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ZipPicks Awards
Best Thai in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Mae Ting's Coconut Cakes
8.0
A weekend-only Thai street food stall in the LAX-C parking lot where the draw is watching Mama Mae griddle kanom krok to order—crispy-edged coconut cakes that come off the iron pan hot and custardy. The format is bare-bones (cash-only line, no seating to speak of), but the tight menu of Thai street staples hits well above its price point, making it a reliable Sunday morning detour for anyone comfortable eating standing up in a parking lot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coconut Cakes (Kanom Krok), BBQ Chicken & Pork Skewers, Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Weekend-only Thai street food stall in the LAX-C parking lot where Mama Mae makes crispy-edged coconut cakes fresh on the griddle right in front of you
Who should go: Thai street food fans who don't mind a cash-only line
When to visit: Weekends only, 9 AM–4 PM; arrive early to avoid waits
What to order: Start with a box of coconut cakes while they're hot off the griddle, then grab skewers and papaya salad for a savory contrast — portions are cheap so order broadly
Insider tip: They accept Zelle in addition to cash, and the wait runs about 25 minutes so grab a papaya salad to snack on while your coconut cakes cook
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot at the adjacent LAX-C supermarket; lot is typically uncrowded on Sunday mornings
Weekend wait: Closed by dinner—weekend hours are 9am–4pm only; during operating hours expect 10–25 min after ordering (ticket system)
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is an outdoor street food stand in the LAX-C supermarket parking lot, not a sit-down restaurant. There's no intimate ambiance, just communal picnic-style tables under shade structures. That said, if your date loves adventurous street food and you're pairing it with a stroll through Chinatown, it could be a fun, low-pressure first hangout - just not a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - it's walk-up only with no reservation system. You order at the stand, get a number, and wait roughly 25 minutes for your food. Open weekends only (Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4pm). Lines can form, especially late morning, so arriving closer to opening gets you served faster. Payment is cash or Zelle only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a casual, low-stress way - it's an open-air food stand so there's no formal atmosphere to worry about. Kids can move around freely in the outdoor space. However, there's no kids menu or high chairs since this isn't a traditional restaurant. The coconut cakes and skewers are easy finger foods that tend to appeal to younger eaters. Best for families comfortable with outdoor, informal dining.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small to medium groups - there are about 3 long communal tables under shaded areas, so a group can grab spots together. No private rooms or formal group booking. The main challenge is the ~25-minute wait per order and weekend-only hours, so coordinate arrival times. They also offer catering - call (323) 632-2071 for larger party needs.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - all seating is outdoors. There are approximately 3 long communal tables with shade coverings next to the food stand in the LAX-C supermarket parking lot. No indoor seating exists. No heating confirmed - comfortable in LA's mild weather but there's no cover from rain. Free parking available in the supermarket lot.
Best For
Better for: A quick, cheap weekend snack—grab freshly made kanom krok and Thai street eats from a legendary Chinatown vendor for under $10
Skip if: You need weekday or evening availability—open weekends only 9am–4pm, cash and Zelle only, no card payments accepted
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday9am - 4pm
Sunday9am - 4pm