I noticed this shiny colorful Buddhist temple when we drove down Roscoe Blvd towards the CA-170 one day. I pulled up my favorite foodie app and found them on Yelp with great reviews. I wonder what's the hype was about so I visited this holy temple last Saturday. Note that this temple consists of a few smaller ones. The big temple with two standing God statues is called the Yaksha Temple. Yaksha is the guardian of the hidden treasures. The details and colors of this Yaksha sculpture statues are impeccable. And anyone can go inside for worships and prayers.
Behind this Yaksha Temple there was a small market with assorted food vendors selling Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Boat/Duck/Pork Noodles, Meat Satay/Skewers, Coconut Pancakes, Shaved Ice, Candied Fruit in Coconut Milk Dessert, Fried Banana/Taro/Sweet Potato and many more! Check out my delicious food pics for inspiration!
If you enjoy noodles, you'll love their taste-bud thrilling Thai noodle soups! Thai noodles are some of the most popular in the world, and when you taste them, you'll know why. I picked the pork belly noodles because of the inner little piggy in me! It was very good! Heavenly good!
The meat skewers (AKA satays) are prolific throughout the world. In LA, you can try them here for $2 each!
What do you get when you add authentic, slow cooked coconut sticky rice and decadent coconut cream to some of the world's most delicious mangoes? You'll get the scrumptuous Mango Sticky Rice treat you'll absolutely love! It's something I would recommend to anyone!
Have you ever wondered why Thai people eat mostly hot and spicy foods? It's because they have many delightful dairy desserts to cool them down! One of the most popular dessert is this Crispy Ruby (Red Water Chestnuts in Coconut Milk). It's mixed with jackfruit, tapioca and jelly for flavor enhancement. For me it was simply sweet (in a pleasant way), chewy and refreshing! If you like sweets, you must try it!
We bought a bag of the beef jerky for $8. It was light, crispy and different. The guy who managed the stall was super nice, he gave us a deal and he accepted our credit card payment too.
The last item I got and also the least item I like were the shaved ice. It tasted weird, plasticy, as if it was expired. We bought two at $3 each. It was so bad we had to throw them out. I hope the rest of the flavors are doable though. The ices were sold right next to the Strawberry Lemonade stand. The lady who served the lemonade was rude and cheap to us. She stuffed the cup with more ice than liquid. And she didn't even fill the cup to the max. I asked her politely, "Can you please fill it up all the way?" but she didn't like it and she yelled at me instead, "it will spill out!" For the sake of the temple, I didn't deduct 1-star for her behavior.
Overall the food, the people and the energy here were amazing! As of last weekend, I was told they do this all day every Saturday and the best part is - it's open to anyone. Everything was cheap, delicious and legit. All you need is to buy some tokens and...
Read moreIf you're seeking a weekend escape filled with beauty, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, look no further than the Thai Temple in Los Angeles. This hidden gem is a sanctuary of serenity and a hub of authentic Thai culture, boasting a vibrant Thai marketplace where you can savor delectable Thai foods and the most refreshing Thai tea you've ever tasted.
As you step onto the temple grounds, you're immediately struck by the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The intricate details of the temple's design are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting you to Thailand without ever leaving Los Angeles. It's a place of reverence and reflection, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience Thai spirituality and tradition.
One of the standout features of this weekend retreat is the bustling Thai marketplace that springs to life on weekends. From the moment you enter, your senses are tantalized by the aroma of sizzling street food and the vibrant colors of Thai fabrics and crafts. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible.
And then there's the food! The Thai market is a food lover's paradise, with a plethora of stalls offering a wide array of authentic Thai dishes. From pad Thai and green curry to som tum (papaya salad) and satay skewers, every bite is a journey to the heart of Thai cuisine. The flavors are bold, the ingredients fresh, and the spice levels can be customized to suit your taste.
Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the most delectable Thai tea you'll ever encounter. It's a refreshing and slightly sweet drink that's perfect for washing down the rich and spicy flavors of the dishes. Sip it as you explore the marketplace, and you'll find yourself in a state of pure bliss.
What sets this Thai Temple and marketplace apart is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The vendors are not just sellers but passionate ambassadors of their culture, eager to share their traditions and culinary secrets with visitors. You'll feel like an honored guest as you chat with them, learn about their dishes, and watch them prepare your food with skill and care.
Whether you're seeking a cultural experience, a peaceful retreat, or simply a delightful culinary journey, this place has it all. The combination of a beautiful temple, a bustling Thai marketplace, and mouthwatering Thai food and tea make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Thailand right here in Los Angeles. Make it a weekend trip, and you won't be...
Read moreMy first visit to Wat Thai Food Court was a delightful culinary adventure that transported me to the vibrant flavors of Thailand. This food court offers an array of food places to choose from, ensuring a diverse selection of authentic Thai dishes to satisfy every palate.
One of the highlights of Wat Thai Food Court is its commitment to being dog-friendly, allowing me to enjoy a delicious meal while my furry friend accompanied me. This added touch of inclusivity made the experience even more enjoyable.
It's important to note that Wat Thai Food Court operates on a cash basis. Upon arrival, you'll need to exchange your cash for tokens at the booth, which can then be used for purchasing food from the various vendors. Prices at the food court are quite reasonable, ranging from $6 to $8 per plate, offering great value for authentic Thai cuisine.
During my visit, I indulged in a variety of dishes. The fried chicken, though comprising tiny wings and drumettes, had a delightful crispiness and authentic Thai flavors. It was a satisfying snack option. The chicken khao soi, while good for its price, didn't quite match the exceptional quality I've experienced with this dish elsewhere. The pork fried rice with fermented salad offered a delectable combination of flavors. However, it's important to note that even when ordering the mild version, the dish was still quite spicy. As someone who generally tolerates spice well, the level of heat took me by surprise. If you have a lower tolerance for spiciness, you may want to approach this dish with caution or request a milder option.
My personal favorite from the food court was the fried dough with pandan custard. The dough was perfectly fried, providing a delightful crunch, while the fragrant pandan custard added a unique and delicious sweetness. This dessert was truly a standout and left me craving for more.
For parking options, Wat Thai Food Court offers valet parking, although I cannot provide the exact cost. However, if you don't mind a short walk, street parking is available nearby, which is what we opted for...
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