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    Hug Thai Express

    4.7 (572 reviews)
    ModerateThai, Noodles, Salad
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Order Hug Thai Express Takeout or Delivery

    Hug Thai Express Photos

    Business Info

    HUG THAI EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Intimate
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Hug Thai Express

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    Larb with chicken! So refreshing and yummy
    Tiffany A.

    I came here on a Saturday around 5PM and man was it busy! There was a line out the door and a nice woman trying to handle the in-person rush and the phones. We were a party of 5 so we combined the 2 tables outside to create a makeshift table for ourselves. There is only three 2-person tables inside and two 2-person tables outside FYI. This is more of a takeout spot. I got the chicken pad thai (good flavor but the noodles were too sticky in my opinion. It made it hard to chew and swallow.), the tom kha (unbelievably delicious. The large size is MASSIVE.), the chicken larb (love this dish- filled with greens, fresh lime dressing and vegetables.) The woman that took our order came by and checked on us halfway through the meal which was lovely and thoughtful. I would give this spot another try when in the area.

    Stick rice not so sticky but solid like a rock
    Alex A.

    I ordered the six piece wings and a side of sticky rice. I am very disappointed in the sticky rice. It is very hard. I can't even break a piece off. It's very frustrating when you order food because you're in a rush rushing you need to be somewhere you can pick up the food and you can't even eat the food and you can't go back because you have to be somewhere.

    Green Curry with vegetables
    Erika S.

    As a disclaimer, I ordered this as delivery. The star of our order was the Green Curry. Lots of veggies and great flavor. The Thai Wraps (4) were fine. Good taste but pretty pricey for what you get. Ask for extra sauce! The loser was the Pad Thai! We usually get drunken noodles and opted for Pad Thai because of the stellar reviews. It was the driest noodle dish I've had at a Thai restaurant. I'll definitely try them again because the curry was that good. But I likely wouldn't order the wraps or Pad Thai again.

    Mango sticky rice
    Leslie R.

    Everything is always sooo good! Never disappoints. And the service is top notch. Very friendly people.

    Egg Rolls
    Kathy B.

    Tucked away in a strip small, this tiny place serves generous portions of good Thai food in unassuming surroundings with great service. My daughter especially loves Kala's Crispy Chicken. The egg rolls are very tasty and the Pad Thai noodles were also good.

    Yazen H.

    The food here is absolutely amazing! Authentic and great taste. The seasoning and freshness is superb. I recommend everyone try this place! Staff is wonderful too!

    Drunken Noodle
    Gwyn C.

    Where's the shrimp? On the plus side, this place is full charm. Everything is made fresh and there are inspirational signs giving it warmth. Dad and I ordered the same dish - drunken noodles combo except I asked that rather than fish they add mores shrimp. Meanwhile mom ordered a different noodle dish also a protein combo. Since we all had the combo (shrimp, beef, chicken and fish - with me being fish less) I became obsessed with knowing if they did double up on my shrimp. The answer was yes - there were 4. Mom had two and dad had only one! Portion size is moderate as is the price. Food was ok. Were we to try it again, it would be for our usual go to, Pad Thai - to give it another chance and see how that rates. In summary, it's ok for food in a pinch.

    Kala's Crispy Chicken and vege pad thai

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best Thai around! I love the drunken noodles and green curry. The attention to flavor is what separate them

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Delish! Fast and hit. Good didn't taste like seasoned oil, and the veggies were done to perfection and fresh.

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Tanapat T.

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    6 years ago

    This place is good and not too pricey. It is also like 5 minutes from where I live. Place is clean and all were wearing masks.

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    6 years ago

    Yumtastic in every way and very nice owners. Will be back for sure!! Thrilled to have a great Thai spot so close by.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Yellow Curry was delicious! Great 1st time experience. Fast and friendly service right in my neighborhood.

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    3 years ago

    Very tasty. Very fresh. Great pad thai for lunch. Will be back!!!

