Wat Thai Food Court

Tucked away in the Sun Valley neighborhood at a stunning 50-year-old Buddhist temple sits one of LA’s most beloved culinary treasures. Every Saturday and Sunday, roughly fifteen vendors set up shop around the temple grounds, transforming the space into a vibrant Thai street food market that feels worlds away from typical restaurant dining. The token-based payment system (cash only, exchanged for $1 tokens) adds to the authentic market atmosphere while supporting the oldest Thai Buddhist temple in the country.

The food here rivals anything you’d find in Bangkok’s famous street stalls. Charred pork skewers sizzle on grills, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Steaming vats of khao soi bubble with fragrant coconut curry. The boat noodles arrive swimming in a deeply flavored beef broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for days, loaded with tender meatballs and rice noodles. Don’t miss the fermented pork salad—a textural masterpiece of crispy fried rice balls, fresh herbs, and tangy sausage that regulars order on every visit.

The communal dining experience is what truly sets Wat Thai apart. Grab a spot at one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the outdoor food court and spread out your haul. Share plates of spicy papaya salad, sweet caramel-drizzled fried bananas, and glossy pad thai with plump shrimp. With so many vendors offering different specialties, you could visit three times in a month and never repeat a meal.

Plan to arrive before noon on weekends—the most popular items, especially those incredible grilled skewers, tend to sell out early. Budget around $7-12 per dish, which means a satisfying feast won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a Thai food devotee seeking the real deal or an adventurous eater looking for something genuinely unique, this temple food court delivers an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else in LA.