Sompun Thai Restaurant

Went by here on July 11^th 2014 and they were closed.
Just an FYI, call in advance if you plan to be going any time soon.

Family owned. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here but it is decent for Thai food. I have had much better Thai around my area. I really enjoy their shrimps wrapped in noodles & deep fried. Their pad Thai noodles are standard & their tom kha khai soup is also not bad. I really like their Thai iced tea here as well. I always get Thai iced tea its one of my bad addictions for Thai establishments. The place over all has many places including a back patio to sit & enjoy at. It is tiny in the main dining room though. Nothing fancy which can be a good thing sometimes.

My roommate recommended this place specifically for their stuffed chicken wings which was really tasty! The wings were stuffed with ground meat beef/​pork? I can’t remember and came with a side of sriracha.
We also ordered the Pra Ram which was this amazing curry dish that had my date and me licking our plates. This dish had a really round flavor and felt complete.
One bowl of rice was enough to share between the two of us.
Our third dish was the Larb with beef slices instead of ground pork. This is becoming one of our favorite thai dishes in general. They do it well here.
Unilocal! Also highlighted the word peaceful which Sompun definitely was. If the weather is nice, always eat in the patio. It’s cute. The inside is a bit stuffy.

I love spots like this. Little, quiet, nothing fancy and true to what it’s about– the food. Whenever I come in I see two little old people shuffling about, I think they are the owners.
I had the chicken with mint leaves, brown rice and tom yum with shrimp. I didn’t need to add anything extra to it! I just enjoyed the flavors for what they were. Chicken mint was aromatic, the first scent is garlic, then chicken, with an aftermath of mint. The flavors however presented themselves the other way around. It was seasoned well, and as I are I noticed there was a lingering spice to it that continuously built it’s way up. I have a high tolerance for spiciness so I barely felt it. I acknowledged it, it was a mere tingle. Paired with the brown rice as a palette cleanser, I was a happy camper!
I love sour, spicy tom yum, and I found that the soup here has a pleasant balance of both. I don’t know how they do it, but they cut their shrimp in a way that makes them all curly and cute.
Dessert for me was a coconut sorbet, topped with freshly roasted peanuts. The coconut is not like coconut you’re used to. Usually American coconut flavors are the warm, toasty kind of a mature coconut. The sorbet here takes the form of the young coconut flavor. It is cool, refreshing and feels cleansing to the tongue.
Please come here! I enjoy the peacefulness here. And I love giving my business to mom and pop shops that take pride in representing the flavors of their culture.

(Took-​Out 03÷08÷14 SA @ 5:00pm): When I wanted some Thai food in Silver Lake, they have been my go-​to place!
I’ve been coming to Sompun Thai Restaurant since I was in college in the 90’s for their cheap menu prices, family-​sized portions, and friendly service. Twenty years later and now a resident of Silver Lake where so much has changed during that time, the passage of time has thankfully stood still and they were better for it. A five minute from my pad, I easily walked past Bulan Thai Vegetarian Restaurant — their next door competition, and would make my grand entrance of greetings and salutations as I placed my order. This evening’s dining experience was a big one, so put on a bib and enjoy!:
Tom Yum Soup with Tofu ($ 7.95) — It was hot, spicy, came in a big tub, and filled with all sorts of goodness. Slurp up!
Fried Vegetables ($ 7.95) — Basically their version of tempura vegetables that came with warm peanut dipping sauce. The portion was ginormous with a selection of onion, zucchini, sweet potato, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, I preferred actual tempura.
Chicken Satay ($ 6.95) — Three long pieces of curried chicken that was so moist they easily separated. The peanut dipping sauce was warm and had crushed peanuts! If it were any thicker it could’ve been a custard — yummy!
Mint Noodles with Pork ($ 7.95) — The noodles were perfectly cooked with plenty of pork, but it was more spicy than minty. I wished there were more veggies but all was still devoured.
Pud See Ew with Beef ($ 7.95) — The preparation of the noodles and the combination of the bean sprouts and broccoli was lovely. The beef was good but lacked in quantity. But honestly, I felt this dish was better without any meat.
Fried Rice with Chicken ($ 7.95) — Huge portion that was heavy on the rice, chicken, and egg but light on the vegetables. All tasted good and the rice was cooked perfectly as we kept snacking on it throughout the night.
Service — Since I moved into the ‘hood 1 ½ years ago, I’ve always had take-​out and their service has been perfect with a friendly female hostess at the register armed with a menu. The food took no more than 15 minutes (one day I’ll call ahead) once ordered. Way back when I actually dined here, I remembered it being just as efficient and especially recalled that they allowed you to just chill without being rushed.
Parking (free) — Plenty of parking all along the main drag of Santa Monica Blvd. However, read the posted street signs, and I’ve seen remnants of broken car windows so I’m not sure what that’s all about.
Atmosphere, décor, ambience — The outside looked like it could’ve been a small house at one time
, and once you entered that same feeling rang true. There was a small dining area in the front
, then the main dining area to your left
, and finally the back patio dining area
. Potted plants and various decorations hung from the ceiling and walls as well as other homely and national pride trinkets placed throughout. There was plenty of both electric and natural lighting. No TVs but there was background music.
Attire — It was pretty casual, so I’d usually be in a t-​shirt, boardshorts, and flip-​flops.
Overall, Sanamluang Café in North Hollywood may be my favorite Thai restaurant in the Los Angeles area, but Sompun Thai Restaurant ran a close second… if only they served boba drinks! Their location was in a weird desolate part along Santa Monica Blvd., and if it weren’t for than I’d swore they’d be busier than they usually were (even back then they were never packed). Great for me because I could always get a table or have my take-​out ready quickly, but I also wanted them to stay in business. I found exceptionally good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (total bill was around $ 50.00 before tip), and well worth every baht! And, although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice… AMEX! 4.5 STARS