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    3 years ago

    Great costumer service, amazing food. Never disappoints and always consistent. Highly recommend!

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Great food and excellent service. My favorite is the fried egg rolls . The restaurant is clean and the environment is welcoming

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    Page 12 of 15

    Hug Thai Express Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Hug Thai Express

    Do they serve wine or can we bring our own?

    We’re very sorry that we cannot allow our customers to bring their own beer or wine into the restaurant. Under California law, it’s illegal for us to permit alcohol on the premises without the proper license. Thank you for your understanding.… Read more

    How clean this Hug Thai restaurant is any one can answer please I read about how good the food is so happy to find good Thai restaurant and do they used good quality ingredients please?

    It's very Clean! Has an "A" rating. Love this place😁

    Thai wraps aren't listed on your website for order any more, but they are on here. Are they still available?

    Does anyone know if they have vegan options?

    Our sauce base is completely vegan

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Shawarma Guys

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    (1.1k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$
    Kid friendly
    Casual dining

    I can for the viral Wagyu Shawarma Cheesesteak. It was very tasty with a mix of peppers, onion…read morecheese and sauce. Whatever sauce they used gave it a bit of spiciness. I went at 3:30 pm on a Saturday and was surprised that it was pretty busy at that weird time The sandwich was huge ( probably 12 inch sub) so depending on how hungry you are, you could easily split it. I loved the fries. Whatever seasoning they used gave is perfect

    I decided to visit this location for a late lunch during the week. I was so busy at work that I had…read moreto not had an opportunity to get lunch. I was able to sign off at 330p and head over to this location. The place was empty and there were clean tables and floors when I walked in. I was greeted by the lady behind the counter, and she had a smile on her face. I ordered the beef & chicken shawarma plate, Wagyu Beef eggrolls, and a bottled drink. My food was freshly prepared. I received my order in 7-10 minutes. It smelled wonderful. I paid for extra yogurt sauce and left to take my food to-go. When I arrived home, I enjoyed a delicious meal. Everything was prepared with great flavor, portions, and care. I had the garlic sauce and the yogurt sauce with my meal. This place is one of my favorites. I have been eating their food since the Southpark Truck days, phenomenally delicious. Thanks!

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    Ordering counter
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    Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!
    Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!
    The combo wagyu beef & chicken shawarma !

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    Mastiff Kitchen - La Mesa

    Mastiff Kitchen - La Mesa

    4.6
    (307 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Fun variety of bar favorites to choose from on the menu…read more We started with the Pork Nugs and a Sicilian Salad...one bite of each and we were OFF to a bountiful taste delight. The fried pork pieces the best pork belly bites Ive ever had...they were light, yet meaty, and crispy outside, tossed in their gochuijang..so savory with a slight kick thay made me dive back in (comes in two order sizes). The salad was LARGE, with cold and crisp chopped romaine (no brown pieces to be found!!) topped with a merry go round effect of sliced pepperoni, shaved white onions, seaaoned greek olives, halved cherry tomatoes, marinated arttchokes, shredded mozzarella tossed in a vinaigrette with a slight hint of lemon capped off with a sprinkle of jalapeños. Next up my dining mate ordered the smashburger..made DOUBLE, with the most delectable garlic aioli and a side of the Mastiff fries a surprise plate of crispy salty potato skinn on wedges that are soft, seasoned well amd topped with their house sauce(yummmm..creamy and warm) and cotija cheese. The portion sizes are ample so plan on bringing home leftovers! The restaurant has a small parking lot, big windows that bring in plenty of light with a mix of tall tables, dining tables and a bar running half the length (bonus for wide bottom seats!!) While yoy order at the counter, everything is brought out to your table with a smile! THANK YOU TEAM MASTIFF LA MESA... we will be back for the chicken and pizzas!!

