Mae Malai Review: Mae Malai Has the Best and Most Affordable Boat Noodles | Eater LA

"Once a bright street stand on Hollywood Boulevard slinging boat noodles and pandan coconut custard, this casual, award-winning Thai spot — acknowledged by the Michelin Guide — now operates from permanent digs with about a dozen tables, counter seating, and an expanded, wok-fired menu. Owner Malai Data stays steadfast about offering an unabridged taste of Thailand (no peanut butter in the pad Thai), rounding out regional appetizers like glistening Isaan sausage and steaming, chile-flecked noodle soups with two pad Thai preparations, including the old-school Anusawari loaded with dried shrimp and flavored with sweetened radish and tamarind paste. Noodles remain affordable and true to what you’d be served in Thailand: the famed boat noodles start at $8.95, with choices of pork or beef and myriad noodle shapes, and every bowl can be customized via a condiment caddy of chile vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, and dried chile powder. For a spicier, tangier option, the tom yum noodle soup comes loaded with crispy pork belly cubes, peanuts, chicharrones, pork meatballs, and a fried wonton wrapper shaped like a bow. Don’t skip kanom tuay, a steamed pandan and salty coconut milk custard traditionally served alongside boat noodles, and remember the intentionally small bowls are meant to be ordered in multiples to experiment with different noodle and protein combinations. The expanded kitchen also turns out homemade sausages, sticky tamarind-glazed meatballs, wonton soup, and steamed coconut custard for dessert." - Kat Thompson