Jitlada Thai Restaurant
Jitlada, a storefront restaurant in Thai Town, has been an institution of the Los Angeles dining scene for decades, but you could argue that it gained critical mass after critic Jonathan Gold highlighted it in 2007. While it has always been known for doing all the standard Thai dishes very well, you have to credit southern Thai chef Suthiporn Sungkamee (“Tui”) and his sister Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong for introducing southern Thai specialties that, until a few years ago, could be found nowhere else in America. Try the kua kling (dry curry beef), khao yam (Songkhia-style rice salad tossed with dried shrimp, toasted coconut, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a sweet sauce), and whatever else Jazz recommends.
— Arthur Bovino, 101 Best Restaurants, April 1, 2015
The Daily Meal Editors and Community Say...
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Kitchen talk with Jazz Singsanong and Tui Sungkamee of Jitlada Jazz and Tui of Jitlada Thai Restaurant
Foursquare Tips
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Crying Tiger Pork (or Beef). This is the best "first try" dish. It is heaven. If you're brave the Phat Lung (Turmeric Curry) is insane and hot as hell!!! -
When you need to show visitors the diversity and wonder still possible in LA restaurants, Jitlada is Exhibit A. Southern Thai specialties feature the infamous endorphin bomb Kua Kling Phat Tha Lung! -
Try the crunchy fried fish with homegrown turmeric, mango salad lightened with coconut water or soft-shell crab with the legendarily stinky sataw bean. -
Jitlada's website is http://JitladaLA.com -
Notice all of the napkins with doodles of Homer Simpson hung up on the wall? That's because Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, is a regular here! -
Are there sweeter words than "Strip Mall" when used in conjunction with "Powerful Thai flavors?" Answer: No. [Eater 38 Member] -
Ryan Gosling comes here. Freaking best Thai food I've had in the US. Legit. -
An unassuming little Thai place in Hollywood. If you go, I recommend ordering off the back menu ("the good stuff") - the escargot is my favorite- with some thai ice tea to wash it down. -
Kua Kling a must. Plaa Pear (Fried Red Snapper & Crispy Basil) maybe our fave. Morning Glory Salad, Crying Tiger Pork excellent too! -
They send out a whole sea bass rubbed in fresh turmeric and deep-fried to crunchiness, then buried under a blanket of julienned mango and fried garlic.
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I go weekly. Dinner is usually swamped, so try lunch! 11AM Tues Sun. Favorites are Green Mussel Curry, Morning Glory Salad, Crying Tiger Beef, Green Curry w/ Duck Egg Fish Ball & Jazz's COFFEE!
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According to one of "The Simpsons" writers, Maggie thinks its funny when Homer eats the Khua Kling Phat Tha Lung (beef dry curry) and sweats and cries and then screams and screams and screams. -
What to say about one of LA's most comprehensive menus? Ask @MyLastBite herself or simply go as exotic as you dare, but remember: hot is HOT! -
Can't beat this Thai... -
Loved this hidden gem! Good food and good people. Had the crispy morning glory, crying tiger, steamed mussels, and southern curry. -
Good and impressively spicy, but astonishingly overpriced. -
Get the Morning Glory salad. It will wake your ass right up! -
Its all about the crispy fried papaya salad -
Crying tiger beef is great! Don't be American and order pad Thai though, Its mediocre. -
My tip: just eat here! It's amazing! Southern Curry is the bomb! "small kitchen, lots of love"!