Los Angeles: Sapp in Thai Town [Pics]

Sapp is a very popular Thai restaurant in the heart of L.A.’s Thai Town, and one which specializes in jaan diaw, or “one plate” meals -- noodle soups, fried noodles, and various rice plates and fried rice dishes. The fact that the English sign reads, “Sapp Coffee Shop,” is not ironic. While Sapp does not do a whole lot of trade in coffee, it is a Thai-style "diner," and, as such, it is a place where Thais go to hover over the Thai equivalents of steak&egg plates, pancakes, breakfast omelettes, etc.

Amongst Thais and Westerners alike, Sapp is considered the premier Thai Town destination for kũay tĩaw reua, or spicy "boat" noodle soup.* Below are pictures from one of two visits that I paid Sapp last week, just to dine on their wonderful rendition of this classic dish.


signage


"breakfast served any time"


kũay tĩaw reua néua thúk yàang - "the works"


up close - beef tendon

Just as it is customary in Thailand, diners at Sapp have several options when ordering this dish. The Sapp menu lists three basic options:

“boat noodles with beef [kũay tĩaw reua]” – incl. brisket, flank, and beef balls
“boat noodles with beef Special [kũay tĩaw reua néua thúk yàang]” – incl. brisket, flank, beef balls, tendon, liver, and tripe
“boat noodles with pork [kũay tĩaw reua mũu]” – incl. pork meat in lieu of beef

Of course, a “boat” noodle shop would have no appeal to Thais if it did not admit for infinite customization. At Sapp, you are free to pick-and-choose your constituent beef bits, adding or subtracting to your heart’s content. What type of noodles do you want? Rice vermicelli noodles (sên mìi)? Phàt thai noodles (sên lék)? Wide rice noodles (sên yài)? Heck, if it is “boat” noodle soup that you want, but you don’t want any noodles, just ask for kao-lão kũay tĩaw reua.** And, remember, you are fairly expected to tell them exactly how spicy you would like your soup.

The dish arrives at table accompanied by a condiment trolley containing small bins of sugar, chopped green chile which has been pickled in vinegar, and crushed red chile. Go ahead. No one is looking. Knock yourself out.



Other dishes that I enjoy at Sapp include:

“b.b.q. chicken [kài yâang]” - Issan-style grilled chicken
“curry chicken with curry rice [khâo mòk kài]” - A Thai chicken “biryani” of sorts
“pork leg with rice [khâo khãa mũu]” - stewed tender pork hock over rice
“Thai spam fried rice [khâo phàt nãem]”
“phad see ew [phàt sii-yú]”
“lard nar gravy with ground beef [râat nâa khîi mao néua sàp]”
“steamed chicken with rice [khâo man kài]" - 'Hainan' chicken
“ground pork with curry [khîi mao mũu sàp]” - ‘drunkard’s’ minced pork
“fried scrambled egg with Thai spam, chili and onion [nãem phàt khài]”

Regards,
Erik M.

Sapp
5183 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323.665.1035
Closed Wednesdays


* I have written about kũay tĩaw reua at some length, here.

** This is an option with nearly all Thai noodle soups.

Excellent posts, Erik. Keep'em coming!

Scott

I just flipped over the boat noodles with the works. Some of the posts on Chowhound refer to the soup's funkiness (especially its smell), but I think one would have to be seriously liver-averse to react negatively to "the works." The tendon and tripe add interesting texture and the waitress and/or chef read my mind re: spiciness quotient. It was perfect as is.

By comparison, the Jade Noodles were a disappointing. No amount of added chilis or sauce or condiments made the mix right for me -- the choice seemed to be bland noodles with tasty roast meat or piquant noodles with some protein that didn't add much to the mix.

The kai yaang was good, too, but for me it was all about the boat noodles, a soup I'd gladly travel mucho miles to sample again.

I'm having lunch in Thai town tomorrow - at the Palm Restaurant. *Crosses fingers in hopes it's delish*

OneTallCaChef wrote:I'm having lunch in Thai town tomorrow - at the Palm Restaurant. *Crosses fingers in hopes it's delish*

Oy.

Let us know when they are moving.

E.M.