Haven’t been to Jitlada yet, but this is one of, if not the best, thai food I’ve had in LA. Grew up with Sompun in the SFV (ventura & laurel) which recently closed down. I think I heard that this place and the owner of the one in the valley are related.
pra ram with chix– great dish. peanut and spinach made for a great combo in the curry
beef salad with lime dressing– had plenty of tender beef and the lime dressing wasn’t overpowering
mint flat noodle with pork — our favorite dish of the 3. Pan fried noodles had a great char on them, sauce was light with a subtle sweetness, pork was tender, and mint was refreshing.
Can’t wait to go back. It’s our new go-​to for sure. Only downside is no delivery.

Lived a block away from here for a year, and it was my favorite Thai restaurant in the area. Never ate inside (always got takeout) but the food was great and really fast (I’d call from home, walk one block to this place, and the food would be ready).
The Pad See Ew here is my favorite of any Thai restaurant, mostly due to the a very dope black bean sauce. The curries are middling, so definitely stick with the standard noodle dishes. If you want spicy though, go to Bulan.

As a precursor to my review, I have to admit that I am not a fan of Thai food. The combination of sweet, spicy, and sour just don’t do it for me… Plus, according to one of my favorite web satirists, Thai food is for women and weak-​willed men.
«I mean, other than Bobby Flay and people actually from Thailand, nobody eats Thai food except for women. But, they’re tearing down steakhouses and strip clubs left and right to put up places with names like ‘The Smiling Banana Leaf’ and ‘The Burning Anus.’ If you think I’m playing, peak your head in any urban Thai restaurant and you’ll see nothing but groups of single women humming to Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ while dancing in their chairs and eating chicken satay. And, every once in a while, you might see a dominant woman ordering dishes for her emasculated and petrified boyfriend…»
— p. 77, Damon Young, aka The Champ, from «Your Degrees Won’t Keep You Warm at Night — The Very Smart Brothas Guide to Dating, Mating, and Fighting Crime»
Like I said, I’m not a fan of Thai food… But Sompun would have been an exception if the wait wasn’t so freaking long for food.
Came on a Sunday night with a group of 25 people… Pretty big, but not unmanageable for most restaurants. Then again, Sompun looks more like someone’s home than a restaurant– when you walk in, you see framed pictures and statuettes and colorful tablecloths with matching table settings. It really feels as if you’re eating at your Thai friend’s grandma’s house.
You’ll find your standard fare of Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Meekrab, and the like. I ended up ordering the Pra Ram Curry (with beef) because it was recommended on Unilocal… Very creamy and flavorful, served on a hearty bed of spinach. It’s probably the best curry I’ve had at a Thai restaurant, and would have left a positive impression… If not for the WAIT.
From the time we were all seated and ordered to the time my dish finally came, it was ALMOST TWO HOURS! We would check with the wait staff from time to time and they would insist that everything is coming… to no avail. One of my friends was even told to order something else because they supposedly ran out of a dish– this happened AN HOUR after they first placed the order!
As I shook my head in frustration, another friend commented, «Well, like you said, it looks like someone’s house… Imagine if you went to your friend’s house and his mom had to cook for 25 people in one sitting?»
Well said… But at the end of the day, Sompun is a restaurant, not somebody’s actual house. On the merit of food, Sompun is definitely better than average, but until they figure out a more efficient way to serve large groups, they’ll be getting 2 and 3 star reviews.

