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Salaya Plant-Based Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Salaya Plant-Based Kitchen
7.9
Thai Town's first all-vegan restaurant blending traditional Thai dishes with creative international fusion. Quality-obsessed owners deliver surprisingly convincing plant-based versions of orange chicken, duck curry, and Thai favorites using fresh vegetables, homemade vegan sauces, and sophisticated mock meats that satisfy omnivores and vegans alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plant-Based Orange Chicken, Duck Curry, LA Burger with Caramelized Onions
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: First all-vegan Thai restaurant in Thai Town with convincing mock meats
Who should go: Vegans, vegetarians, and curious omnivores seeking plant-based Thai
When to visit: Dinner or weekend lunch for full menu availability
What to order: Orange chicken, duck curry, LA burger, khao soi
Insider tip: The restaurant name means 'healing medicine pavilion' reflecting their wellness focus
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Normandie or side streets - relatively easy to find. Lot behind building sometimes available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything from athleisure to date night attire works
Noise level: Moderate - cozy space with good acoustics for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation during prime hours (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entire menu is plant-based
Vegan options: 100% vegan - everything from mock meats to sauces is animal-free
Gluten-free options: Yes - multiple options including rice noodle dishes and rice-based plates, ask server for specific recommendations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate atmosphere without being stuffy, interesting menu creates conversation starters, and the $$ price point feels thoughtful without breaking the bank. The plant-based angle shows intentionality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for lunch and early dinner (before 6pm). Weekend prime time (6-8pm) can fill up, so call ahead or arrive by 5:30pm to be safe. Bar seating usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere welcomes families. The orange chicken and noodle dishes appeal to younger palates. Best for kids 5+ who can sit through a meal, though no dedicated kids menu.
Will my meat-eating friends actually like this? Surprisingly, yes - this is one of the few vegan spots where omnivores consistently report being impressed. The mock meats are sophisticated enough to satisfy skeptics, especially the orange chicken and duck curry.
How long should I plan for dinner? Plan 60-75 minutes for a full meal. Service is attentive but not rushed - they want you to enjoy the experience without feeling hurried out.
Best For
Better for: Most convincing plant-based Thai in the area - beats competitors on mock meat quality and sauce authenticity. Better for omnivores curious about vegan food than hardcore vegan spots that lean too 'healthy.' More creative than standard Thai restaurants doing one sad tofu option.
Skip if: You want traditional Thai Town authenticity with fish sauce and meat - this is plant-based interpretations. Also skip if you're seeking quick/cheap Thai (this is sit-down with $$ pricing). If you hate the concept of mock meat, stick to their vegetable-forward curries or choose a different restaurant entirely.