On weekends, the LA area Thai population gathers here to pray, socialize, and to eat!
It is the heart and soul of the community. It is very festive and fun. To me, coming here alone and as a single guy, it is quite charming. Lots of families, happily eating and socializing. Over there is a table of “Uncles”, and over there a bunch of children running around playing. I see Grandmas and Grandpas. There is live music in which I enjoyed. You share a table with strangers. This adorable little girl was sitting across from me when her stickers sheet blew away from the wind, I ran and retrieved them for her, and she placed her hands together and said thank you in English and Thai with a slight bow of her head. I melted. And I was smitten by the food.
It is crowded here. But first you wanna take a quick stroll to see what interests you. Head to the booth that says “Tokens”. You exchange your money for tokens, a portion of the sales goes back to the temple.
This place caught my eye for the hoi thawt, mussel crepe. It appears to be manned by Father, Mother, and Son. With Father out front and Mom/Son working the woks. They do have the classic noodle dishes: pad thai, pad kee mao, pad see ew.
$5. Fat briny mussels, egg, batter, sprouts, with a sweet sauce. You will wanna do some drizzles of that on top. Very good.
Next, I hear the sounds of “pok pok”…
Yeah I gotta have some of that…
Sour, fresh, crunchy, warmth from spice, sweet, and a little salty. This was good. No funk.
Every time I eat papaya salad this gangsta ass song plays in my head:
Grass Jelly Drank that is so Dank. I love Grass Jelly! It has a cooling effect (as they say) on the body, with a little sweetness added, perfect. I had 2 cups of these.
Issan Sausage. A hint of sour notes with the pork.
Coconut Cakes! These are my favorite. One of two places to get them fresh and hot, here at Wat Thai and at Mae Tings at LAX-C, and that bakery across from Ruen Pair? LOL.
Mmm Fried Bananas!!
The temple:
Lots of shrines. The main shrine has a magnificent golden Buddha. Observe the custom to take off your shoes when entering. There were a few monks walking around the food area too.
I really enjoyed my experience here and it is worth the drive to come and experience the Thai community.