Kwan Kitchen — Restaurant in Pasadena

I just wanted good Thai food. I googled and saw the almost-perfect rating for this place, so I wanted to try it. I really wanted it to be great, and would have been happy to add my own positive review, but my experience was anything but positive.

I called at 8:30 pm - they close at 9. I said I wanted to order for pick-up and they said, FIRMLY, that I would have to get there no later than 8:45 for them to take my order. It almost sounded like they didn't even want to take it, but I assured them I'd be there, and rushed. I was hungry and wanted to be sure to get my food.

I arrived in time, only to find that my order was not ready, and then, as I patiently waited, another customer arrived, and placed an order!

There was no hesitation with this order, they took it happily, smiling. And it really upset me.

I told them I wasn't happy that I had to rush, only to find my food was not ready, and then they took a much later order with pleasure? Why? The only thing I could see was that that person was Asian and I am not. . I'm not saying that was the reason, but what else am I to think?

I also made a point of asking them whether they had included a straw for me in the bag for the young coconut I ordered. They said they did.

Upon arriving home, I found NO straw.

As for the food, it was just OK. I've had much tastier Pad Thai all over LA. This is nothing special and I'd actually say it was less than good.

I decided to call them today, to try to talk to a manager and let them know how disappointing the experience was, hoping they would give me a reason NOT to post a bad review. But it just got worse. There was no manager, the person I spoke with hardly spoke English, and rather than giving me a kind apology, basically blew me off, then HUNG UP ON ME.

So, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. I'm disgusted by this treatment and felt others should know. I am new to google reviews but have written MANY positive YELP reviews, lest you think I'm just a complainer. I love to report on good food and service. Sadly, I can't say anything positive at all about...

I can’t believe we finally have exciting Thai restaurant in town that I can count on! Kwan’s Kitchen has become my favorite Thai restaurant of all. The exterior looks more like hole in the wall, but you’ll be surprised when you walk in side. Their modernized interior with Thai accents is pleasing to the eye. The strip mall usually has plenty of parking spots.

We’ve tried their pad see ew, Kwan’s pad thai, shrimp sticks, dumplings, combo fried + Hainan chicken, and green curry. Every single item has exceeded our expectations. The green curry (like all curries they serve) was made in house and full of flavors. The shrimp sticks had whole shrimps in a deep fried wanton like wrapper—loved the textures. The chicken plate especially the fried one was so good, crispy and flavorful and the chicken rice and soup altogether were 🤌🏼! The pad thai noodles were so cheewy and I loved the combination of different elements in it. They also serve dried shrimp in it!!! That’s a winner in itself! All of the dishes were well-seasoned and not too salty and the portion was just right.

Their staff were attentive and friendly, answered to questions with pride and passion for their food :)

We appreciate their limited menu; they’re focused on specializing what they offer. It’s better to have good quality hand picked items on the menu than dozens of meh items.

We cannot recommend this...

This is a new place that's only been open for a few weeks. The place look very neat, nice and very simple inside the restaurant.

I ordered takeout and June is the one who took my orders. She is very helpful and cheerful too. I ordered the Pad Thai Crispy Pork, Beef Pad See Ew, Thai Basil Spicy Pork, Crab Fried Rice and Chicken Wings. And Thai Tea, of course, who would not order a Thai Tea eating at a Thai restaurant. 😄

The Chicken Wings are moist inside and crispy on the outside. No breading on the chicken and the taste is very good. It comes with sweet spicy sauce.

The Pad Thai is cooked al dente, which is perfect for me. It tasted like an authentic PadThai where the hint of tamarind, lime and palm sugar are a melody to your tongue. And they are not skimpy on the shrimp and crispy pork.

The Beef Pad See Ew is cooked soft and not salty at all. The beef is tender and the sauce is very good. Broccoli are crispy and not overcooked.

The Basil Spicy Pork comes with a cup of rice and fried egg on top. I ordered less spicy but it is so good that I wish I ordered regular spicy.

The Crab Fried Rice came with chunks of crabs. And the fried egg was scrambled in a way you can see the egg whites. It is very flavorful.

Next time I come visit this place, I would order their Panang Beef. They ran out of Hainan chicken when I was placing my order but that will be for...