Can Coon Thai in Bellflower, CA

Last time I was in this area, I posted about a fabulous Thai meal at Renu Nakorn, and TonyC was kind enough to reply with a suggestion of a place that he thinks is even better: Can Coon.* So, today I hit Can Coon for lunch, and had a most enjoyable meal in this very humble place. Eddie and VJ (father and son) were among the most welcoming restaurateurs I've encountered, and the tiny place just had an incredibly warm vibe. I told VJ that I loved Thai food and had come all the way from Chicago, with Can Coon on my short list of places to try. I asked him to bring me whatever he thought I should eat.

I started with Nam Kao Tod, a dish I've enjoyed immensely at Lotus of Siam in Las Vegas, and the dish which was probably the first to make me a huge fan of Thai cuisine. Can Coon's was a little different than other versions. I'm used to having the deep fried rice balls broken up into smaller pieces - In Can Coon's version, crispy fried rice came in chunks that probably averaged about an inch and half by an inch. For me, that took the balance of the dish a little off kilter. Also, though I'm pretty sure the menu advertised the dish as having "minced sausage," and that's what I've had elsewhere, I was pretty sure that the version I had at Can Coon just contained plain old ground pork chunks. Nonetheless, the dressing was tasty, the rice was crispy, and the dish was a success, even if not the transcendent success I've had elsewhere.

Nam Kao Tod:




VJ also brought me Can Coon's "famous" Issan sausage, and it was remarkable. I've had a lot of Issan sausage lately, and I really think this was the best. It was very moist and juicy, with just the right amount of crispy bits, and I really liked the coarse, uneven grind that the meat and rice got. The sour, funky flavors were just right for me too.

Issan Sausage:



I'm on a roll of good eating in Los Angeles, and wish I had more time to explore the area's wonderful ethnic cuisines.


Can Coon
9887 Alondra Blvd
Bellflower, CA
(562) 925-0993

*OK, Tony wasn't quite that kind - he called Renu Nakorn, the place I had just praised, "craptastic". Nonetheless, I always appreciate constructive suggestions).

awww shucks Kenny, I am SOOO sorry I didn't respond earlier. They only make about 100 sausages a week, all stuffed by the family.

Can Coon, and it's neighbor, Khun Lek Kitchen, along with the re-opened Renu Nakorn and my old go-to, Rachada + the uber friendly Thai Issan (in Cerritos) are holding down Issan food in the (562)

But Tony...which one is the most craptastic? LOL

I will add that other than that somewhat sour, porky good Issan sausage...which is highly addictive, I can be ok whichever way. Now tell me Jack stopped selling tacos and I'll be heartbroken!