(Tookout 05/16/24 TH @ 5:00pm): This Thai kitchen had me coming back for seconds!
Thanks to an earlier Yelp Elite event that introduced me to Mee Dee Thai Kitchen, I decided to make another trip since I was working in the area. I loved Thai cuisine (spicier the better!) and would eat it every day if I could. My first visit left a favorable impression on me, so why not give them another shot and explore their menu further? Would "me" be delighted with other options from this Mid-City/Westside Thai kitchen!?
PURCHASE
Vegan Curry Puff ($5.75): Filled with mushrooms, caramelized onions and potatoes, all hand-wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, this hand-sized empanada was steaming hot and aromatic when I split it open https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=WJhNodbVx8SDtUG-q9NCEQ to reveal its goodness. Flavorful, but I wished it was spicier while the pastry had a light butteriness to it. I enjoyed it although it was certainly more expensive than your comparable empanada. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=sAnpEmilJY9GEei6yKNHbA
Tom Yum Chicken Wings 4pc ($12.95): Lightly-battered fried chicken wings tossed in dry Tom-Yum seasoning, each piece was juicy, plump, and had a crazy crispy crackling skin reminiscent of Kentucky Fried Chicken's extra crispy chicken back in the day. There was a hint of spiciness, but it was the skin that truly won me over! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=4SOyGRHUclCeym8-9pmQoA
Krapow Chicken w/Fried Egg ($16.95): A mix of ground chicken, onion, bell peppers, and long beans all tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, served with rice and a crispy fried egg, this was a decently-portioned lovely bowl of fresh ingredients with enough sweet and spiciness throughout. The fried egg was a nice touch, but I wished the yolk was more wet, and the rice was unusual to me (I would've been fine with simple steamed white rice). Otherwise, this was a nice meal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=NBHgBPiWctQnYW1z0KsFOQ
SERVICE
I was greeted by a warm woman behind the counter. I already knew what I wanted to order, so once I placed that, she kindly offered me a glass of water while I waited. About fifteen minutes later, my food was packaged up and ready to go. Everything was simple and straightforward - khàawp khun kráp!
PARKING (FREE)
No lots to speak of whatsoever. There appeared to be plenty of street parking along the main drag of La Brea Ave. and all surrounding streets (I parked a block away and walked it) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A bright clean simple layout with several dining tables inside along with a handful of stools at the bar while there appeared to be a communal outdoor area shared with a next door business. Decorations were kept to a minimum. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the large glass windows and doors while electric recessed ceiling lights and basket-looking fixtures https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=OK8MULOX-u0fsnNJsVDBEw filled in the rest. There were several TVs only at the bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=zoKbHUvmRCG6EC0TjToUVw while pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=_PPQ_5ftFR1sGzRfDNLgSg
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
My second meal from Mee Dee Thai KItchen was just as good as the first time, and I definitely would consider another visit if I were in the area (frankly, it's not as convenient for me just to go). Personally, I liked my Thai food more on the "dirty" side which provided me with a more perceived authenticity; whereas, I felt their food was more elevated and "cleaner". Regardless, it all still tasted great. I loved the food, I found the prices to be reasonable although maybe a tad elevated, and the service was efficient and friendly. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL would-be paid experience was around $39.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more