Roasted Duck by Pa Ord

Roasted Duck by Pa Ord Review: Try Thai Town’s Best Duck Restaurant | Eater LA

"Opened in 2024 in the former Pa Ord space in Thai Town, this strip mall spot proves Auntie Ord (Lawan Bhanduram) isn’t a one‑trick pony after establishing herself in the 1990s with famed boat noodles. The focus is roasted duck, and each bird is painstakingly prepped—massaged with a honey marinade, the skin dried overnight, then roasted—so you’ll spot golden ducks hanging by their necks while Auntie Ord putters around the kitchen. The roasted duck special is mandatory: get a quarter for $25 or a half for $35, and choose between jade noodles or steamed white rice (if dining for two, get both). For something off the beaten path, the spicy roasted duck salad pops with strawberries and crunchy apples in a chile‑lime dressing, while heat seekers should go for the wok‑fired spicy basil duck over rice, loaded with fresh Thai basil and streaks of Thai chiles. Don’t love duck? The fried pork belly with jaew dipping sauce is a welcome, ultra‑savory appetizer. I recommend the sweetened chrysanthemum tea—it’s floral, caffeine‑free, and a soothing salve with spicy dishes. Portions range from single servings to family meals that feed up to four, and the menu stays on theme with stewed duck noodle soup, holy basil stir‑fried duck, spicy duck salad, and duck green curry. Insider tip: this small operation sells out of duck by day’s end, so arrive hours before the 9 p.m. close or come for lunch." - Kat Thompson