There's Sompun for Everyone at This Thai Eatery

in Studio City is a testament to longevity. It has been in business for more than 20 years, remaining popular among local residents, many of whom have eaten there for years.

Small and authentic, the establishment is owned and operated by people from Thailand, or “The Land of 1,000 Smiles.”

Sadly, the restaurant’s founder, a woman named Sompun, died three months ago at the age of 83. Now run by her daughter, Sompun’s legacy remains alive and well.  

Situated on Ventura Place, Sompun’s exterior is inviting, decked out with hundreds of twinkling lights. The interior is casual, clean and comfortable with seating for around 40.

The menu is extensive with reasonable prices. Main dishes and salads range from $7.95 to $13.95. The chef, a woman named Sri—her last name is as complicated to pronounce as some of her dishes—has been cooking her homemade specialties since the place opened.

The traditional Thai meal does not consist of courses, rather, numerous dishes served all at once. We ordered the signature dish, Ka-Nom-Bueng-Yuan, or “Thai Taco,” a crispy shell filled with shredded coconut meat, cooked bean sprouts and crushed peanuts with a side of sliced cucumber in a honey vinaigrette. If there was ever a healthy taco, this is it. 

 The Crab Curry was served in a bowl brimming with ample chunks of crab. Finding the dish slightly bland, we asked our server if we should have specified our desired level of hotness when ordering.  She immediately brought us a selection of spices: chili sauce, chili powder, jalapenos and their special Angel sauce, fresh from the kitchen. She explained that Sompun has learned to cater to the American taste buds over the years and errs on the side of caution when spicing up their dishes.

The garlic and pepper shrimp did not disappoint. The plump and perfectly cooked shrimp were delicately battered and savory. Beer and wine are offered, including the Thai beer, Singha.

Armed with the spice selection we amped up the heat of our meal to our hearts' delight, finishing up by dabbing the sweat from our foreheads with our napkins.  

The dessert selection is limited to three items: fried banana, mango with sweet rice and coconut ice cream, a must-have, according to word on the street. 

We didn’t have room for dessert, but that left us with an excuse to return to Sompun sometime soon.