Kanok Thai Bistro

Orange County’s collection of Thai restaurants isn’t as large or – with rare exceptions – as well-established as LA County’s, so it’s tempting to focus on buzzy Los Angeles and Long Beach places rather than neighborhood ones. We have our favorites up north, but also throughout this county, and Kanok Thai Bistro is certainly one of them.

Since opening in late 2018, Kanok has offered a menu that covers all of the Thai classics Americans are familiar with, such as Pad Thai and Chicken Sate, as well as a handful of items that are less commonly available around here, and some unique combination plates we haven’t seen anywhere else. For instance, Kanok’s curry trio lets you try Thai yellow, green, and red chicken curries together – a great way for Thai newbies and kids to discover what their favorite flavor is. (Four other curry versions are only offered separately.)

Appetizers including golden pouches, which are a little tricky to hand-assemble, and crispy mee krob noodles, which are easily overcooked and frequently pulled from the menu at other Thai places, are both available here and actually very good. Many soups and salads are also available, with a welcome but not exclusive emphasis on seafood options, plus the option of larb, a Northern Thai salad made with minced chicken and mint. Entrees include every typical Thai dish you can imagine, such as spicy eggplant with a meat of your choice, Thai basil with crispy pork, and sweet and sour options.