I love their curry! It tastes just as good when you first for it after you reheat it at home. It’s not too rich and is a bit on the salty/​sweet side but overall I think this is a good place to get curry. I might go back to try other dishes. I just wish that they had a tofu option for the curry.
I just wish there was an actual parking lot.

I’m very disappointed with my fellow Unilocalers for this one. I only went because it was highest rated in the area so I decided to meet my lunch date here. First of all I am all for a good ol’ hole in the wall any day of the week so I’m not opposed to eating at one if the food is good: P …that’s the pig in me. Anyhow, this place right off the bat seemed old… quite old which is fine but it was pretty damn dirty… it look like dirt was on top of dirt. I did want to leave but just arranging to meet somewhere else was too much work (had my kids) and it was hot outside :/​. The host/​owner/​waitress was not friendly whatsoever didn’t seem to welcome our arrival… but maybe it was the kids idk.
We sit and we get served water with a fresh sliced lime in it which is nice but the water tasted so nasty… I know many restaurants serve tap but this one tasted like rusty water… gross. I should have just left… always go with your instinct people!!! Who cares what they think. Never again SMH at myself… Never again.
We ordred Tom Yum Soup (seafood) shrimp were way over cooked and broth was salty it did not taste like a classic Tom Yum Soup. We also ordered Pad See Ewe for my girls and they had a bite or two but didn’t eat it at all. It didn’t taste good. Lastly we ordered Yellow curry which was fine maybe it would have been okay if everything else was satisfactory but not even my damn Thai Iced tea was good. How in the hell do you fcuk up Thai Iced Tea? Oh oh and the prices are too high for the place in my opinion and I don’t mind paying well for good food and nice ambiance.
I will think twice now about going with highest rated place just based on star rating. I’m going to read several reviews first and follow my gut :(People must have been drunk when rating this place

This is a 4 star Thai restaurant Unilocal?Seriously?
I was massively led astray by Unilocal.This is actually some of most bland «Thai» food I’ve ever had. My chicken had zero taste, the sauce was bland, and best of all my «thai salad» had giant soggy croutons and *salt and vinegar potato chips* on top.
There’s another Thai restaurant a very short walk from this place called Bulan that is wonderful. I know where I’ll be going when I’m in this hood.

Pleasant enough Thailandized interior décor on a limited budget. Great backyard patio with nice greenery that would be ideal for balmy late spring to early fall evenings. The ambiance at Sompun is a better alternative to many more basic «strip mall» Siamese joints if you want more atmosphere with the Thai food.
I tend to like appetizer style Thai food so I ordered the Mee Krob which used to be so ubiquitous in Thai restaurants back in the 1980’s. I remember the memorable Mee Krob that was served in the now long gone Siam restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard near Harvard. (Requiescat in Pace) Theirs was dense, full of a spicy tomato/​hoisin sauce which was absorbed by the thin rice fried rice noodles to make them look a dark red, garnished with peanuts, cilantro, green onions, & raw bean sprouts and a bit of ground pork. I have looked all over LA for something like it, but it seems to be like finding the holy grail.
The Mee Krob at Sompun is lighter, more airy with a light tomato sugar sauce with cilantro, & raw bean sprouts. It’s not as flavourful as the one at Siam, but tasty nonetheless.
I then ordered the Angel Wings which are chicken wings stuff with seasoned ground pork, mung bean clear noodles, possibly shredded cabbage, and fried in a crispy batter. This is accompanied by a sweet, hot sauce with vinegar. This gastrique is a nice enhancer to the fried chicken and enlivens the fried flavours nicely.
Sompun is a good Sino-​Thai restaurant that maybe Americanized for broader consumption, but is tasty enough to pass inspection.
PS Street parking only. The toughest time to find parking is Friday and Saturday evenings closer to 9pm so it may behoove you to dine earlier to avoid the hassle or just come on a week day.

This place has been here for ages and I haven’t had the pleasure to try out Sompun that often. Boy, I’ve been missing out. There must be something «magical» about a restaurant who’s been around for a long time and also has been owned by the same Thai family since they first opened in the same location off of East Santa Monica Blvd.
Sompun’s menu is filled with an abundant offerings of Thai dishes from appetizers, curries, noodles to soups and even an array of Thai dessert. The restaurant itself is a «moms and pops» style set up. Not your fancy pansy restaurant you’d find in West LA or Beverly Hills.
Sompun has an outdoor back patio for customers who want to dine outside on warm sunny summer nights. The instead has maybe 8 – 10 smaller tables.
The food is good. That’s what I loved best about Sompun. We had the Hoi Jaw (fried crab cakes), the Nom Berng Yuan (fried egg omelet with coconut shavings), Mee Krob, Kai Kua noodles. Everything was good.
Some items that you can’t get in Thai Town, you can get at Sompun. I’ll definitely be back. There’s plenty of street parking also.

