Saoha Khao Soi

Tucked away on Cahuenga Boulevard in Studio City, Saoha Khao Soi is a small, family-run gem with laser focus. While most Thai spots offer encyclopedic menus, this place bets everything on one legendary Northern Thai dish: khao soi. The aromatic curry paste they use is so intensely fragrant you’ll carry its warm spice notes with you long after you leave.

The menu offers both soupy and stir-fried versions of their signature noodles, each served with little dishes of toasted chili paste, raw red onion, and pickled mustard greens for customizing your bowl. The traditional coconut milk-enriched broth is silky and warming, but the real decision is what goes on top. The crispy chicken option delivers satisfying crunch that gradually yields to the broth, while the braised beef practically dissolves at the touch of a spoon. For those feeling indulgent, there’s even a torched lobster tail or wagyu slices draped elegantly over the noodles.

The space feels intimate and casual, with just a handful of tables arranged around an open counter where you can watch the cooks assemble each bowl and torch proteins to order. The owners make their rounds to check if you’ve had enough to eat—bringing genuine hospitality that recalls Saoha’s roots as a vendor at the Wat Thai Food Court.

Before you leave, make room for the fried bananas. With their shatteringly crisp shells and molten, perfectly ripe interiors, they’re the ideal finale after all that rich curry. This is a restaurant for anyone craving authentic Northern Thai flavors without the pretense—just expertly made noodles in a welcoming, no-frills setting.