How to Find Thai Food in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, diverse cultural influences, and thriving immigrant communities. Among its most celebrated food traditions is Thai cuisine—a rich, aromatic blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new transplant, or a traveler planning your next food adventure, knowing how to find authentic Thai food in Long Beach can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable cultural experience.

Unlike generic “Thai-inspired” restaurants that dilute traditional recipes for mainstream palates, true Thai food in Long Beach is rooted in regional authenticity, fresh ingredients, and generations-old techniques. From the bustling streets of East Long Beach to the quiet corners of the Belmont Shore neighborhood, hidden gems abound—but finding them requires more than just a Google search. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to uncovering the most authentic, flavorful, and culturally rich Thai dining experiences in the city.

Why does this matter? Because food is more than sustenance—it’s heritage, identity, and community. Thai immigrants have shaped Long Beach’s food landscape for over four decades, establishing family-run eateries that preserve the tastes of Bangkok, Isaan, Chiang Mai, and the southern coastal regions. Knowing how to find these establishments not only ensures a better meal but also supports small businesses and sustains cultural continuity. This guide is your key to navigating that landscape with confidence, curiosity, and culinary clarity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Thai Food Landscape in Long Beach

Before you begin your search, it’s essential to recognize that Long Beach doesn’t have one “Thai district” like Los Angeles’ Thai Town. Instead, Thai restaurants are scattered across multiple neighborhoods, each with its own character and concentration of establishments. The highest density is found in East Long Beach, particularly along Pacific Avenue and 7th Street, where many Thai families settled in the 1980s and 1990s. Other notable areas include Belmont Shore, Lakewood Village, and the downtown corridor near the Long Beach Convention Center.

Thai cuisine in Long Beach reflects regional diversity. You’ll find Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup), Central Thai staples such as Pad Thai and Green Curry, and Southern specialties like Massaman Curry and spicy seafood salads. Some restaurants specialize in Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, known for its fermented fish, grilled meats, and sticky rice. Understanding these distinctions helps you identify which restaurants align with your taste preferences and authenticity goals.

Step 2: Use Localized Search Filters on Google Maps

Start your search with Google Maps, but avoid broad terms like “Thai food near me.” Instead, use precise, localized keywords. Type “authentic Thai restaurant Long Beach” or “Thai food East Long Beach.” Filter results by “Highest Rated” and “Open Now.” Pay close attention to the number of reviews—restaurants with 100+ reviews and ratings above 4.5 are more likely to be consistent and trusted by the local Thai community.

Look for restaurants that feature Thai-language signage in their photos. Many authentic establishments have menus written in Thai script, or photos of Thai staff preparing food. These are subtle but powerful indicators of cultural authenticity. Also, check the “Questions & Answers” section on Google Maps—locals often ask questions like, “Do you serve Khao Niew Mamuang?” (sticky rice with mango) or “Is your curry made with fresh kaffir lime leaves?” If the owner responds in Thai or confirms traditional ingredients, it’s a strong sign of legitimacy.

Step 3: Consult Thai-Language Community Resources

One of the most reliable ways to find authentic Thai food is by tapping into Long Beach’s Thai-speaking community. Search for Facebook groups such as “Thai Community in Long Beach” or “Thai Food Lovers Southern California.” These groups are filled with native speakers who post daily recommendations, photos of new dishes, and even live updates about special events or family-style dinners.

Additionally, visit Thai-owned grocery stores like Thai Market Long Beach or Thai Food & More on Pacific Avenue. These stores often have bulletin boards with flyers advertising home-cooked meals, pop-up dinners, or weekend food stalls. Many Thai families operate small-scale catering businesses that don’t have websites or social media presence—word-of-mouth and in-store flyers are their primary marketing tools.

Step 4: Look for Family-Owned Establishments with Multi-Generational Staff

Authentic Thai restaurants in Long Beach are typically family-run, often passed down from parents to children. Look for places where the owner or head chef is Thai-born, and where multiple generations of the same family work together. Staff who speak fluent Thai (not just basic phrases) and address customers in Thai are strong indicators of cultural immersion.

Visit during lunch hours on weekdays—this is when locals eat. If you see Thai families, elderly Thai patrons, or groups of Thai students from Cal State Long Beach dining together, you’ve found a winner. These restaurants rarely advertise heavily; their reputation is built on consistency, flavor, and community trust.

