Kaphrao Express, Costa Mesa
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Kaphrao Express, Costa Mesa Reviews
44 ratings
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One of my fav Thai restaurants in Orange County. fried chicken dish is always a banger- the chicken pieces are fried perfectly with super crispy outer layer while maintaining the juiciness inside and pairs super well with the sweet chili sauce provided on the side.
Pad kee Mao was flavorful and had a spiciness that was enjoyable. Panang curry with steak was yummy (steak was super tender) but wish there were more veggies included. Great portion size and price is pretty reasonable!...read full review
Pad kee Mao was flavorful and had a spiciness that was enjoyable. Panang curry with steak was yummy (steak was super tender) but wish there were more veggies included. Great portion size and price is pretty reasonable!...read full review
New to the area and have been trying out different spots, and this Thai place is by far my favorite (bold and authentic)! I tried the Kaphrao #1 recommended by a guy named Neil. He gave me great suggestions and was super accommodating. They cater to your spice level and have a lot of options for protein. Love that it's made fresh to go, considering the service was quick! Could not recommend this place more, shoutout to Neil for making my visit.
My favorite local Thai restaurant! Everything is made fresh to order, you can go outside to watch your dish being made individually in the wok! Everyone there is friendly. The food is delicious, level 2 spicy is the perfect amount of spice for me. I highly recommend trying it out!
Hours
| Monday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Tuesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Sunday | 11AM - 9PM |
Kaphrao Express is a tiny spot that is more geared for takeout vs dine in, with a row of high bar tables along the side wall that would allow for maybe 10 people. The menu is very simple, with six dishes that can be made with different proteins. The food is full of flavor, with tender meat, not overly saucy or salty, and the portions are a great size with fresh ingredients. The pad Thai with crispy pork and pork egg rolls are a 10/10. The fried chicken dish is always a banger, with chicken pieces fried perfectly with a super crispy outer layer while maintaining the juiciness inside, and it pairs super well with the sweet chili sauce provided on the side. The pad kee Mao is flavorful with an enjoyable spiciness, and the Panang curry with steak is yummy with super tender steak. The pad Thai with Pork butt had one chunk that wasn't completely cooked through, but it was the only one. The owner is always friendly and courteous and is very receptive to adding or subtracting anything, so there is the ability to make changes. There is an order kiosk that shows the estimated time to make each item, but there is no payment terminal set up, so payment is submitted to the cashier. The space itself needs attention, but with low expectations on ambience, this place delivers.