Sometimes I wonder, “How could I have missed this all these years?” I’ve passed by the Wat Thai Temple several times and knew about their weekend food court, but either it wasn’t the right day, or it was too far away. I finally went for a traveler’s meetup and could seriously eat there every weekend if it were possible.
Wat Thai Temple is located off Coldwater Canyon and Roscoe Blvd in Sunland. You can’t miss it with its colorful and perfectly replicated Thai façade.
Watch my short video walking tour on YouTube
Two gigantic Thai warriors stand guard along with various other statues that adorn several prayer altars.
Weekend Food Court
A large collection of food vendors gathers on the North side of the temple on weekends. You’ll feel like you’re in an alley in Bangkok. Each sells its own version of authentic and delectable Thai cuisine.
Guests sit at outdoor community tables. It’s a relaxing and delicious way to enjoy a meal with family and friends and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend.
The food court has been in operation for many years, although it shut down for a while because neighbors complained. Happily, it’s back because it is a treasure for all food lovers.
You must bring cash to purchase plastic tokens to order food from the vendors. If you have any tokens left after you eat, you can sell them back.
I personally can’t handle spicy food and was going to order my usual Pad Thai, but got adventurous and bought an amazing bowl of Thai Boat Noodles with Beef. It was an unusually chilly day, and the flavors and essence of its mild spices moved my soul.
Later, I ordered BBQ chicken on a stick, a cup of delightful Thai Tea gelato, and took home a red curry bowl. The curry was a bit too hot for me, but equally delicious. You can always ask for a mild dish but sometimes a Thai version of mild is hot for a lightweight like me.
Next time I may go for mango sticky rice or possibly Cal Soy, but there are so many choices of savory and sweet dishes that it’s hard to decide. One of our group members tasted grilled Crocodile so you can imagine the variations available.
Like the Original Farmer’s Market, Wat Thai Temple is a lovely and relaxing place to savor ethnic cuisine.
Wat Thai Temple of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Thai people outside of Thailand, with enclaves throughout the city, including Thaitown in Hollywood.
Wat Thai Temple, Los Angeles, opened in 1974 and was the first and largest Thai Theravada Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. Its official name is the Theraveda Buddhist Center. Along with the food court, it holds twelve festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including a New Year’s Eve chanting ceremony. It is a central cultural center for the Thai Community in Southern California.
Wat Thai Temple
8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605 | Website (check to make sure the food court is taking place.)
Where to stay
Click on the map below.
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