Step 5: Learn to Read Thai Menus (Even Without Knowing Thai)

Many authentic Thai restaurants in Long Beach offer bilingual menus, but some still use Thai script as the primary language. Don’t be intimidated. Use Google Translate’s camera feature to scan the menu. Look for keywords like:

• แกง (gaeng) = curry
• ผัด (phat) = stir-fried
• ต้ม (tom) = boiled/soup
• ยำ (yam) = spicy salad
• ข้าวเหนียว (khao niew) = sticky rice
• ปลา (pla) = fish
• หมู (moo) = pork
• ไก่ (gai) = chicken

Popular dishes to look for include Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried basil with meat), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and Khao Soi (Northern Thai coconut curry noodles). If a menu lists these dishes with traditional accompaniments like fresh bird’s eye chilies, lime wedges, and Thai basil leaves, it’s a good sign.

Step 6: Ask for the “Local’s Menu” or “Chef’s Special”

Don’t be afraid to ask: “What do you recommend for someone who wants to taste real Thai food?” Many authentic restaurants have a hidden menu—items not printed on the main menu because they’re either too regional, labor-intensive, or traditionally served only to regulars. These might include:

• Khao Kha Moo (braised pork leg over rice)
• Pla Pao (grilled fish stuffed with lemongrass)
• Hor Mok (steamed coconut curry custard in banana leaves)
• Naem (fermented pork sausage)

Staff at genuine Thai restaurants often appreciate the curiosity and will gladly explain the dish’s origin, ingredients, and how it’s traditionally eaten. This interaction is part of the experience—and often leads to the most memorable meals.

Step 7: Visit During Thai Holidays and Festivals

Long Beach hosts several Thai cultural events throughout the year, especially during Songkran (Thai New Year in April) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights in November). During these times, Thai restaurants often host special menus, live music, and traditional ceremonies. Local temples like the Wat Dhammaram in Long Beach also organize food fairs featuring homemade Thai dishes prepared by temple volunteers.

Attending these events is one of the best ways to taste food that’s rarely found in restaurants—home-cooked recipes passed down through families, made with seasonal ingredients and traditional methods. These are the meals that define Thai culinary heritage, not just restaurant adaptations.

Step 8: Use Delivery Apps Strategically

While delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash are convenient, they often prioritize high-volume chains over authentic, low-key establishments. To find hidden gems, search for Thai restaurants on these platforms but cross-reference their listings with Google Maps reviews and social media. Look for restaurants with fewer than 50 delivery orders but consistently glowing reviews mentioning “real Thai taste” or “best Pad Thai I’ve had outside Thailand.”

Also, check if the restaurant offers Thai-language delivery instructions or includes traditional garnishes like fresh mint or chili paste on the side. These small details signal attention to authenticity.

Step 9: Follow Local Thai Food Bloggers and Influencers

Long Beach has a growing community of Thai food enthusiasts who document their culinary explorations. Search for Instagram accounts like @longbeachthaifood or YouTube channels featuring Thai locals reviewing restaurants. These creators often visit places that don’t appear on mainstream lists and provide detailed commentary on spice levels, ingredient sourcing, and cooking techniques.

Pay attention to reviewers who mention specific dishes by Thai name, describe the aroma of lemongrass or galangal, or note whether the curry is made with homemade paste. These are signs of deep knowledge and cultural connection.

Step 10: Trust Your Senses and Return for Repeat Visits

Authentic Thai food is not just about flavor—it’s about balance, aroma, texture, and intention. A truly authentic dish will have layers: the brightness of lime, the earthiness of galangal, the heat of fresh chilies, the creaminess of coconut milk, and the fragrance of Thai basil. If a dish tastes flat, overly sweet, or dominated by soy sauce, it’s likely adapted for non-Thai palates.

Visit your top three choices at least twice—once during lunch and once during dinner. Observe how the food changes, how staff interact with regulars, and whether the restaurant feels alive with community energy. The best Thai restaurants in Long Beach don’t just serve food—they create a sense of belonging.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Freshness Over Convenience

Authentic Thai cuisine relies heavily on fresh herbs and vegetables—Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal. Avoid restaurants that use pre-packaged curry pastes or dried herbs. Ask if the curry paste is made in-house daily. If the answer is yes, you’re likely in good hands.

2. Don’t Judge by Ambiance Alone

Some of the most authentic Thai restaurants in Long Beach have modest interiors—plastic chairs, simple signage, and no decor beyond a few Thai flags or Buddhist statues. Don’t mistake simplicity for lack of quality. In fact, the most flavorful food often comes from unassuming kitchens where the focus is entirely on the food, not the décor.

3. Learn Basic Thai Phrases

Even a few words can make a difference. Saying “Aroy mak!” (Very delicious!) or “Khop khun khrap/ka” (Thank you) in Thai shows respect and often leads to better service, complimentary dishes, or invitations to try something new.

