Sang Dao Restaurant

363

547

1465

2 days ago

Sang Dao is a mom and pop shop that we found while driving on El Cajon and finally stopped by. It's got the classic local feel of a Asian family owned restaurant. Service was friendly and the food came out super fast. We started with the Yum Pla Mouk which is their calamari salad. Very flavorful with the tangy fish sauce and I could taste they added some shrimp paste in it too. The Boat Noodles were super delicious! The broth is an interesting combination of sweet and spicy. There's really nothing like it and make sure to add a bunch of limes to help balance out the richness! The Pla Som Rod (3 Flavor Fish) was also incredible and visually stunning. It's a flavor explosion that combines both a traditional sweet and sour profile but amplified with some fish sauce umami and spice. I could just eat the sauce and rice and be happy. The fish was really crispy and amazing too. And for the price of only $17 it's a steal for a whole tilapia! I loved our dinner at Sang Dao and cannot wait to go back! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Yum Pla Mouk (Calamari Salad) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Boat Noodles - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Pla Sam Rod (3 Flavor Fish) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Marissa C.

41

472

222

1 month ago

I ordered their spicy catfish and it definitely lived up to the name. It was actually pretty spicy, to the point where I had to take a few breaks while eating it, but in a good way. The portion was also really generous and everything was super flavorful. I'd recommend getting the fillets though so you can avoid dealing with the bones. It is a bit out of my way, so I'm not sure how often I'd go back, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who lives nearby. Service was great too. read more

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Kassi K.

16

311

30

2 months ago

SO GOOD! I hadn't been in for a few years and am so glad to have come back to sang dao. It's even tastier than I remembered. I often feel like all of the Thai food in San Diego tastes more or less the same. But Sang Dao is different. And it's sooooo good. Also! They're very vegan friendly. Our server told us that almost any dish can be made vegan. Highly recommend a stop in! (But also, maybe carpool. The parking lot is challenging) read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Vegetarian green curry - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jane L.

38

339

1860

4 months ago

I've read great things about this spot and bookmarked it for over a year. My friends and I came for my birthday lunch on a Thursday around 1:00pm. We got lucky with parking as it shares a lot with other stores. We were pleasantly surprised when we walked through the doors. It gave me Mom and Pop vibes. We were seated with menus and water immediately. I peeked at the menu ahead of time so I already knew all the dishes I wanted to try. We ordered the Laotian Papaya Salad, Fried Beef Jerky, Sticky Rice, Fish Cakes, Drunken Noodles with Beef and Green Curry with Tofu. The favorites were Papaya Salad with Fish Cakes. The portions were generous and service was friendly and attentive. We had plenty of leftovers. I look forward to coming back to try the Laotian Specials. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Papaya Salad Lao Style - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Fried Beef Jerky - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Green Curry - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Drunken Noodles - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Thai Fish Cakes - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Nicole S.

94

179

1231

6 months ago

This family owned spot is a must visit anytime we are in San Diego. Their food is so delicious and authentic, I wish they had a location in LA. The owners Bobbie and Mike are super nice and friendly too. My husband and I ordered the lemon tea, Thai tea, Thai salad with shrimp, golden chicken wings, yellow curry with chicken and shrimp, and pad Thai with chicken. Everything was amazing! The food is delicious as take out but even better inside the restaurant with good music, tons of hello kitty decorations (my fave), and right now it's also decorated for Chinese New Year. They said they have a huge celebration for Chinese New Year so I would definitely love to check that out. They have Great vibes, great people, and great food...my go to dining spot when I'm in San Diego. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Drunken noodles with chicken - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Golden chicken - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Yellow Curry - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Pad Thai with chicken - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Papaya Salad Lao Style (Som Tum Lao) - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Golden salt & pepper chicken wings - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Catherine M.

24

124

176

5 months ago

My family has been coming to Sang Dao for years! The food is always delicious, and the restaurant is clean and has a nice ambience. The staff are always great to talk to and have awesome recommendations as well. I miss the great Thai food here every time I'm away from home! read more

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Christine T.

134

47

12

2 months ago

This is by far the best Thai food we've had! We highly appreciated the plentiful vegan options, friendly and quick service, pipping hot fresh food, and especially the portions, high proportions of veggies and protein, and overall insanely delicious, flavorful food for such an amazing deal! We highly recommend the green curry (made without fish sauce-win!) with fried tofu and drunken noodles with mock duck. We will definitely be our new go-to Thai spot! read more

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Regis K.

Elite 23

492

915

18525

7 months ago

While in San Diego for the New Year, we visited Sang Dao for lunch this past Saturday and had a great experience! It's a very casual spot, the interior isn't the most modern, but the vibe is super friendly and the service is efficient. The food was honestly delicious. * Pad Thai: This was a highlight for me. The noodle texture was just right, and I loved that it had that tangy vinaigrette flavor and plenty of peanuts. * Tom Kha: Very good with a rich, creamy coconut soup base. * Dessert: We finished with the palm seeds and tapioca dessert soup, which was excellent. If you are looking for solid Thai food in La Mesa without the fuss, this is the place. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Pad Thai - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Dessert - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Lao Sausage - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Caitlin D.

58

438

2192

1 year ago

Greeted by the family of the restaurant, they are so cute and friendly! Really great service and the table is stacked with many accommodations for your dish-- soy sauce, chili oil, flakes, salt, etc. The tray was endless! We had the Pad Thai with Pork. It was wonderfully sauced with a bit of a stronger flavor of perhaps tamarind or fish sauce? The lime helps balance it. I love how much beansprouts they give! The pork was a little fatty at times, so next time I'd get a different meat. Also tried the Laos Sausage (I've never had it before) and the texture was a bit more crumbly than I thought it would be. Strong lemongrass taste, not spicy. Good crisp exterior. In addition, we had the Beef Jerky with Sticky Rice. I'm used to Vietnamese (papaya salad) with beef jerky. And I usually prefer the red one as it is softer and sweet in taste. This one looked similar, but it was heated up, thinner, and hard to stab with the fork. The taste of it was a little more "gamey" than I'm used to. It wasn't bad, but just not for me. If you're not shy, def ask for chopsticks to handle this dish! The rice was sticky but dried out fast. It came with a salty dippin sauce too. The sliced cabbage beneath it was bitter-- perhaps it was more for presentation. Our water glasses were filled up very promptly and tasted so refreshing. The interior of the restaurant was clean and they had more seating than I remembered them having as a child! In total, our lunch costed around ~ $40. A little pricey-- they gave a good amount of pad Thai and lots of sticky rice. 3 logs of sausages... Would come back, to try other items! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - PAD THAI , LAO SAUSAGE , beef jerky - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jhenny B.

368

223

1705

8 months ago

Sang Dao update (take out) love the packaging! The stamp on the bag, is a super cool detail. Appreciate the extra TLC, to ensure safety and quality is up to par when ordering Door dash. The food is still delicious and with consistent flavor. Food came hot and ready. The banana iced coffee is so good, tbh it might be better than most coffee shops. One of my fav Thai spots, hands down read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Panang Curry - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Lao Papaya Salad - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Banana Iced Coffee - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Julia W.

192

37

89

6 months ago

We had a great time at Sang Dao! We wanted to try Laotian food specifically since there is so much Thai food in SD, the waiter gave us some great recommendations. We had the Phad Lao and red curry catfish, both of which were flavorful and unique from the Thai food that we are accustomed to. The waiter even gave us some sticky rice to mop up the delicious red curry sauce. We will be back to try more! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Phad Lao - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Huyen N.

125

443

1535

8 months ago

Extremely friendly service. Affordable, extensive menu. Food wasn't bad but the sweet and salty contents weren't balanced too well, as some dishes were either too sweet or too salty. Chef was quite heavy handed that night, I guess. Will have to remember this place to return and try other items off the menu. read more

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Sarai Z.

65

127

173

10 months ago

10/10 best mom and pops shop I have been to. The food is soooooo gooood! I highly recommend this place. This is LAO's food, i think. One of my good friends took me to try this place since she is part Lao's. She said its her family's favorite spot. The service was excellent, we were greeted as soon as we walked in. The ambiance is very asian inspired, so so cute! I highly recommend for you to order the sticky rice, so yummy! read more

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Michael D.

421

11

0

1 month ago

I just moved to the area and my buddy has been raving about this Thai place. Ended up giving it a shot this afternoon and I see why the rave was there. I had the beef deep fried jerky and the yellow Thai curry. The jerky was super flavorful with the sauce and it was the best yellow curry I've ever had in my life super flavorful, and they don't hold back with the spice, but it's just enough. Our server Tony was amazing! He Did a great job at guiding us on what to get, some of his favorite foods. we will definitely be back l, so happy to have found my new favorite authentic Thai spot!!! read more

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Larry G.

17

60

2

5 months ago

Here on a Friday at one and no one eating in. That's a crime. Red curry catfish is the best dish in San Diego. Just spicy enough; just sweet enough; just creamy enough. Nice portion for $15. There should be a line out the door for this alone. Green papaya salad was the perfect antidote for a hot day. "The Garlics" is a revelatory garlic brown sauce with a plethora of fish. Fun yet utilitarian ambience that lets you know you're in the real deal. read more

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Megan M.

269

310

1810

1 year ago

Placed an order online. Was ready within 10 minutes. This the 3rd time I've eaten here. I wanted just the mango sticky rice but ended up ordering more. Got home and had to taste the sticky rice. So yummy and the mango tasted fresh. My husband enjoyed the salt and pepper wings and the chicken fried rice. I went in on those spring rolls...so fresh! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - MANGO STICKY RICE - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Pick up bags - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - SALT AND PEPPER WINGS - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - SPAM FRIED RICE - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Spring Rolls - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - FRIED RICE with chicken - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Victoria C.

0

16

0

18 days ago

I love the drunken noodles and the sticky rice is soooo good! The service is really big. Service is fast. The guy at the counter is really nice. read more

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Tracie M.

388

760

6116

1 year ago

I haven't been here in years, and the quality of food is still the same, if not better. The service was attentive. And our food came out really quick. Love the coconut curry in the Choo Chee dish and my friend loved the fish cakes. Love the stand of snacks by the cash register where you can grab a bag of fried chicken skin, pork skin or crispy pigs ear. Support local and come here. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Chicken Skin - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Eggs - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Fried pork skin - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Fried Pigs Ear - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Kyle V.

12

192

330

8 months ago

Great little Thai restaurant. We had take out here and the staff was super friendly. We had wonton soup and pad Thai which were both very good. While we didn't sit down, the atmosphere seems really cool. read more

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Emmett T.

Elite 26 All-Star

697

2880

23119

2 years ago

Several years ago, I came to Sang Dao Restaurant with a large group after hearing solid reviews of their Thai and Laotian food. The parking situation was not ideal if you adhered to the 15 minute limit on certain spaces. Without those restrictions, more spots become available. The interior was ornately decorated with a South Asian cultural theme. The dining room contained enough seating for around 40 customers. On this occasion, I ordered a couple of appetizers for dining in. The Thai Fish Cakes were my first choice followed by the Fried Beef. Ground fish mixed with Thai red curry, lemon leaves, and green beans were formed into a patty and fried. Seven of them were served with sweet and sour sauce. The discs looked like chocolate chip cookies from afar, but they were savory and pleasant to consume with the sauce. Ten marinated strips of beef were deep fried and served with a special dipping sauce. It was like eating fresh, chewy beef jerky. I also bought the Drunken Noodles with chicken as a takeout item. For $12.95, the portion size was great for the stir fried flat noodles. Eggs, broccoli, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and basil leaves were the other components. A garlic sauce with Thai chili added mild spiciness to this dish. The noodles were really wide while the heat of the sauce was perfect for my palate. It's unfortunate Sang Dao is quite far from where I live, otherwise I would return more frequently to try more creations on their vast menu. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Partial view of the suite front - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Menu sheets posted on a front window - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - View towards the service counter - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Fried Beef - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Partial view of the dining area - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Harry S.

0

15

0

4 months ago

Terrible food! Worst experience ever. Was craving Thai/lao noodle soup so decided to try this place ordered food and it was at my table in less than 2 minutes potatoes were uncooked and so hard I struggled to eat it but gave up within a few minutes, chicken was also partially cooked had to return it ordered something else and what I got didn't match the description nor was it tasty! Skip this spot if possible. read more

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Brett C.

21

61

83

1 year ago

The Lao sausage was flavorful but missing the crispy texture I'm used to, I was surprised it wasn't listed on the menu. Service was on point, ambiance was OG authentic. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Lao sausage & steamed rice. - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Khem B.

35

167

131

10 months ago

Still as great as ever! Most Flavorful bold dishes, delicious food with lots of variety to choose from the menu. You won't be disappointed! I myself, never miss a chance to come when visiting my sister. I can't say enough good things about this place and their services. No matter how busy they are .. service still comes with a big smile. It's family own (mom/pop) establishment with welcoming ambiance. I appreciate them for sharing these amazing foods, hospitality and overall experiences. I'll definitely return when I'm in the neighborhood. All you Laos/Thai food lovers out there this place is a MUST! Come and check it out it for yourself. I assure you that you will agree. I highly recommend this hidden gem. I especially love their fish curry with sticky rice. read more

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Christopher A.

380

114

177

1 year ago

My first time here with my best friend but she's been here several times so I let her order. We were the only customers inside but nice and quiet with a big screen TV. Ordered golden chicken wings, steak. Lao papaya salad with extra padaek and vermicelli and sticky rice . The papaya salad was medium spice which was perfect for me and too spicy for my best friend. For dessert got the mango sticky rice which was good but I've had better. Recommend this places wanting Lao food . read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - LARGE STICKY RICE - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Lao style papaya salad - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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V N.

0

6

0

2 months ago

Hours of operation on Yelp and Google are not accurate, and there is no clear signage outside. By 7:15pm, they do not allow dine-in - they will only do take-out. read more

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Sierra P.

243

6

0

2 months ago

finally tried this hidden gem for the first time tonight!! i live down the street and have driven past so many times the food was SO flavorful and yummy! i got pad thai with tofu medium spice and it was delicious! i consider myself a tom kah soup connoisseur and theirs was an absolute thumbs up. spring rolls and Penang curry were also great. i will definitely be back soon read more

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Keanna K.

278

29

22

2 years ago

Have been coming here since high-school, 10years ago . Tried another Lao/Thai food spot up in Clairemont about a month ago and it just didn't hit the same like Sang Dao.. Though I don't live in the area, I am willing to drive down south 20 mins every time. Sang Dao has big portions for the perfect price, you can get about 3-5 different dishes to share for less than $50. Another place I would suggest is Muang Lao. Both family owned, and authentic. Attentive, good customer service, good music and if you go during the week there is plenty of parking. read more

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Casey D.

12

100

367

2 years ago

What we ordered: - Me Gatee: my first time having this and it was so delicious! I love a creamy/tangy coconut broth, 10/10 would get it again. - Lao style papaya salad: also my first time trying this. I wasn't used to the flavor combo, but still enjoyed it to eat on the side. - Phad see eiw: can never go wrong, this hits every time. Good flavor + noodle texture! We had a late lunch/early dinner, got seated right away, and service was so quick! Also, big fan of the restaurant's music taste. Def will be coming back :) read more

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Jessica F.

175

336

244

1 year ago

This place was amazing, walked in on a Saturday afternoon and got greeted right away. Menu was a good size and we got the chicken green curry, the drunken noodles, and we finished it up with the mango sticky rice. The staff was super friendly and attentive, and the food was so good. I am so glad we happen to stumble up on this place. No pictures were taken since we were so hungry. Don't miss this place. read more

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W C.

113

265

1121

10 months ago

The FOOD here is SO GOOD! The Spring Rolls are FRESH with a nice peanut butter sauce. The Tom Kah Chicken Soup was HOT and DELICIOUS! The Chicken Pad Thai was PLENTIFUL! The Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings were RIGHT ON TIME! The Mango Sticky Rice was the cherry on top! 5 BIG STARS! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Thai Peppers & Chopped Garlic in fish sauce.BOMB! - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - FRESH Spring Rolls - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Chicken Pad Thai - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Tom Kah Chicken Soup - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Griselda F.

Elite 25

98

136

223

1 year ago

This is One of our Favorite spots Now! They have the Tastiest Thai Food I've ever had, I wish I could tell you the names but if you look at the menu & literally point at ANYTHING it WILL be amazing. The Curry's are beyond tasty, the tom yum is So Yummy!!! LOL pun intended.... the Wings are Deliciously Krispy. They have a delicious & strong (just like I like) Thai Coffee that will give you a perfect pick me up. Now My ALLTIME Favorite item is the Mango Sticky Rice! Oh My Goodness I have never been so addicted to a dessert, we have literally driven to Sang Dao which can be a drive between 20-25min just for the Mango Sticky Rice because it's THAT Delicious. The rice is perfectly warm and gooey and then you get the fresh perfectly ripe Mango. A MUST!!! read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Sticky Rice - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Mya T.

53

400

1506

2 years ago

I have worked in this around a few times and I have been telling myself I was gonna try this place for lunch one of these days. I haven't had Thai food for a while so I just wanted a chicken pad thai. I went inside to order and waiting around 7 minutes. The price for the portion is very good and I thought it was really tasty and had a good amount of veggies and protein. Everything tasted fresh. I would love to try their tom kha or papaya salad next time. read more

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Brittany A.

5

61

52

1 year ago

It was my first time here. Right away was greeted very nicely. Our food came out so fast! We were starving so that was amazing. Everything was hot and fresh. The egg rolls have a nice thin crispy outside. The pad Thai and green curry noodles were so packed with flavor we couldn't stop eating it even though we were full. These dishes definitely could have been shared, we had a lot of leftovers but they were still good when we reheated them. read more

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Rannie S.

3

63

136

2 years ago

Customer service was good. Portions was great but the food lacked flavor. It was a little bland so it was slightly disappointing. Probably won't come back here again. Ambience was okay. In a shopping center. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - Salt n pepper chicken wings. Big portions but lacks flavor - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Pad see ewei. Big portions but lacks flavor - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jessica V.

0

15

2

7 months ago

Hands Down the BESTTT Lao spot here in San Diego. Food is always on point and the service is always fast. They have the best little snack station. I always make sure to grab tapioca balls every time I'm there. Prices are affordable. I always come back to this restaurant! Definitely recommend! read more

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Nadiyah S.

Elite 25

313

435

211

1 year ago

Everything was tasty! We got the drunken noodles, papaya salad and bbq beef. The only reason there aren't more stars is because the bbq beef was tough and slightly dry (I think it's bc of the type of cut they use, tastes like sirloin), the papaya salad could have been crunchier and the noodles could have been more chewy and less soft. So the taste is perfect on all of their food, it's just that the ingredients could have been better. Maybe I went on an off day. read more

Sang Dao Restaurant - BBQ BEEF - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

Sang Dao Restaurant - Papaya Salad - Thai Near Me - San Diego, California

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E H.

0

26

12

7 months ago

The best chicken wings i have had so far from a Lao and thai spot. We are return customers

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Tee D.

0

12

2

7 months ago

Great food! I ordered the pad Thai noodles and the salt and pepper wings.. delicious. I recommend this place

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Kathy V.

0

40

12

9 months ago

My fav thing to get is pad Thai with chicken. I very much appreciate the way they add foil to the to go plate to keep my food hot! Great service. It's a fun welcoming ambiance with cool things to look at. I have yet to try their desserts but they look so good!! I recommend this play to my co workers and friends any chance I get. read more

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Susie Q.

0

34

0

4 months ago

Delicious and authentic Lao food. Great prices and lots of ready made items for sale.

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More info about Sang Dao Restaurant

5421 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
Rolando
Directions
(619) 263-0914
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.sangdaorestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Sang Dao Restaurant open?

Sang Dao Restaurant opens at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Sang Dao Restaurant close?

Sang Dao Restaurant is closed on Monday.Sang Dao Restaurant closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Sang Dao Restaurant take Bitcoin?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not take Bitcoin.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant take credit cards?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have catering options?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant does have catering options.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have a drive thru?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not have a drive thru.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have a happy hour?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not have a happy hour.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant serve alcohol?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Sang Dao Restaurant allow dogs?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not allow dogs.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have TVs?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have bike parking?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant has bike parking.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have outdoor seating?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have parking?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Sang Dao Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sang Dao Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Does Sang Dao Restaurant have free WiFi?

No, Sang Dao Restaurant does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are family owned and operated. Opened in 1994 and been serving the community since.

History

Established in 1994.

Since 1994, we have consistently provided exotic Thai/Lao food in San Diego. As a family owned restaurant, our casual environment is perfect for your relaxing day. All meals are cooked using natural and traditional herbs and spices with authentic taste and skilled preparation. Our menu can be modified to fit your preference and served up mild to spicy hot. Self Parkings available.

More Info

Health Score

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Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

Our first visit to Mekong Lao & Thai was fantastic, and we're already planning our next one! A dear…read morefriend recommended this one and we were thanking her before we left our table. When we ordered, our server took the time to explain their spice scale (1-5), letting us know that a 1 is already about a medium spice level. We settled on mostly 2-3, but wow--the Thum Khao Poon (shredded green papaya salad) still packed some serious heat! Even my spice-loving kids were challenged. The server also gave us a heads-up that it's very fish-forward in flavor, which we appreciated and happened to love. The absolute standout of the meal was the Nam Khao Tod. It was hands down the family favorite--crispy coconut rice with pork sausage, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and so many incredible textures and flavors in every bite. We could have ordered a second plate! We also had the Drunken Noodles with chicken, which were slightly oily in the best possible way, making them extra rich and delicious. The Chef's Special Basil Stir Fry with Crispy Pork was another winner. Our server brought over a chili vinegar that elevated the crispy pork to a whole new level--it was so good drizzled over every bite. Great food, thoughtful service, and plenty of dishes we're already looking forward to trying next time. Can't wait to come back!

If you are craving great Southeast Asian comfort food in Kearny Mesa, this place delivers on taste,…read morebut the arrival process is stressful. The plaza has horrible parking, and we had to aggressively fight for a parking space with another car before we could even walk in. Came here on a Saturday around 6 pm with 2 friends. == FOOD == We got a beef pad see ew, khao soi, and a pork rice. All the food was pretty good. I took off one star because it seemed like the pad see ew was smothered in white pepper. == SERVICE == Service was a bit slow, but we think it was because we were waiting for the rice to be cooked? However, the staff was polite, apologetic about the delay, and very attentive. She gave us free mango sticky rice. == AMBIANCE == Interior is very nice and there is bar seating too. The bathroom is also very clean. If you don't mind a slower-paced meal and a chaotic parking lot, the amazing Lao and Thai flavors are completely worth it!

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So Saap

Oh em gee So Saap more like So Saarap!!! (Delicious in Tagalog) I do believe this experience eating…read morethis healthy yummy in my tummy food (the dessert and the meal and the water) was awesome hehe! Service?? Authentic and from the heart. Going into this restaurant is like stepping into a new delicious world. The chef is like Willy Wonka but for Thai food! I went for Mother's Day and I love my mom :) she loves it too "I love to eat here" - my mom

This review is for 7/18/26, we were visiting SD zoo and stopped by So Saap for dinner before…read moreheading back to LA. I thought the food was alright... Prices were decent. The restaurant was modernized enough. Also we just wanted to try a new restaurant we have never been to and thought why not give So Saap a shot. We ordered the lao papaya salad, khmer beef skewers, Tom yum soup, pad thai and lastly added Nam Khao dish. I was really excited about trying the Nam Khao and glad they had this option here. Everything came out right away but the Nam Khao never showed up. We were almost done with our dinner and the dish didn't come out yet so we asked them if we could cancel the order. The server told me she would see what she could do. 5 minutes later she brings the dish out and told us sorry they already made it and we had to accept it. At this point we were given the check. I was irritated but my husband said its fine, just take the whole thing to go and eat it when we get back. I packed it up. We paid for it and didn't make a fuss. When I got home and decided to eat it, I found a piece of rock in my food. First time this has ever happened. I'm not happy with our service and definitely not happy that Nam Khao came with a rock/pebble. Will attach a photo! Needless to say, we will NOT be coming back to So Saap again!

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Lao Community Plaza

Delicious food and friendly staff. This is my second time going there. We found parking behind the…read morerestaurant.

There are a few places that offer the one item I use to compare all Thai and Laotian food eateries,…read morenamely, papaya salad. Som Tam. In my case Thai style. I know that I'm in authentic by not liking the stinkier, more pungent, Lao style papaya salad, but I prefer the Thai style. I said what I said. And this place is legit! Tomatoes cut by hand in the air? Check. A combination of regular tomatoes and cherry tomatoes? Check. Lots of roasted peanuts on top? Check. Asian Long Beans? Check. Plenty of very hot fiery Thai chilies? Check. Dried shrimp on top? Check. A wedge of white cabbage to cool things down? Check. Basically, an incredible sophisticated yet simple dish that I crave every so how often and love to take home with me. There's always something to discover in the market next door just remember that they only take cash or EBT cards.

Beef Larb

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Harborside Cuisine

Don't sleep on this place as this might be San Diego's best kept secret for Lao and Thai food…read more I've been here a few times over the last year and the aunties have yet to disappoint. I always order the papaya salad (Lao style) and add vermicelli rice noodles. I have also tried their Khao Poon, Lao Sausages, Curry, and Larb dishes -- all were absolutely perfect as if I were really dining at an auntie's house. Flavors are authentic and dishes are prepared in a way to walk guests down the journey of Lao and Thai cooking. Make sure to not underestimate spice levels for the dishes. Them hot chilli peppers these aunties harvest are not be reckoned with. Bonus, this dine in restaurant is located directly next door to a mini market selling anything you need for cooking Southeast Asian cuisine -- so you can dine and grocery shop. Everyone wins. Support local small businesses y'all!

Came back recently after not having ordered here in a long while. Not that there was anything wrong…read morebut I've just been cooking more at home lately. Their food is all pretty good here and they have a lot of stuff regular Lao restaurants don't have on hand such as a refrigerated section with cold foods such as dipping sauces, stews, soups. I was just so blown away at the prices here the last time I was here last week. I know it's been awhile and with inflation and all but dang the prices were kind of outrageous for a takeout hole in the way place. I don't really consider this a sit down restaurant. Their prices were far more expensive than a nice higher end sit down restaurant. I wouldn't mind if the portion made sense but it was $23 for beef larp and it came in a tiny small white container! They downgraded their portions significantly and raised prices significantly. Their refrigerated foods were pretty pricey as well for being in small containers. Don't get me wrong, their food is good but their upcharged prices don't sit too well with me.

Khao Poon nam jeow

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Front

Spicy Lao Kitchen

I came here today bc I had gotten Burmese sausages earlier and it missed with me. I had to make it…read moreup by getting Lao sausages! This restaurant is decently sized with plenty of seats. I saw a lot of people picking up to go. Since I was the only here with one other family, service was fast and my server was very nice. She had such a friendly smile. I had to order papaya salad lao style, well, bc its the only way to make papaya salad. Stinky, salty, and potent in aroma and flavor. To me, this is real food. My only disappointment was I asked for spicy level 10, or 11, or 12, and I thought I got a level 1. I thought she misheard me, but I realize my spice tolerance is just over 9000. Haha. The Lao sausage was awesome. Thats the flavor profile I've been craving and it has been quenched today! I really loved this place and its deep flavors. For sure, if i feel like Lao food, ill be here!

We've been wanting to come here for awhile and finally made it and have been back a few times!!…read moreThere aren't very many Lao restaurants in San Diego...this one is closer and will now be my go to!! The owner is super friendly!! The Lao sausage is one of the best I've ever had.. definitely need to order to try it out! We had the papaya salad and that was good and flavorful but next time I will request for a spicier one (I couldn't get it too spicy as my friend doesn't eat that spicy). They also sell beef jerky there and the spicy mango habanero one was so good! Probably one of the best beef jerky's I had yet!! It is a bit pricey... but well worth it! $20 for a 4oz bag

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White Elephant

Wowza! White Elephant's duck salad has everything you could want - warm, crispy morsels of duck…read moresitting on fresh greens topped with onion, cashews, pineapple chunks and that tangy-spicy-juicy mix that makes great Thai food so sensational. And, even though this was a delivery order, the salad still tasted top tier upon arrival. I'll definitely dine in here in the future, and snag this salad again, plus try some new dishes too.

Nice decor and different vibe than the usual Thai restaurant that we have been too…read more Staffs are welcoming friendly and attentive. We both love the duck salad and drunken noodle we got. Flavor is on point and spicy level is perfect. Will definitely come back to try more of their menu items.

Mango chicken

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Mango Chicken

Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine

Came here on a Saturday for a late lunch. We had made a reservation for 4 and were sat right away,…read moreit was not busy. Parking will be mostly street spots. We were lucky and were able to grab the spot right out front. For drinks we each ordered a cocktail. It did take a bit for them to come out but once they did you can tell time and effort were put into making them. They were beautiful and all tasted great. We ordered 4 dishes to share, the wasabi scallop ceviche, crispy baby crab, braised beef panang, and crab fried rice. The ceviche was definitely one of my favorites. Super flavorful, fresh, with the perfect amount of wasabi. The crispy baby crab was savory and easy to eat, especially since you're eating the whole crab, shell and all. The curry in the braised beef panang was so addicting, I couldn't stop eating it. The crab fried rice was tasty and filling. For dessert we got the mango sticky rice. The mangoes were fresh and sweet. Overall pretty standard but still yummy. Service was friendly, helpful and attentive. All the food came out in the timely manner. The vibe of the restaurant is casual but can be a little dressy for a nice date. Overall I definitely recommend a try here. Beautiful presentation with all the food and drinks while still being delicious.

Came here to celebrate a birthday, and the experience was phenomenal. We ordered 3 appetizers and…read morean entree to share among ourselves. We got the Taro Fritters, Bangkok street noodles, pork sausage, and the chicken wings. The highlight of the dinner were the chicken wings!! They were so flavorful and crispy, I cannot recommend them enough. The taro fritters were a close second, the tamarind sauce was also a highlight of my dinner experience. Service was quick + amiable, and the inside of Sovereign was clean and inviting. The decor is dark and moody, with live plants throughout the establishment. Parking is metered & limited, but definitely worth the hassle.

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Bahn Thai

ORDER INSIDE FIRST! Then find a table and sit -they'll bring your food. If ordering take-out,…read moreeveryone waits along the sidewalk for them to bring out/call your number. All information is clearly marked on the receipt, large numbers on top with estimated time below for order to be ready. Super small restaurant with only limited outdoor seating. They're planning to move a few doors down, into a larger location, within a few months. Food is tasty, good portion size, and service is limited but friendly and patient. Pineapple fried rice with chicken, and chicken satay, were both perfect. Fried chicken wings are good but not something I'd have again, even though I love fried chicken and chicken wings, just prefer somewhere tspecializes in them. Parking is difficult unless you're willing to walk several blocks

Food good, I asked for chop sticks with my food for delivery. No chop sticks, no napkins. Here on…read morebusiness and the accommodations doesn't provide anything. I called the restaurant and they put the blame on DoorDash. I ordered direct from Bahn Thai's website not DoorDash. Customer service is poor.

Yellow Curry, Rolls and Thai Tea

Pineapple Rice with shrimp

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Sweet chili wings

Kin Saep

authentic affordable good food bbq pork neck was tender and…read morejuicy. flavor really nice. khao piek- great broth, really interesting noodle texture. pad se ew- well done, enjoyable pad grapow- not into as much. minced pork. not really my thing.

When we were looking for a good Thai or Lao restaurant heading south, this place had great ratings,…read moreso we decided to try it. The restaurant is small and simple, but it felt comfortable and nice. I ordered the shrimp pad thai, my husband tried the drunken noodles, and of course we both had Thai tea. We were excited, and the service was fast at first. Unfortunately, there was a mix up with my order. My shrimp didn't come, and I only realized it after I had already eaten a couple of spoonfuls. Sadly, we were the last customers, and I think the server may have forgotten, there were a few other tables at the same time. I'm not sure what happened, but it was disappointing. That said, the food itself was good. I asked for no spice, and they did that perfectly. The flavors were nice, just sad I didn't get the meal I was really looking forward to.

Inside, seats 18

Crying Tiger

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Vegetable spring rolls

Ahan Lao

We ordered a little bit of everything and honestly, every single dish hit. The wings were packed…read morewith flavor, the catfish in banana leaf was super moist and cooked perfectly, and the mango sticky rice was straight up fire. The orange chicken was a standout crispy, not oily at all, with that perfect tangy sauce that wasn't too thick or too thin. You can tell they really know what they're doing. Papaya salad was fresh and interesting too, especially with the addition of fresh eggplant something a little different in the best way. Service was top notch! Definitely coming back to try even more.

This review is based solely on the customer service, not the food…read more I called in my order over the phone without any issues. However, when I arrived to pay, the older gentleman at the counter informed me that they only accepted cash. It would have been helpful if that had been mentioned during the phone call so I could have come prepared. He told me to use the ATM next door, but I wasn't comfortable using a random ATM, so I checked my car to see if I had enough cash. Unfortunately, I didn't. When I returned to let him know, he suddenly pointed to the Apple Pay terminal, indicating that electronic payment was actually an option. As I attempted to pay, he repeatedly asked whether I wanted to leave an 18%, 20%, or 25% tip. I politely declined, but instead of processing the payment, he continued to pressure me, even offering me a free soda if I left a 25% tip on my $45 order. After repeatedly saying no and realizing he wasn't going to respect my answer, I walked out. I don't appreciate feeling pressured or manipulated into leaving a tip, especially when I was simply trying to pay for my order. The entire interaction left a very negative impression.

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Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung has delicious food & excellent service. It's worth a trip to UTC Westfield to eat…read morethere.

It was our first time coming in here and food was amazing and also customer service . Place are…read morebeautiful and clean .

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Starlite

After dinner at Kingfisher, we were looking for a great place to end the night with dessert, and…read moreStarlite turned out to be the perfect choice. The funniest part was actually finding the place. We kept looking at the Yelp photos of the exterior, and the logo made us think the restaurant was in a large standalone building. Our Tesla kept navigating us to the same location, but we couldn't find what we expected. On our second pass, FSD actually pulled us right in front of the entrance--even in a red zone for a brief moment--just so we could finally see the Starlite sign. It honestly felt like the car knew we weren't recognizing the place. It was such a funny experience that made FSD seem almost human. Once inside, we were blown away. The interior is absolutely top-notch--stylish, elegant, and full of character. The pistachio dessert and the chocolate mousse were pure heaven, rich, smooth, and beautifully presented. The hidden disco room with the waterfall is simply insane and adds such a unique vibe to the experience. Even the restrooms are thoughtfully designed and incredibly cool. Starlite isn't just a place for dessert--it's an experience from the moment you arrive until you leave. Highly recommended if you're looking for an unforgettable atmosphere paired with amazing desserts.

Absolutely ridiculous that their 21+ age requirement isn't listed anywhere except a third party…read moresite at the VERY BOTTOM, where absolutely no one has to look to make a reservation. Made reservations for my birthday. I thoroughly reviewed their website. This age requirement is NOWHERE on their website, so we booked a reservation with Open Table. No problems. We drive an HOUR to this freaking place to get turned away at the door because it's technically "a bar" even though they have a full dinner menu. When I point out none of this is advertised anywhere, I'm informed it's on Open Table, and that we should've seen it there, and were dismissed. They said they could give us another restaurant recommendation and then proceeded to just dismiss us without even that courtesy. We go back to verify this age limit, and it's there... one TINY line 2 scrolls down on the page, WAY beyond any of the information needed to just book a table, which is the only thing Open Table is used for. Complete waste of time for a poorly advertised bar with zero helpful staff on a dumpy street by the airport.

Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

Bar area after entering

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Cocktails are fun!

Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

6.3 mi

Great vibes and service. Drinks are always so yummy. Leo was especially nice and very helpful!read more

Great brunch, service and ambiance, everything tastes fresh keeping concept farm to tableread more

SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Catch of Day

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Strawberry Matcha Latte

Allegro Restaurant and Bar

Manuela was a fantastic server! Everything was wonderful and she made our experience so special and…read morefun!!

Alessio was fun, knowledgeable and attentive. My two kids give the food and service an A+ and so do…read morethe adults. Thank you for a lovely experience.

Tiramisu Cocktail Allegro Little Italy

Delicious Chilean Seabass

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Allegro little italy san diego delicious food

Born & Raised

We celebrated our anniversary here, and the entire experience was unforgettable. From the moment we…read morearrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel special. They were incredibly attentive, thoughtful, and made our celebration one to remember. The service was just as impressive as the food! And it's such a good vibe. We sat at the rooftop right before sunset. Beautiful!

We came in a couple weeks ago and everything was absolutely amazing! I loved that it was so elegant…read morefeeling, with a beautiful atmosphere filled with soft lighting, but also still so lively/fun, and with good music playing. The food and the service were equally outstanding. I really enjoyed all of the entertaining table side menu items they had available to order. Another thing that is always a really big nod to us of great service, is when they treat our kids just as well as us adults. They greeted them, spoke to them, and even ended up creating two mocktails from their personal preferences. We really appreciate that so much! We ended up ordering a variety of things to try for our family of four: the table side Caesar salad, the Steak Sampler, a Filet, Lobster, Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, and Truffle Fries - we loved it all! Perfectly cooked and everything we wanted it to be! We were so full, but after viewing the dessert cart all night, we had to try some! The most decadent, delicious, chocolate, layered cake was our pick. As we were waiting tho, we saw the table side banana foster dessert being made and had to order that too! No regrets!! It was all perfect!! They also kindly brought us out a really good peanut butter and jelly macron, but the star was that it was topped with a gold dusted Wu Tang emblem on top - LOVE!! PS - even the bathrooms were fun! I really look forward to trying more of their restaurants!

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

View from our table

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BURGUNDY SNAILS BONE MARROW & TOAST

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64 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Erik T.

96

4

0

11 months ago

I've had a lot of Thai food over the years, but Sang Dao truly stands out. I ordered the Drunken Noodles, and the flavor was absolutely amazing--rich, balanced, and full of fresh vegetables. Even though I got it to-go, the presentation was beautiful. Not many places take the time to make a takeout dish look that good, but Sang Dao does, and it really shows they care. I also tried the Combo Fried Rice with crab, calamari, shrimp, and chicken. It was loaded with fresh, flavorful meats, and each bite had something delicious in it. I've had great fried rice before, but this one is hard to beat, especially for how generous they are with the seafood and protein. Again, the presentation was top-notch. The Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings were another highlight--crispy, flavorful, and topped with sliced Serranos, peppers, and chives. As someone who loves wings (especially during football season), I've tried them all over, and these are some of the best I've had--super crunchy and seasoned perfectly. On another visit, I ordered the Papaya Salad (medium spicy, Lao style). It had the perfect kick and fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether Thai or Lao style, it's clear they know how to make it right. What really makes Sang Dao special is that they not only deliver incredible flavor but also care deeply about presentation--even for takeout. That's rare and something I truly appreciate. This restaurant is definitely underrated, and I highly recommend it. I'll be coming back here often! read more

Christina H.

91

73

5

12 years ago

This review is for my experience on my takeout only, as I have not eaten within this establishment. With that being said, it was really good Thai takeout and if you know how hard it is to please me with my satisfaction, that says a lot, I love my Thai, like, a lot but I am a hard judge on places who try to make it. My parents had mentioned this place to me when we were throwing out ideas for dinner a few nights before Thanksgiving. They had ordered a couple of times already and were big fans so I, naturally, thought it best I be the judge, myself. At first I had a hard time deciding what to order. They had a large menu to select from such as, kim chi fried rice? Sriracha noodles? Peanut pad thai? Jungle curry? And that only to name a few. We got: peanut pad thai (of course -- you can't stand between me and a dish that is both pad Thai AND peanut noodles), pineapple fried rice, green curry and soups, Tom Kar and Tom Yum. My least favorite dish was the curry which is mostly in part to my only mild affection for curries in general, not the establishment itself. Even not being a fan of curries I still found it somewhat good. This speaks volumes in itself. I am not going to elaborate too much more on each and every dish but the Tom Kar soup was outstanding. I wanted to straight drink it -- always indication of a good soup to me. I will most certainly be making a trip back and perhaps enjoy the inside as well. Highly recommend giving this place a try. read more

Jason N.

0

7

0

11 years ago

I have been at this restaurant three times, once by myself and twice with friends and family. The food is quite authentic Thai/Laotian food and the flavoring is that similar to what you would find in Laos or Thailand. The price is fair and the speed of service is quite adequate. By gripe is strictly the overall experience and attitude of one person in particular. We got to the restaurant about one hour prior to closing on a Saturday night. Was greeted by what I believe is the older son of the restaurant owner. He was wearing the shirt in Lao it says Sabaidee in front and Kobjaider in the back. He must have had a bad day and we must have ruined it by being the last people to come into the restaurant for the evening. When we got to the table he pretty much just threw the menu at us on the table. During the ordering process he was extremely impatient and was rolling his eyes as we went from one person to another. When we asked him questions about items he showed some sarcasm instead of answering the question straight up. That was our gripe. Perhaps it is an isolated incident and he really had a long day but it is not an excuse to behave the way he did. OK -- the younger kid who served us was ***** (5 stars). Positive attitude all the way and was really nice. FOOD **** (4 STARS) SPEED OF SERVICE ***** (5 STARS) QUALITY OF SERVICE * (1 STAR) OVERALL ** (2 STARS) The next time we are in town we may give them another try. read more

Dan N.

187

88

11

12 years ago

This Thai is more like a lovely home with a nice garden view than those places in the commercial strip mall. I love the atmosphere there inside and out. It makes me feel like I can unwind from the hectic day. I've never eaten anything that I did not like or had to send back to be reheated. The grilled shrimp and mango salad was great with the lemongrass and spices, grilled salmon in Thai banana leaves was excellent with lemon-chili dip, steamed veggies and jasmine rice was just wonderful on the taste buds! Make sure to save room for the famous fresh mango and sweet sticky rice too. Try some of chef's feature wines that so compliment each special they've created. Also don't be afraid to ask the server which wine compliments each dish, as they will let you know which will give you the best flavor per dish! The service was so friendly and made me feel pampered. I felt as though my server was a friend who had been over for dinner and wanted to make sure I was enjoying what she had dished up to me. I strongly recommend you to just stop by at this Thai and you'll enjoy it too, Guaranteed! read more

Luke G.

64

78

5

12 years ago

After reading all of the previous great reviews, I think we may have gone to the wrong place. Maybe they had a bad day but the Pad Thai was flavorless and the chicken in it very dry. The Panang curry chicken was way too oily and not very spicy they never even asked me how hot I wanted it. A common practice I have found other places. The sticky rice was so fused together we couldn't pry chunks apart with chopsticks. I asked the waitress for new rice and she acted offended. She did compile but the next bowl wasn't any better than the first, so I let it go. For amount of money, you'd think the two entrees and one sticky rice would be spectacular but that was not so. The rice ordered came in a bowl that looked far too large for the serving. I could have held my three year olds fist up to the rice and would been bigger - in other words tiny. There are way too many other excellent Thai food restaurants to go back here. Glad we took a few extra pairs of chopsticks to increase our meal value! Steer clear, you have been warned! read more

Law A.

388

9

0

17 years ago

First time here, was invited by my friend after I told her that her twitter/fb updates with pictures from the place made we wanna try it. Anyway, i haven't tried enough Thai to be giving 5 stars to any particular location, but this simply is the best Thai food I've ever tasted in San Diego. Prices are reasonable, service was great. Make sure to try the papaya salad, and that was very spicy, just like how i wanted it. The drunken noodles were on point, since it had that distinct taste of basil that you can taste with each bite. Also we tried this curry called Choo Chee, which is a red curry. We got the curry with shrimp but next time I'm gonna try it with chicken. I loved it so you will you. SANG DAO - Law approved! read more

Van N.

54

37

14

10 years ago

These guys do Lao and Thai Food. Roommate suggested this place for good Thai Food. I had the Boat Noodles and the Fried Egg Rolls. The Boat Noodles could have been spicier but it's okay cause they had the dried chili peppers at the table to spice it up. There were a couple of pieces of meat in the noodle dish that were so hard to chew I had to spit them out. Overall the noodle dish was good and the customer service was excellent and that is why I went 4 stars because the servers there were very nice and answered all my questions. The cute female server even came over and asked me how my meal was which was a plus. read more

Vinh N.

0

2

1

8 months ago

I had an amazing experience at this Thai restaurant. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, everything from the appetizers to the main dishes was delicious. The curry and pad thai were especially outstanding, full of rich flavor and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for any occasion. I'm already looking forward to coming back and highly recommend this place to anyone who loves authentic Thai cuisine! The owner Mike was very kind! The Thai Tea is also really good. read more

Victoria H.

116

3

4

5 years ago

I went to college in a big Khmer/Lao neighborhood and was missing stuff like Lao sausage, nam khao, mango sticky rice, and good, properly pungent and spicy papaya salad - and Sang Dao absolutely delivered! Get the red curry catfish and the little tapioca balls at the front (just like Vietnamese banh bot loc). The dudes working there are really kind and recognize us now, probably because we keep buying sausages. Lao places are hard to come by (Thai food is considered more "trendy") so I feel lucky that Sang Dao just by our church. Will keep coming back, and hoping to try their sauces too!! read more

Gwen D.

17

9

1

12 years ago

To be very honest I am a fan of them. They are pretty much Good in their almost all of the departments. They are good in everything I would say. That was a sudden incident to go there. I was just walking in the street near Sang Dao, Saw it, Wanted to try it, and get in to it..... It was really a good restaurant to go. Got a place to sit. Served nicely and tried some of the finest food in there. Service was great and the staff was friendly and nice . I loved this place. I think i should have to try it again. I would do it soon. I would recommend this place for folks. read more

Tom L.

441

65

46

12 years ago

This place has pretty good authentic Thai food. Every time I come here I would always get their Pad Se Ew with a side of fried garlic, it is soooo good!!! I have tried their other dishes like their pad thai, papaya salad, chicken larb, khao poon and their curry; all were pretty good as well. They also serve sushi now. Which i find is odd, but maybe it's just me. Their service were nice and friendly. What sucks was the parking. Sometimes I would want to come eat here, but every time the parking lot is packed; so i would just order it to go. read more

Matthew W.

Elite 11

125

101

31

18 years ago

I agree with Nancy P. This is the BEST AUTHENTIC LAO/THAI/CHINESE restaurant here in San Diego. Having been to Thailand quite a few times I was a bit spoiled by the quality of the food there. Lucky me. Unfortunately all of my favorite Thai places here in San Diego just didn't taste the same anymore. That is, until I found this place. I always try to order the stir fried Morning Glories - a typical Thai vegetable dish. Most places don't have this.. but Sang Dao Does..... gotta love it... I'm going there tomorrow! read more

Samantha C.

Elite 18

242

308

68

11 years ago

I live down the street so we visit Sang Dao pretty often. The prices are decent, the customer service is usually very good. Even at their busiest, I've never encountered rude staff or a long wait. I'm a little sad that they stopped serving sushi, but their food is always worth the visit. I recommend their Mee Ka Tee, Drunken noodles and any curry. My fiancee loves their Khao Piak Sen, Lad Nar and their Lao style papaya salad. If you're craving spicy and authentic, Sang Dao is definitely your go to place. read more

Merry D.

196

16

3

12 years ago

I came here to get an order to go for the first time. I ordered their stir fried noodles, lard salad, and their thai bbq. I did not really care much for the lard salad, but their stir fried noodles was super yummy in my tummy. LOL. However, I am not sure if they forgot to put some kind of sauce with my bbq because the beef meet was very dry and a bit chewy. They were very busy when I came. I am guessing because it was dinner time on a weekend. However, the staff was very accommodating and friendly. read more

Richard C.

0

2

0

3 years ago

This restaurant appears to be family-owned, and it is always pleasant to visit. It features Laotian dishes as well as Thai, so there are new flavors to enjoy. Be sure to check out the cooler near the cash register for dishes that are not on the menu. There is a parking lot between the restaurant and El Cajon Blvd. that generally has free spaces. The restaurant is east of El Pollo Loco, whose bright sign is easily spotted. It's closed on by Mondays. read more

Adam K.

159

160

17

12 years ago

My mom used to make me come here all the time. Prior to that, I never had Thai food, now I get it at least once per month. Even though my mom doesn't like coming back here, I do cause the food is good and I know all the servers. I feel like I've had every dish. My favorite is the slices of crispy port and read roast pork that they serve on rice. It's covered with soy sauce. read more

Patty B.

5

48

26

2 months ago

This is my go-to spot for Thai/ Lao food! I ordered the Lao-style papaya salad, and it was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and made just right. They were also very generous with the sticky rice, which was a great bonus. The food is always fresh, authentic, and satisfying. If you're craving Thai or Lao cuisine, I highly recommend giving this place a try! read more

haeji h.

13

9

0

18 years ago

loved the food here! had bbq pork, pad thai, morning glory, duck curry, and todd mun pla! it was great!! it was great food for the price (range from $6-9) and ... for great portions. don't be scared by outside -- if you want quality food, you would park yourself at the restaurant for authentic thai. thumbs up! read more

Joe V.

244

68

4

7 years ago

The parking is a hit or miss, but I can usually find a spot. The soups here are good, as well as the papaya salad and wings. The staff is very friendly and this is a popular spot for Lao/Thai food. The food is delicious and always fresh, even when we order To Go. read more

Ashley O.

1

44

26

3 years ago

Love this place! The best hole in the wall spot. So underrated and so so good!!!! If you're debating come here and get the golden wings. I love the simplicity but flavor those wings have and they're so good with the sticky rice and sauce. read more

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