The breadth and diversity of Thai noodle dishes extends far beyond your typical pad thai. Thankfully, we live in Los Angeles, home to the largest concentration of Thai people outside of Asia. Thai Town in Hollywood was the first such designated neighborhood in the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a warm bowl of curry-based broth or a spicy wok-tossed dish, Thai Town (and the rest of L.A) has you covered. Many of the dishes listed below can be found on menus across various Thai restaurants. Here are just a few to sample next time you’re in the mood for Thai noodles—beyond pad thai.
Northern Thai Food Club
Khao soi is a coconut-based noodle dish with wide egg noodles. The khao soi comes with a perfectly cooked chicken drumstick at Northern Thai Food Club, topped with crispy noodles, sour mustard, shallots, and cilantro. Hit the creamy broth with a fresh squeeze of lime for a touch of brightness — few places do khao soi better. Nam ngiao, on the other hand, is a tomato-based curry broth with vermicelli noodles, served with pork ribs, blood pork cubes, and bean sprouts. Nam ngiao, which is listed at NTFC as kanom jean nam ngiew, is a specialty of the Tai Yai people of northern Thailand. While the khao soi at NTFC is a classic, the nam ngiao is worth diverting your usual lunch order for.