4. Be Open to Spiciness

Thai food is known for its heat, but the level of spice is customizable. Don’t assume “spicy” means unbearable. Ask for “pet nit noy” (a little spicy) if you’re sensitive, or “pet mak” (very spicy) if you want the full experience. Many locals eat their curries with a raw bird’s eye chili on the side—this is the true test of authenticity.

5. Support Businesses That Source Locally

Some Long Beach Thai restaurants partner with local farms to source herbs and vegetables. These establishments often highlight their partnerships on menus or social media. Supporting them promotes sustainability and strengthens the local food ecosystem.

6. Avoid Chains and Franchises

Branded Thai chains like “Thai Express” or “Siam Thai” are designed for mass appeal and often use standardized recipes. They may be convenient, but they rarely reflect the regional diversity and depth of flavor found in Long Beach’s independent eateries.

7. Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Going during mid-afternoon or early evening allows you to speak directly with the chef or owner. You’ll have more time to ask questions, learn about the menu, and perhaps even get a personalized recommendation.

8. Document Your Experience

Take notes on what you ordered, how it tasted, and who recommended it. Over time, you’ll build a personal guide to Long Beach’s best Thai food—useful for future visits and sharing with others.

Tools and Resources

Google Maps with Advanced Filters

Use Google Maps’ “Open Now,” “Highest Rated,” and “Photo” filters to identify active, well-reviewed restaurants. Enable “Thai” as a language preference in your Google account to receive localized suggestions.

Yelp (with Review Analysis)

On Yelp, sort by “Most Relevant” and scan reviews for keywords like “homemade,” “from Thailand,” “grandma’s recipe,” or “best in Long Beach.” Avoid reviews that only mention “good for takeout” or “decent Pad Thai”—they lack depth.

Thai Community Centers and Temples

Visit Wat Dhammaram (7555 E. 7th St, Long Beach) or the Thai Buddhist Association of Long Beach. These institutions often host food events and can connect you with local families who prepare traditional meals.

Facebook Groups

• Thai Community in Long Beach
• Thai Food Lovers – Southern California
• Long Beach Foodies (Thai Section)

Instagram Hashtags

Search these hashtags for real-time photos and recommendations:

• LongBeachThaiFood

• ThaiFoodLB

• AuthenticThaiLB

• ThaiFoodSouthernCalifornia

Thai Language Apps

Use apps like Google Translate (camera mode), Thai Dictionary by Thai Language Academy, or Speak Thai to decode menus and communicate with staff.

Local Food Tours

While not widely advertised, small-scale food tours led by Thai locals occasionally operate in Long Beach. Search for “Thai food walking tour Long Beach” on Eventbrite or Facebook Events. These tours often include visits to hidden spots not listed online.

Thai Grocery Stores as Hubs

Visit these stores to find community boards and staff recommendations:

• Thai Market Long Beach – 6150 Pacific Ave
• Thai Food & More – 6000 E 7th St
• Asia Market – 4120 E 7th St

These stores often sell homemade sauces, pastes, and snacks that you can’t find elsewhere. Staff are usually happy to recommend restaurants where they buy their own meals.

Real Examples

Example 1: Siam Thai Restaurant – 6101 Pacific Ave

Established in 1992, Siam Thai is a family-run institution in East Long Beach. The owner, Nong, immigrated from Udon Thani and still prepares her signature Khao Soi with homemade coconut curry paste every morning. The restaurant has no website, but it’s a staple in local Thai Facebook groups. Regulars come for the crispy pork belly with sticky rice and the house-made chili sauce. The menu is primarily in Thai, with English translations on the back. Lunch specials are served with a side of fresh papaya salad and a complimentary bowl of tom yum soup for regulars.

Example 2: Khao Soi House – 6215 E 7th St

This tiny eatery specializes in Northern Thai cuisine. The owner, a former chef from Chiang Mai, sources his herbs from a farm in Oxnard. His Khao Soi is slow-simmered for 12 hours and topped with crispy egg noodles—a rare detail most restaurants skip. The restaurant is open only Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closes when they sell out. No reservations. Lines form by 10:30 a.m. Locals say it’s the only place in Long Beach that makes Khao Soi the way it’s eaten in Northern Thailand—with a side of pickled mustard greens.

Example 3: Mama’s Thai Kitchen – 1801 E 1st St

A hidden gem in the Belmont Shore area, Mama’s Thai Kitchen is run by a mother-daughter team from Phuket. They serve Southern Thai specialties rarely found in the area, including Gaeng Som (sour curry with shrimp) and Pla Pao (grilled fish with lemongrass). Their Pad Thai is made with tamarind paste imported from Thailand and cooked in a wok over high heat. The restaurant has no signage—just a small red door with a Thai flag. You’ll find it by asking for “the place with the mango sticky rice that melts in your mouth.”