    Such a hidden gem. I've come here a couple times and each time I remember why I love stopping by…read morefor food. The service is always friendly and the food always comes out pretty quick. My husband ordered the Smashburger and a side salad and I got the wings. The wings were perfectly crisp and cooked all the way through the flavor was definitely there. The vibe in there feels like locals vibes and it's good to escape the SD tourist. The pricing for the food is also great. Parking is in a lot in front of the restaurant or there is street parking. Def will be back.

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    Double Smash Burger
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    Double Smash Burger with wedges

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    Ney Restaurant

    Ney Restaurant

    4.6
    (369 reviews)
    0.8 mi
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    I loved this place! The night before coming here for takeout, I had Mediterranean food down at…read moreSeaport Village. It was tasty and satisfying... but this place BLEW MY MIND. The moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted and asked if I wanted a table for one. I said no, I was hoping to order takeout, and she kindly invited me to sit at the bar while I looked over the menu. Right away, the atmosphere felt welcoming, beautiful, and relaxed. I ordered my food, sipped my water, and honestly didn't think I had ordered that much. Then she came out with multiple filled brown bags of food! First of all, the prices were amazing. Second... the food was TOP NOTCH and completely different from what I had the night before. Everything was packed with flavor without being overloaded with salt. Fresh, vibrant, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The waitress/hostess was knowledgeable, friendly, and gave great recommendations on what to try. You can tell the staff truly cares about the experience. I will absolutely be back the next time I visit San Diego again. And not that I recommend eating while driving ... but the next day on my drive back to Ventura County, I spread out my leftovers and happily snacked on hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma all the way home. That alone says everything about how good this place was.

    There are restaurants you visit, and then there are places you feel, where the intention behind…read moreevery dish is unmistakable from the moment you walk in. That was my experience at NEY. From the first bite, it was clear this isn't just food, it is craft. You can taste the care, the precision, and the pride. Every element felt thoughtfully prepared, balanced, and deeply satisfying without trying too hard. The standout for me was the biryani, comforting, and perfectly executed. But everything impressed. The tzatziki was bright and refreshing, the hummus topped with beef shawarma was rich and flavorful, and the ney classic plate was generous enough to easily feed two, maybe even three, without sacrificing quality anywhere on the plate. It was the perfect way to try a lot of their items at once and that one disappointed! What really says it all is that I am already looking forward to the leftovers, which is rare for me. This is the kind of place that stays with you, not just because it is good, but because you can feel the heart behind it.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Filet Mignon Tikka with Baryani - delicious too
    Filet Mignon Tikka with Baryani - delicious too
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    Oodles By The Noodbar

    Oodles By The Noodbar

    4.5
    (274 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    I came in person recently with 9 friends. They were able to accommodate us even though we were just…read morewalking in. The woman was super friendly even though it was a little chaotic. At first, she said the order only could be done on 1 bill. And then later she compromised with 2 bills, 5 people per table. That was nice of her! I just had 2 coffees before entering so I decided to skip ordering Thai tea. But they had a large drink menu, of fruit teas and more. My friend had the lychee tea which was very large and looked super refreshing! They also came by often to top off our waters which was nice. To eat, I ordered the $16.99~, Cashew Chicken Stir Fry with White Rice. It came with onion, green onion, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and cashews. The carrots were beautifully cut, but a little too crunchy for me to properly enjoy in the stir fry. Everything else was delicious! I think this could definitely be shared between 2-3 people. It was a lot for me, even after a large hike. The sauce was flavorful and not overly salty. I didn't ask for any spice level, but I think I'd choose mild or medium next time. My friends ordered-- - $12.99, Dirty Fried Chicken: This had a blitz coating of lime, mint, and spices. And it was decorated with thinly sliced green onions with a side of sweet chili sauce. The chicken was hot and plump, not dry, and very much mouthwatering! Would recommend. - $14.99, Thai Grilled Chicken Salad: Grilled Chicken Breast on a bed of mixed green salad, carrots, and cucumbers with peanut dressing. It reminded me a little of chicken satay~ it smelled and looked incredible. I think I might order it next time, when I want something light and fulfilling after a hike. - $11.99, Cream Cheese Avocado Wontons (6PC): These came out piping hot and when you took a bite they were oozing. It was very creamy and when you dip into the plum sauce it's a delectable bite. A nice appetizer to share with the table. - $16.99-$19.99 (depends on what protein you get), Pad Thai: This proportion was manageable for one person. The restaurant used thin rice noodles, but it didn't clump excessively compared to other restaurants. The prices are what you'd typically see at a Pan-Asian restaurant, a few dollars more than what you'd want to spend. But these kinds of restaurants, in my opinion, are for enjoying with others. So, if you're sharing food and all that-- the price is worth it (esp with the quantity that is given). Next time, I would probably order one of their noodle dishes rather than rice. Oodles by the Noodbar has such a large and diverse menu so I would highly recommend coming in to try them out.

