Chiang Mai heat on Santa Monica Blvd
Tucked along the bustling stretch of Santa Monica Blvd in East Hollywood, Spicy BBQ Northern Thai Food has earned a devoted following for serving some of the most authentic Northern Thai cuisine in Greater Los Angeles. This unassuming spot stands out from the sea of Thai restaurants in the neighborhood by focusing specifically on the bold, herbaceous flavors of Chiang Mai and the surrounding northern region, offering diners a distinct experience from the more commonly found Bangkok-style dishes found elsewhere in the city. With a 4.5-star rating built on hundreds of reviews, it has become a trusted destination for those craving something spicier, funkier, and more regionally specific.
The menu centers on charcoal-grilled meats and Northern Thai specialties that reward adventurous eaters. The namesake spicy BBQ chicken and pork are perennial favorites, marinated and grilled to smoky perfection, while the crispy pork belly and Northern Thai sausage (sai ua) showcase the region's signature blend of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and herbs. Larb and nam khao (crispy rice salad) offer tangy, textured counterpoints to the richer grilled items, and the papaya salad here carries a noticeably sharper heat than typical versions found around town. Diners looking to explore beyond the familiar pad thai will find plenty of reasons to linger over the menu.
