The original Holy Basil in DTLA (there’s a new one in Glendale which opened in 2024) is another exciting LA Thai restaurant that goes its own way, paying little heed to any expectations of authenticity – take for example the yellow curry rigatoni, which isn’t quite as successful as Pijja Palace’s malai curry pasta, but delicious and creative nonetheless. Elsewhere, chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat offers up his own interpretaion of Bangkok (where he used to live) street food across dishes like wok fried eggplant and kabocha squash; wagyu beef gra pow; organic super food jasberry rice; and pork egg rolls. It’s absolutely one of the best Thai places in LA and well worth stopping by, especially if you’re staying in Downtown.