The Best Thai Food in OC — No Competition!

I’ve been wanting to try this place for ages — finally made it during my visit home! Ordered following recommendations from a Michelin-trained chef from Chiang Mai, and every dish instantly transported me back to Thailand! 🇹🇭✨ No particular order — just follow this list and you’ll be golden: 🍜 Khao Soi Noodle + Soft Shell Crab Creamy yellow curry with tender noodles + crispy whole soft-shell crab + crispy fried egg noodles on top — a perfect combo! Just go already! 🦐 Creamy Tom Yum Shrimp Chef’s special recommendation — “more Thai than Thailand” 😂 My little brother found the curry noodles a bit spicy but totally manageable — tangy, sweet, and impossible to stop eating! 🥗 Papaya Salad Even without added meat, it’s perfection. Refreshing, tangy, and great for balancing spice. 🐷 Manaao Pork Jowl Crispy outside, tender and bouncy inside with just the right amount of fat — a MUST order! Served with a tangy salad that’s different from the papaya salad — so good! 😋 🐚 Clams with Spicy Holy Basil Sauce Tastes just like Shanghai-style baked vegetable & rice cake stew! Even has similar greens in it — my Shanghainese aunt couldn’t stop eating it. 🍨 Rice Balls in Coconut Cream + Coconut Ice Cream A must if you love taro desserts — even better than Creamy, chewy, and not overly sweet — so satisfying! 📌 Pro tips: If you’re only two people, maybe skip the papaya salad (it’s huge!) or try the papaya salad with crispy pork belly instead — said to be amazing! Arrive 30 minutes before peak meal times, or expect to wait 1–2 hours. Service is friendly but short-staffed — double-check your dishes when they arrive! 📍 Manaao - Thai Comfort Food 13842 Newport Ave Unit F, Tustin, CA 92780 #NewYearFlavors #FoodFromMyHometown #DailyLife #LosAngeles #Irvine #ThaiFood #IrvineEats