had the best Thai food I've ever tasted here."

"I loved the delicious fried rice with generous crab meat."

"I really liked the Papaya salad."

Good to know

1

An automatic 15% service charge is added to all bills without prior notice.

2

Parking options include valet service and limited street parking for one hour.

3

The restaurant offers parking validation for customers.

10
Qi Steam Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, clean space offers a cozy and casual atmosphere with a pleasant, calm vibe. It attracts diners looking for quick, tasty dumplings and traditional dishes at reasonable prices. The setting feels simple and unpretentious, focusing on food rather than decor.

Salads here include napa cabbage salad, cucumber salad, and seaweed salad. They come fresh and pair well with dumplings and fried dishes.

Egg Fried Rice comes with chicken and has a simple, satisfying flavor. Fried rice dishes stand out alongside pan-fried pork bao and BBQ pork belly buns.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are perfectly balanced and textured."

"The shrimp dumplings and popcorn shrimp were expertly seasoned and fried."

"I loved the delicious fried rice and generous servings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but ordering online in advance is recommended due to high demand.

2

Expect wait times of 10-15 minutes for takeout orders during peak hours.

3

Parking is available in a small plaza lot, which is free but can be dark at night.

11
Chao Krung Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Small Thai restaurant with cozy sitting area and family portraits on the walls creates an inviting atmosphere. Interior blends modern decor with ornate colors and designs, offering a warm and stylish setting. Bar area adds a casual touch, making it suitable for relaxed dining.

Salads here offer bold flavors like the spicy Thai beef salad and the glass noodle salad with eggplant and basil. The papaya salad adds a fresh, tangy touch to the mix.

Steak fried rice stands out with its rich flavor. Chicken fried rice and pineapple shrimp fried rice also offer excellent taste and variety.

People are saying

"The green curry here is packed with vibrant lemongrass flavor."

"The green papaya salad here is an explosion of flavor."

"I found the steak fried rice to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers good deals on appetizers and drinks.

2

Take-out orders typically cost around $62 for two dishes and spring rolls.

3

The menu features unique items not found in typical Thai restaurants.

12
DTLA AYCE KBBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Open-air setup with patio string lights and fire lamps creates a semi-outdoor dining experience that feels spacious but can be chilly. TVs show sports and K-pop videos, adding to a lively, energetic vibe with loud music. Tables offer a cozy yet spacious setting suitable for intimate dinners or group gatherings.

Green salad and daikon wraps offer fresh, crisp textures that balance the richness of the meats. Various sides complement the meal with light, refreshing flavors.

Kimchi fried rice stands out as a delicious and spicy option, often praised for its flavor. The unique cup ramen fried rice offers a different twist and pairs well with spicy ramen.

People are saying

"The Korean Food here has fantastic, plentiful meat options."

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying the tasty meat."

"The rose ddukbokki's creamy spicy tomato sauce is so rich."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $26.95 per person, with a two-person minimum.

2

They stop serving food at 9:20 PM, despite being open until 10:30 PM.

3

Street parking is available, but be aware of metered spots.

13
Thai Patio image 1
Thai restaurant

Restaurant offers outdoor seating and a colorful, fun dΓ©cor with a chill vibe and friendly, attentive staff. Atmosphere ranges from lively with live music to comfortable and well-lit. Menu features tasty Thai dishes with some standout items like mango fish and BBQ chicken.

Salads feature authentic Thai flavors with dressings like Nam Tok's toasted rice powder and fresh basil. Options include tender beef, shrimp, and belly pork, all paired with flavorful, well-balanced dressings.

Fried rice comes in large portions, enough for 3-4 people. Options include spicy fried rice with chicken, pineapple fried rice with shrimp, and combo fried rice with pork belly and chicken.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is flavorful with generous portions."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal for under ten dollars."

"The fried rice portions are massive, enough for 3-4 people."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are $7.99 per dish from 11am to 4pm, except weekends.

2

Parking costs $3 per hour and is limited outside the restaurant.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments, which is not disclosed until the bill.

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