Example 4: The Thai Food Truck – 7th & Anaheim

Every Friday evening, a Thai food truck parks near the Long Beach State campus. Run by a group of Cal State students from Bangkok, it serves Isaan street food: grilled chicken skewers with sticky rice, som tam (papaya salad) with dried shrimp, and kanom jin (fermented rice noodles with curry). The truck has no online presence—followers find it via Instagram stories posted by students. It’s become a campus legend.

Example 5: Wat Dhammaram Food Fair – Annual Event

Each April, Wat Dhammaram hosts a Thai New Year food fair featuring over 20 home cooks preparing traditional dishes. Highlights include Khanom Buang (Thai crispy pancakes), Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), and Kanom Krok (coconut-rice pancakes). The event is free, open to the public, and offers the most authentic taste of Thai home cooking in Long Beach. No restaurant can replicate this level of variety and tradition.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Thai food in Long Beach and Thai food in Thailand?

Thai food in Long Beach is often adapted slightly for local tastes—sometimes less spicy, with more accessible ingredients. However, many Long Beach restaurants remain deeply authentic, especially those run by first-generation immigrants who source traditional ingredients and follow family recipes. The core flavors, techniques, and balance remain true to Thailand.

Are there vegetarian or vegan Thai options in Long Beach?

Yes. Many Thai dishes are naturally plant-based, such as Pad Pak (stir-fried vegetables), Tom Yum Hed (mushroom soup), and Gaeng Jay (vegetarian curry). Ask for “jay” (เจ), which means vegan in Thai. Restaurants like Siam Thai and Khao Soi House offer dedicated vegan menus.

How can I tell if a Thai restaurant is owned by Thai people?

Look for Thai-language signage, Thai staff who speak fluent Thai, and menus that include regional dishes not commonly found in Americanized Thai restaurants. Also, check if the restaurant is frequented by Thai families or if the owner responds to customer questions in Thai on social media.

Is it better to eat at lunch or dinner for authentic Thai food?

Lunch is often the best time. Many authentic Thai restaurants serve their most traditional dishes during lunch specials, and the kitchen is busiest with regulars. Dinner may be more tourist-oriented or feature fusion dishes.

Do Thai restaurants in Long Beach accept cash only?

Many do, especially the smaller, family-run spots. It’s always wise to carry cash. Some may not have card readers, or prefer cash for simplicity and to avoid transaction fees.

What should I order if I’ve never had Thai food before?

Start with Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and Mango Sticky Rice. These are iconic dishes that showcase the balance of flavors Thai cuisine is known for. Ask for “pet nit noy” (a little spicy) if you’re new to heat.

Can I buy Thai ingredients to cook at home in Long Beach?

Absolutely. Thai Market Long Beach and Thai Food & More carry everything from fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to fish sauce, palm sugar, and curry pastes. Many stores also sell frozen Thai dumplings, noodles, and desserts.

Do Thai restaurants in Long Beach offer cooking classes?

Some do. Ask at Siam Thai, Khao Soi House, or Wat Dhammaram. Classes are often held on weekends and taught by the owners or their family members. They typically include a market tour and hands-on preparation of 3–4 dishes.

Why do some Thai restaurants in Long Beach close early?

Many are family-run with limited staff. They often open only for lunch and early dinner to accommodate household responsibilities. Closing early is not a sign of low demand—it’s a reflection of their lifestyle and priorities.

How can I support authentic Thai businesses in Long Beach?

Visit regularly, leave positive reviews mentioning specific dishes, share their names on social media, and avoid chains. Buy ingredients from their preferred Thai markets. Most importantly, show appreciation for their culture—not just their food.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Thai food in Long Beach is not a matter of luck—it’s a practice of curiosity, cultural awareness, and community connection. The city’s Thai restaurants are more than dining spots; they are living archives of migration, resilience, and culinary artistry. Each dish tells a story: of families who left Thailand to build new lives, of ingredients shipped across oceans, of recipes passed down through generations in quiet kitchens far from home.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—using localized search tools, engaging with the Thai community, learning to read menus, and trusting your senses—you don’t just find a meal. You become part of a larger narrative. You honor the chefs who wake before dawn to grind their own curry paste. You support the mothers who cook for their children the way their own mothers cooked for them. And you help ensure that the rich, complex flavors of Thai cuisine continue to thrive in Long Beach, not as a trend, but as a tradition.

The best Thai food isn’t always the most Instagrammed. It’s the one with no website, the one with plastic chairs, the one where the owner smiles and says, “You like? More?”—and means it. So go beyond the algorithms. Walk the streets of East Long Beach. Ask the people who know. Taste with intention. And let every bite remind you that food, at its core, is about connection.