Khao Tiew

Unlike most old West Portal restaurants, Khao Tiew is a buzzy restaurant that’s filled most nights. Groups of friends make up the majority of the tables in the dining room that has ’70s Thai ads and movie posters on the walls. This spot is serving notched-up versions of Thai classics that we’d go out of our way for, like the tom yum seafood hotpot—it’s sour, tangy, just the right amount of creamy, and comes in a mobile hotpot that’s warmed via flame, so it’ll never get cold. The duck breast panang curry should also get your attention: it’s got tender duck and a thin but still flavorful curry with a zing of kaffir lime.

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez