0 Followers
Thai Vegan
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Thai Vegan
7.6
Operating since 2010 in a shared food hall space near Main Street, this counter-service spot focuses on straightforward plant-based Thai classics. The casual setup with outdoor communal seating makes it ideal for quick takeout or a low-key meal, though the menu plays it safe with familiar preparations rather than pushing creative boundaries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Green Curry, Papaya Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Affordable all-vegan Thai menu in shared food hall near the beach
Who should go: Vegans, health-conscious beachgoers, budget diners seeking quick bites
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before beach activities
What to order: Pad Thai, Green Curry with brown rice, Fresh Spring Rolls
Insider tip: Order at the window and grab a seat in the shared outdoor area
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets, typically easy to find. Free 2-hour meters, but can fill up during lunch rush 12-1pm
Dress code: Ultra-casual - beach attire, workout clothes, flip-flops all perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate to loud - shared food hall setting with multiple vendors, outdoor traffic noise. Fine for casual conversation, not ideal for quiet talks
Weekend wait: 5-10 min wait for food after ordering, no table reservations (first-come seating)
Weekday lunch: Peak lunch (12-1pm) can mean 10-15 min for food, otherwise walk up and order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entire menu is plant-based
Vegan options: 100% vegan - no animal products used in any dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice noodles and rice dishes available, ask about sauces as some contain soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the shared food hall seating and counter service lacks intimacy. Better as a casual daytime meetup or post-beach bite when you already know each other
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with communal outdoor seating. Arrive, order at window, find a seat. Lunch rush (12-1pm) can mean limited seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual environment, quick service, mild curry options available. Outdoor seating gives kids space to move around. No high chairs or changing tables though
Good for takeout? Excellent for takeout - most customers grab and go. Food travels well, especially curries and pad Thai. Order ahead by phone to skip the wait
Can I bring my dog? Yes - outdoor communal seating area is dog-friendly. Bring water for your pup, no bowls provided
Best For
Better for: Best cheap vegan Thai option near Santa Monica beaches - you won't find lower prices for plant-based Thai within a mile of the water. Perfect for post-workout fuel or quick beach lunch
Skip if: You want authentic complex Thai flavors (menu plays it safe), need a sit-down restaurant atmosphere, or are celebrating something special. For nicer vegan Thai, try Bulan Thai in Palms; for authentic Thai with vegan options, head to Jitlada in Thai Town
Thai Vegan
7.7
Plant-based Thai eatery serves generous portions of pad thai, curries, and spring rolls in a casual counter-service setting. The vegan menu features soy-based proteins in traditional dishes like larb and papaya salad, with outdoor seating and affordable prices drawing health-conscious regulars since 2010.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Green Curry, Fresh Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fully vegan Thai menu with huge portions at budget prices
Who should go: Vegans, health-conscious diners, budget-minded students
When to visit: Lunch for quick takeout or casual dinner
What to order: Pad Thai, green curry, soy chicken larb, mango sticky rice
Insider tip: Converting carnivores since 2010 with flavorful plant-based proteins
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street with 2-hour meters, or free residential streets one block east. Small lot behind building fits 4-5 cars.
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes, flip flops, whatever. Counter service vibe.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation, minimal kitchen noise from open prep area
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for takeout orders, no wait for outdoor tables typically
Weekday lunch: Peak lunch rush 12-1pm may have 5-10 min wait for food prep, seating always available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entire menu is plant-based
Vegan options: 100% vegan - no animal products anywhere, dairy-free across the board
Gluten-free options: Several options available - rice noodle dishes, most curries with rice, fresh rolls. Ask about soy sauce in marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both vegan or super health-conscious. Outdoor patio is pleasant but counter-service format lacks romance. Better for casual early dates or lunch meetups where low-key is the goal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with outdoor seating. Grab a table on the patio when available, order at counter, they bring food out. Never really 'full' due to quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, mild curry options, pad thai is universally loved. Outdoor seating means noise isn't an issue. Good for introducing kids to Thai flavors without spice overload.
Do they deliver? Yes - on major delivery apps plus their own direct delivery. Food travels well, generous portions make it great value for delivery. Spring rolls arrive crispy if you order during off-peak times.
Is the food actually flavorful or just 'healthy'? Surprisingly flavorful - they don't sacrifice taste for health. Soy proteins absorb marinades well, curries are rich with coconut milk, and they don't skimp on seasoning. Even meat-eaters are impressed.
Best For
Better for: Budget vegan Thai with huge portions and consistent quality. Best value-for-money plant-based Thai in the area. Great for health-conscious regulars who want reliable, affordable meals without fancy ambiance expectations.
Skip if: You want authentic Thai spice levels (they go mild), full-service dining experience, or romantic atmosphere. If you're a vegan skeptic, this won't convert you - the proteins are obviously soy-based, not 'tastes just like chicken' territory.
Thai Vegan
7.9
This no-frills spot delivers generous portions of vegan Thai classics at prices that feel almost too good for Santa Monica. The pad thai and green papaya salad follow traditional preparations, while the green curry showcases creamy kabocha squash. Service stays friendly despite the bare-bones decor and tight seating that keeps the focus squarely on the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Green Curry with Kabocha Squash, Soy Chicken Larb
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Massive portions of authentic Thai flavors at remarkably affordable prices for the area
Who should go: Budget-conscious vegans and Thai food lovers
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner; shares space with Sushi Vegan
What to order: Green curry with squash, pad thai, larb with soy chicken
Insider tip: One entree easily feeds two people—perfect for sharing or saving leftovers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets, typically easy to find. Metered during business hours ($1.50/hr), free after 6pm and Sundays
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip-flops are the norm here
Noise level: Moderate - tight quarters mean you'll hear neighboring tables, but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for takeout orders, seating usually available immediately due to limited tables
Weekday lunch: No wait - counter service makes it quick
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian menu - every dish qualifies
Vegan options: 100% vegan menu - this is their specialty
Gluten-free options: Many naturally gluten-free options (curries, papaya salad), but shared kitchen so not celiac-safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the bare-bones atmosphere and cramped seating don't set a romantic mood. Better for casual meetups or established couples who prioritize food over ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with limited first-come seating. Best bet is takeout if you want guaranteed food
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very - affordable prices, familiar dishes like pad thai, and casual atmosphere mean parents won't stress about noise or mess. No high chairs though
How long does takeout take? 15-20 minutes typical, potentially 30 minutes during dinner rush (6-8pm). Call ahead to cut wait time
Do the portions really feed two people? Absolutely - entrees are genuinely oversized. One curry plus spring rolls easily serves two adults, making the already-low prices even better
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value and portion sizes for authentic Thai flavors in a vegan format - you won't find cheaper, more generous vegan Thai in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want ambiance, table service, or a date-worthy atmosphere. Also skip if you need dedicated gluten-free prep or prefer modern vegan meat substitutes over traditional tofu preparations