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The Taste Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Taste Kitchen
8.3
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run Thai spot since 2014 serving Chon Buri-style dishes with scratch-made sauces and modern presentations. The Khao Soi draws devoted regulars, while generous portions and quick service make this strip mall gem a neighborhood go-to for lunch specials and dinner takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Tom Yum Goong, Yellow Curry with Vegetables
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Authentic Chon Buri recipes with made-from-scratch sauces prepared by native Thai chefs
Who should go: Locals seeking quality Thai without the fuss
When to visit: Weekday lunch specials offer exceptional value
What to order: Khao Soi, Tom Yum soup, and Drunken Noodles
Insider tip: Parking lot shared with Papa John's - arrive early during lunch rush
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot shared with Papa John's and other strip mall tenants - spots fill fast 12-1pm and 6-7pm, but generally available
Dress code: Come as you are - casual strip mall dining, athleisure to office wear all fit
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even during busy lunch rush
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for tables during peak (6-7:30pm), takeout ready in 15-20 min
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately, lunch specials out in under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu substitutions available for most dishes, solid vegetable curry options
Vegan options: Possible with modifications - ask for no fish sauce or oyster sauce, they'll accommodate
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes work, but cross-contamination likely in shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than formal ones. The strip mall setting lacks romance, but quality food and quiet atmosphere let you actually talk. Save fancy dates for elsewhere, but perfect if you both love authentic Thai.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) you'll walk right in. Weekend dinner rush (6-7:30pm) expect a short wait, but rarely more than 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - family-run spot that welcomes kids of all ages. Quick service keeps little ones from getting restless, generous portions are shareable, and they'll adjust spice levels. High chairs available.
How spicy is the food? They'll ask your spice preference and actually respect it. Scale runs mild to Thai-hot - even 'medium' has real heat. Start conservative if you're spice-sensitive, you can always ask for more chili on the side.
Is it good for takeout? One of their strengths - locals order takeout constantly. Food travels well, portions are generous, and they package everything carefully. Call ahead to skip the 15-20 min wait.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Chon Buri flavors over Americanized Thai, generous portions for the price, quick weekday lunch when you want quality without wait, family dinners where everyone can find something
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy ambiance or date-night atmosphere, you need reservation-only reliability for special occasions, you're seeking modern Thai fusion rather than traditional recipes
The Taste Kitchen
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run Thai restaurant established in 2014 serving traditional dishes made from scratch with fresh sauces. Strip mall location offers generous lunch specials on weekdays. Native Thai chefs prepare classics like khao soi that remind regulars of childhood favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Soup
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Scratch-made sauces and weekday lunch specials under $10 including salad
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic home-style Thai cooking
When to visit: Monday through Friday for lunch special deals
What to order: Khao soi noodles, yellow curry, pad Thai with fresh lime
Insider tip: Order ahead during peak dinner hours when small dining room fills quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot - usually spots available, never an issue
Dress code: Ultra casual - workout clothes and flip-flops are the norm
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak hours - small dining room fills fast, order takeout to skip
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 5-10 min during lunch special rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including tofu versions of most dishes
Vegan options: Yes - most curries and stir-fries can be made vegan, ask about fish sauce substitution
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes and some curries work, but cross-contamination possible in small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values authenticity over ambiance - strip mall setting is no-frills, but great for low-pressure lunch dates or showing off your hidden gem knowledge
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come seating. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends or call ahead for takeout if you can't wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - family-run spot welcomes all ages, mild curry options available, and kids eat free mentality with generous portions. High chairs available
How spicy is the food really? Authentic Thai spice levels - specify mild if heat-sensitive. The medium is genuinely hot for most American palates
Is the lunch special actually worth it? Absolutely - $8-10 gets you entree, salad, and rice weekdays before 3pm. Same quality as dinner menu at half the price
Best For
Better for: Authentic home-style cooking at unbeatable prices - beats trendy Thai spots for traditional dishes made the way grandma makes them. The khao soi and scratch-made curry pastes outshine chains charging double
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy presentation, date-night atmosphere, or full bar. This is about the food, not the experience. Also skip if you need extensive gluten-free options or certified allergen protocols
The Taste Kitchen
8.3
This family-run spot opened in 2014 in a strip mall setting and delivers surprisingly sophisticated Thai cooking. The khao soi stands out as a regional specialty rarely found elsewhere, while the pad see ew showcases expert wok technique with beautifully charred noodles. Despite humble surroundings, the kitchen produces consistently flavorful dishes with fresh ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Authentic northern Thai khao soi and women-owned family operation
Who should go: Thai food enthusiasts seeking authentic regional dishes
When to visit: Lunch for daily specials, weekdays less crowded
What to order: Khao soi, pad see ew with beef, tom yum soup
Insider tip: They source vegetables from local farmer's markets for optimal freshness
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot with 20+ spaces, rarely full except weekend lunch rush
Dress code: Completely casual - workout clothes, flip-flops all welcome in this strip mall spot
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even during busy times in the small dining room
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, 20-25 min Friday/Saturday peak (6-7:30pm)
Weekday lunch: Usually seat immediately, occasional 5-10 min wait during lunch specials
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8+ options including vegetable pad thai, tofu curries, and papaya salad
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan by omitting fish sauce (ask staff)
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes work, but cross-contamination likely in shared wok kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - strip mall setting lacks romance but the authentic food impresses adventurous eaters who value substance over scene
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Arrive before 6:30pm weekends or anytime weekdays for immediate seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming to families - casual atmosphere, mild dish options available, and quick service. High chairs provided
How spicy is the food really? They adjust heat levels - specify mild/medium/Thai hot when ordering. Their 'Thai hot' is authentic (seriously spicy)
Is it worth the drive to Del Rey? Yes if you're within 20 minutes and craving authentic khao soi or northern Thai specialties rare elsewhere in LA
Best For
Better for: Authentic northern Thai specialties like khao soi, weekday lunch value ($12-14 entrees), and family-run charm without Hollywood pricing
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy ambiance, full bar/cocktails, or modern Thai fusion - this is strictly traditional comfort food in humble surroundings