Saw this place in passng (sometimes on the bus; other times in the car) and initially brushed it off because it says Thai & Chinese on the sign and grew weary of the authenticity. I was dead wrong.
For an appetizer, we ordered the calamari with sweet sauce. Upon arrival, I felt cheated due to the small portion to price ratio. After consumption, I realized thir concern is quality, not quantity. The squid tasted quite fresh. This was definitely battered on site, not frozen, thawed then fried. The amount of batter used was perfect. Not overly breaded or fried too long.
The Main dish I ordered was the Penang Shrimp Curry. This is an amazing dish I recently tried and Sompun does it best. They make their curry onsite, no paste like other places do. The owner came over and talked with us for a while explaining his technique and love for fresh made curry. In the short lived conversation I had with this man, I can sense the passion and love he has toward the food he prepares for us. I cannot stress enough that LOVE is an ingredient for sure.
If you’ve never had love in your food, come to Sompun Thai and feel the Love. =)

I have to admit that I was very disappointed with my experience here. First off, I was in town visiting and looking for a good Thai restaurant near Silver Lake (that wasn’t exclusively vegetarian).
Some of the food was okay like the spring rolls and the pad thai. But they didn’t taste amazing or fresh at all for the matter. One of my biggest disappointments was the panang curry with beef. The curry flavor was so so and the beef was a little off. Perhaps it was over marinated or maybe even a little old. Whatever the case, it simply was not tasty.
Maybe I have a high standard for using fresh ingredients and for Thai food with good authentic flavors but I would not recommend this place.

I’ve been eating here since I can remember. I’d say a good 20 years.
Seafood Tom-​Yum: Best ever. I’ve never had a more delicious Seafood Tom-​Yum. Lemony with the perfect amount of spicyness.

I came here for a girls get together and it’s really nice. They have a cute outside patio and the inside is all decorated in Thai gear. This is a place I’d recommend to people for the Silverlake area.
Loved the Papaya Salad (Som Tum) — but wasn’t spicy for me — but I do have no taste buds for spice. But it was still very good.
The LAAB was also very good. I love onions… tons of onions! YAY!
BEST OF ALL… They have Khao Soi!!! OMG… I studied in Chiang Mai for a little bit and ate Khao Soi (a noodle soup with beef — but I didn’t eat the beef since I don’t eat beef — but the soup is AMAZING). YAY! Khao Soi!
Parking: Street… it’s very limited but I went on a non busy day on a Sunday and it was not crowded at all.
Overall, yes to this place.

After randomly driving around the outskirts of Thai Town some friends and I stumbled upon Sompun Thai restaurant. Catchy name indeed we decided to try out their cuisine. As a Thai American, I’m all about sampling unique dishes from restaurant. On their menu I spotted two dishes (stuff chicken wings and sompun’s special rolls) that I hardly come across in the east coast.
The Stuffed Chicken Wings were deep-​fried after being de-​boned and stuffed with seasoned ground pork. Sompun’s special rolls were also deep-​fried stuffed with pork and cabbage. Both dishes were «aroi mak mak» (very delicious)! Unlike most Asian food appetizers additional prep time is required to make the stuff chicken wings and rolls; however, the taste is worthwhile.

My mouth is salivating from the thought of their yellow curry dish called Pra Ram. I get this with chicken and it comes on a bed of baby spinach, topped with crushed peanuts — my absolute favorite dish here. Goes great with their wild brown rice.
Garlic shrimp with broccoli is also very tasty. I would definitely get this dish again.
This place looks like a little home and has a feel that you’re coming to visit a Thai relative. Food definitely tastes very homemade. Staff is always extremely friendly & courteous. They’ve got a beautiful tiny outdoor garden which is where I enjoy dining. Food is honestly über fresh, curry sauce is a perfect creamy consistency, they really know how to prepare good food.

There is just something about a place that has that family feel to it!!!
you step in and know you will be catered to as though you were a blood relative :)
The food… well i think you are going to have to check it out yourself cuz just thinking of it is making me salivate. We had a 5 course meal and i tried pretty much everything from satay beef, to green curry, to chilli garlic shrimp, hot pot of chicken soup to pad thai and of course my Thai tea.
Did i mention they had both indoor and outdoor seating options :)
OMG i think i am going to have to go back right this minute!!!