LAOTHAI restaurant — Restaurant in Carpinteria

TLDR: Pros.. If you have an intense craving for some solid papaya salad, this is your place. The dining area seems like a nice place for a casual bite.

Cons… I’m from out of town and ordered take out. They didn’t give me any napkins or silverware. Pork Larb and sticky rice were good but not worth the price. I paid about $46 for 3 items (pictured). —————————— Food: The lao papaya salad carried this review. 5/5 incredible flavor, perfect spice, fits the flavor profile of the lao papaya salad i’ve had over the years. Pork Larb was good but not worth the price- I wouldn’t get it again. I can’t believe I spent $6 on two little balls of sticky rice.

Service: the lady at the counter watched me enter, but didn’t smile or say hello when I walked in. When I reached the counter she just looked at me, so I said hello. At least the interaction was efficient. 👍 I had called in a take out order. By the time I discovered there were no napkins or silverware, I was already set up at the beach. Good thing what I ordered can be eaten with your hands, but some napkins would have been greatly appreciated.

atmosphere: The place has a cozy, hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop vibe. I ordered to go, but if I had time and a craving for papaya salad I would enjoy a lowkey...

I am a Thai food fanatic and I was excited when this little family owned business opened. I had heard that it is good but a bit pricey. I agree that it is slightly more expensive than its competition in the area (Siam Elephant, Meun Fan Thai, etc), however, their portions are a good size and delicious.

The interior is simple with minimal decor. It appears to be more of a take out spot. Nonetheless, the staff is super welcoming and friendly.

I came in for midday for the lunch special which comes with an entree, soup of the day or salad, white rice and a crispy wonton. The soup was Tofu Tom Kha, very flavorful with coconut milk, slight acidity from lime juice and a hint of fish sauce. I ordered Pad Thai with cilantro added as my entree. The tamarind sauce was not overwhelming and the noodles were nicely cooked. I also appreciated that it came with white rice which is abnormal for a noodle dish.

All the all, a great Thai spot in Carpinteria with a lunch special that...

Tasty food & generous portions. Friendly little family-owned restaurant with humble decor. They have real flowers out on the tables, offer spice racks, and serve iced water with lil lemon pieces, very rustic.

Majority of the menu is dedicated to the usual lineup of classic Thai food that your older American crowds will find inoffensive.

The exciting stuff for me tho is their Lao style dishes, they use some really strong authentic aromatics like red tofu curds and mega-fermented beans (similar to Japanese Natto.) The Khao Soi Lao Style noodle soup I had is probably the richest & dankest fermented bean dish I've smelled in the US so far, add desired chili + squeeze in the provided lime and it's kinda like funky flavorful pho that's on fire 🔥 I think there is a nice little niche here for people who have adventurous taste buds & enjoy foods...