    Highly recommend Oodles. I often get the fresh Salad rolls (the peanut sauce is exceptional.)…read more The service is friendly. The location is quaint but charming. My personal favorite is Dan Dan noodles with extra Dan Dan sauce. Noodles are exquisite and the meat is perfection. My only hang up is the price for the product.

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    MammaMia Deli Market - Gino & Gianni's Pizzeria

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    ​I finally came and tried Mamma Mia, and now I'm asking myself: why haven't I been here sooner?!…read more​The food here is phenomenal. I tried two different slices of pizza, and they were absolutely delicious and incredibly flavorful. Even the crust is so good! My daughters ordered the chicken fettuccine, and it did not disappoint at all. They are so generous with the sauce, which is a massive plus because you never have to worry about dry noodles. ​The service was excellent, and the overall experience was fantastic. We will definitely be coming back!

    I can't believe I've driven past this place so many times without stopping. Now I'm just mad I…read morewaited this long! This spot is such a hidden gem. I love the concept--pizza on one side, incredible sandwiches and gelato on the other, all connected to a fully stocked Italian market. It's the kind of place where you can grab lunch, dessert, and authentic Italian groceries all in one stop. The staff was welcoming and friendly from the moment we walked in, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. The Meatball Sandwich is an absolute must-try packed with flavor and perfectly made. The Signature Sandwich was another standout because it's something different from your typical Italian sandwich. It had its own unique flavor that really sets it apart. I didn't get a chance to try the pizza this visit, but if the sandwiches are any indication, I already know I'll be back for it soon. The only small downside is that the parking lot is a little tight, especially during busy hours, but it's well worth the minor inconvenience. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations. Great food, friendly service, fair prices, and a unique setup that makes you want to keep coming back. This has definitely earned a spot on my regular rotation. Highly recommend!

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    Inside of The Godfather
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    Freshería

    Freshería

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    La Fresheria has the best ceviche in San Diego so bright, zesty, and unbelievably fresh!read more

    Fresheria in La Mesa is a cute little spot but definitely on the smaller side so seating can be…read morelimited when it gets busy. The vibe is chill overall, but the service was just okay. Nothing rude, just not very attentive. I ordered the green chilaquiles and they were decent but definitely on the spicy side so just a heads up if you're sensitive to heat. I added eggs and steak. The eggs came scrambled and were a bit dry and the steak didn't have much flavor which was kind of a letdown. We also tried the oatmeal pancakes. They were okay but leaned more dry than fluffy. They didn't come with syrup and no one offered any. I tried asking for some but the server walked away mid conversation which honestly threw me off. The watermelon smoothie tasted pretty much like blended watermelon with sugar and water. It wasn't bad but nothing I'd go out of my way for. I've been to the National City location before and that one is still my favorite by far. This La Mesa spot just didn't hit the same in terms of food or overall experience. One thing that stood out was the sauce situation. When I asked for sauces I was told I could only have one. I'm big on restaurants being stingy with hot sauce. It just feels unnecessary and kind of takes away from the experience. Overall it wasn't a bad visit but it didn't wow me either.

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    Hug Thai Express - thai - Updated June 2026

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