Chef Andy Ricker first expanded his Thai emporium from Portland to New York, and now it's arrived in LA’s Chinatown. The other outlets' strong presence on social media has given this authentic but Farang-helmed restaurant a large following in Los Angeles that is ready to get down and feast. Pok Pok Phat Thai’s take out noodle shop, which opened early this year, is only a few blocks away and has been getting rave reviews since it opened. However delicious those dishes are, don’t expect the new Pok Pok to feature any of Phat Thai’s items on its menu, so leave your noodle and fried rice expectations at the door and be prepared to taste flavors you rarely experience when going out to eat in Los Angeles.
If you’re new to Pok Pok, then you’re in for a treat because this place is the bomb. While Los Angeles has its fair share of authentic Thai restaurants and its own Thai Town, this Northwestern import carves out its own unique niche. The spices, marinades, and there’s no better word, explosive, ingredients used in Pok Pok’s food are just that. No matter what dish you order it won’t be bland-- everything is full of complex spices, a perfect match for a city whose eaters demand a lot of flavor.
Going with a group is highly recommended, as most of Pok Pok’s food is meant to be shared like a family meal. For their soft-opening they have a lunch special that’s $30/pp. That includes two plates along with a drink. For dinner it’s slightly more at $50 per person. You’re able to reserve a pre-paid meal with their online system Tock. That may seem a little steep if you’re used to dining in Chinatown on a budget, but Pok Pok’s food delivers with quality that’s generally hard to find nearby.
