Near the border of Panorama City and North Hollywood is a large Buddhist complex known as the Wat Thai of Los Angeles. It serves as a community gathering place for many Thai-Americans residing in L.A. I’ve long heard of the good and authentic Thai food being served here, in a street food stall format. No better day than a sweltering weekend to try it out! Let’s go!!!
Communal tables…
Tokens much be purchased to exchange for food at the stalls. Most food/drink items cost between $2 to $5 each…
Hainan chicken rice is LEGIT. I loved it. Great rice, soup, and tender thigh cuts with street soul. Get this. I paired it with a Thai iced tea and grass jelly drink.
(The pork on a stick was also excellent, by the way…)
Street wok…
Pad see ew with beef - This plate was super photogenic, and tasted good (no fireworks, though)…
Fried mussel pancakes - Really nice. All the tastes came together. Fat & juicy mussels, fired just so, with sprouts and a sweet sauce. Lovely.
Live entertainment, too. That lady has lungs!
Dessert time!
Mango with sticky rice - Super ripe and sweet mangoes. Very commonplace, true, but when the mangoes are so perfect, it’s always worth getting!
Sweet egg custard on sticky rice - Good, but I’ve had better.
Thai “halo halo” - Get a spoon or fork for this dessert “beverage”, 'cuz there’a lot of great bites at the bottom of that cup!
Fried banana, fried taro, fried sweet potato - Starchy deliciousness, in case you need it.
Coconut cakes - Hot from the fryer, this stuff is pretty tasty!
A great way to spend an afternoon!
RECOMMENDED.
Wat Thai of Los Angeles
8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
818.780.4200
