BKK101 Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Okay, so what I love about “hidden gems” is that they get to retain all of their wow, without the rush of a crowd. I stopped by BK101 on a short (and secretive) stop through LA to take care of home matters. What I didn’t expect is to be swept off my feet with delicious food, warm hospitality and an experience of peaceful bliss while stuffing my face! 🤩

I began with the BANGKOK ROLL - an absolutely mesmerizing blend of mixed greens, cucumber, fresh basil, angel hair pasta and carrot wrapped in rice paper with sweet and sour sauce and mustard sauce. I bit into the first roll and it was like meeting Love. I was enamored with the quality of ingredients, the way the flavors complimented and elevated one another, the lightness of the meal, even with its robust, hearty taste. The only reason I didn’t order a second helping is because I really wanted to try something else on the menu.

After having to pieces of the Bangkok Roll, I decided I was going to save the Tiger pieces for later and make a treat of it - that didn’t happen, I devoured the others. I ordered the SOM TUM (PAPAYA SALAD) next…if the Bangkok Rolls had me in love, the Som Tum was the proposal to this establishment and all else it had to offer. The way the flavors threw a party in my mouth created a celebration that literally had me dancing in my seat. The ingredient were so fresh, so well curated; the grilled jumbo shrimp were something out of my greatest culinary fantasy and was supremely pleasing with the green papaya, carrot, green beans, fish sauce, tomato’s, tamarind juice (my favorite), and a selection of other ingredients that sent me floating. I washed it all down with a GINGER ICED TEA and was ready for a nap on the beach.

And as if that wasn’t enough, I certainly could not leave without having dessert; and what better dessert to indulge in than MANGO STICKY RICE. Now this…this was eternal! The mango alone was insanely fresh and juicy and foodgasmi. Paired with the profoundly delicious sticky rice and coconut cream, I was so full that I ended up taking half of the dessert home and finishing it before bed. What an experience!

To make a long review short: I. LOVED. THIS. PLACE!!! I can’t wait to schedule my next trip so I can go back and work through more of the menu. If you haven’t been, “treat yo’self!” and get there, m’kay? And when you do, tell them Donny point you their way. And if you happen to see me there, don’t stare or be...

The restaurant is really scamming all the customers which you guys don’t know. I never get scared of paying tips to all the restaurants as long as I love the service. But I decided not to give tips on this restaurant that day. Because when I got receipt, they put the charge for the party service fees which mentioned over 6 people in a table. But I went there with my friend. My total fees were $40. They charged party over 6 person fees into $6. When I asked to the worker (she is super thin and look Thai, super rude for the customer) there, she started answering very rudely and shouted to us by ignoring to other customers. So shameful to them with all those money they take from customers. First, she said it’s for those who sit and eat in the restaurant. I said in the receipt they mentioned over 6 persons. She started yelling at me and my friend and said you can take away if you don’t want to pay that fees. I am accepted if I have to pay service fees tho. But she answered me like we are eating free so we have to pay if we eat in the restaurant. That’s the second time I faced that in that restaurant. I saw one customer lady complained about that and the owner old lady yelled at that customer. They are treating to the customers like they are feeding free and we have to pay extra add on fees if we sit in the restaurant although the food is not with affordable price. Will never recommend to this restaurant with all my experience in LA. That’s the worst...

Absolutely the best spot for thai on the west side. Unlike other thai places in the area that cater to a more western palate (and sacrificing what makes thai food great in doing so), this restaurant doesn't pull any punches when it comes to hot, sour, spicy, sweet medleys of flavour.

Looking for a place that will respect your right to know yourself? Sick and tired of asking for spicy food on the westside and feeling nary a burn? Order a dish thai spicy from these guys. They don't mess around with the heat, as thai food should be!

I specifically recommend the Som Tam Papaya Salad or the Ka Pow. Every dish I've ever had from this restaurant has been excellent but these two along with the soft shelled crab curry are my go-to's. The tom yum soup is also super flavourful and sour.

I lived in Thailand for a while and am so happy that I no longer have to make the drive over to thaitown or rely on lobo sauce packets when I'm craving real Thai food. Honestly with food this good this restaurant could treat me like trash and I would still come back for more but on top of everything else, they're super kind and friendly and make the effort to recognise regulars.

10/10 amazing food, perfect spice, friendly people. I will return time...