Hanuman Thai Eatery

Excellent food and service. We enjoyed all three dishes. Masaman steak with curry sauce was delicious and flavorful. Khao-Soi was presented with fried noodles sticks and a little spicy but satisfying. Pad See Ew with chicken was savory, salty and sweet. The server was very attentive and friendly and even offered water for our dog.

Everything is always cooked to perfection. The desserts are all incredible, I highly recommend the coconut ice cream with sticky rice. For mains, the pad see ew is wonderful. The yellow curry is amazing, it’s a little light on the curry though so next time I might ask for an extra side of curry. Absolutely delicious. This is hands down my favorite Thai place and worth the lines.

Food was excellent and has lots of unique flavor profiles, even for Thai food which already has a wide variety. Stadd were very kind, attentive, and pleasant to talk to.

So hot right now.... The lines are insane so expect to wait at least an hour if you’re not there right when they open. Best move is to get there early, put your name down, and go chill in your car or walk around. The parking lot also sucks. It’s tight and gets packed fast. Once you're in, the food is great overall. Definitely worth trying if you're down to wait. Mocktail: Get Super cute and really tasty. Ours was creamy, fruity, and topped with puffed rice and a flower. Definitely a fun one to try. Wings: Get These were fire. Crispy, juicy, and came with sticky rice and a dipping sauce. One of the best things we had all night. Khao Soi: Get Rich and comforting. Loved the crispy noodles and curry broth. It’s a good pick if you want something warm and filling. Curry with Steak: Maybe? The curry itself was bomb but the steak was tougher than expected. Still tasty, just not the best texture. Dessert: Get This was a surprise hit. Great texture, nice presentation, and just a really satisfying end to the meal. The server we had came off pretty pretentious which kinda killed the vibe a little. It didn’t ruin the meal, but definitely noticeable. Food: 8/10 Service: 5/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 6/10

Hanuman Thai Eatery is a gem for authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with thoughtful decor that reflects the restaurant’s dedication to Thai culture. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by their Pork Spicy Basil, a dish bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and just the right amount of heat. The savory minced pork pairs perfectly with a fried egg and jasmine rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Another standout dish was their Tom Yum Soup, served bubbling hot in a clay pot, which kept it warm throughout the meal. The soup is rich and tangy, with a balance of lemongrass, lime, and chili that’s both comforting and invigorating. The service is attentive and friendly, and the restaurant’s presentation of dishes is a step above the norm—everything from the plating to the tableware feels carefully curated. If you enjoy bold flavors and authentic Thai dishes, Hanuman Thai Eatery should be on your list. I’ll definitely be returning for more Pork Spicy Basil and to explore other offerings from their tempting menu.

This is one of the restaurants I always want to visit whenever I go to L.A. The food is absolutely exceptional, and the restaurant is very clean and well-kept. However, if there’s one downside, it’s that the staff seems to rush to clear the table and seat the next guests, which left a bad impression. Even though I understand that the place gets busy because the food is great, it was unpleasant that they started taking away dishes without asking, as if hurrying us to leave. There were three of us, and we had only been sitting for about 40 minutes when they took away two of our plates without a word. It really affected our experience negatively. I sincerely hope they stop rushing customers out like that. On the bright side, the service in terms of things like refilling water was excellent. I truly think the food is top-notch. Just a heads-up—because the restaurant is quite small, it’s probably not ideal for large groups.

Has a long wait if 45 minutes but we were seated a little before that time.... The food is worth the hype....I would highly recommend to reserve before you go... They do not have a lot of space to seat people

The food was delicious we went with the most popular choices which were the Hanuman Fried rice and Pad See Ew. The mocktail was too sweet for my taste. Has nice decor but it's a small spot. The servers were very attentive and our food was out fast! Overall I'd definitely go back for the food and want to try more dishes!

Hanuman Thai - Khao Soi Worthy of Obsession 10/10 one of the best meals I've ever had This isn't just dinner, it's the kind of dish that makes you rethink everything you've ever considered "flavorful." The curry base is rich, velvety, and layered with spice in a way that's both indulgent and balanced. The crispy noodles on top add that addictive crunch, while the tender chicken falls right off the bone. Add in the fresh lime, shallots, and chili paste, and you've got the most decadent, crave-inducing bowl of comfort I've ever had. If I could choose one meal to eat every single day for the rest of my life, this would be it. I'd even drive two hours out of my way just to get another taste. Now, fair warning: their pad Thai didn't blow me away but let's be honest, that's just filler when compared to this masterpiece. The Khao Soi is the crown jewel, the reason you come here, and the dish you'll dream about long after you leave. If you haven't tried it yet, do yourself a favor and go. This is as close to a 10/10 as food gets. One of those out-of-this-world experiences that's impossible to fully capture in words : complex, and absolutely unforgettable.

The food was perfect. Ordered so much. Service was great too and they were very quick. Ambiance is a bit loud, but it's fun on the inside. It is extremely busy, I suggest using the virtual queue but expect to wait at least an hour. Highly recommend you try it! (Please get the mango sticky rice too! It has cool blue rice, very tasty!) And get the thai tea!

Omg this place was amazing! Food was the best Thai I've ever had! Coconut ice cream for dessert was so good too! Make sure to get on waitlist! Small place but A++++ food ( large portions) and service Looking forward to going back!

Amazing Thai food! Went to Hanuman for dinner and it did not disappoint. Service was friendly and efficient, and the food was fantastic. Portions are generous. Great for sharing family style or ordering your own dish. I had the Thai fried rice with chicken and would recommend it to everyone. So good I'm already planning my next visit. Make a reservation. We had a reservation and were seated right away. By around 6:30-7:00 pm there was a line outside, and when we were chatting at the table after eating they asked us to leave. I'd recommend making a reservation if you can since the restaurant isn't huge.

This is a very interesting restaurant. It has all the pieces to be one of South Orange County's finest and best restaurants. It has a Michelin Star written all over it, but the pieces are put together wrong. The design and execution of what the kitchen creates does not do the kitchen any good. The front of the house is so disorganized that the back of the house, the food, the product is compromised. Let start with what is right about Hanuman Thai Eatery: the food! Excellent! Fresh and flavorful. The staff is kind and helpful. The location is beautiful and central to OC. The style is like you are on the island of Bali, very nice, exotic. What is not so good about the front of the house is how they manage the waitlist. Yes, We put our name on the Yelp list at 6:45 p.m. and were told our "estimated" seating time would be 7:30 p.m. We arrived at 7:30 p.m. and checked in. No problem, we waited in our car......and waited......and waited.... so I checked in again, and were told they are running late. At 8:00 p.m. we checked again, and more apologies and excuses.... so we waited longer. At 8;30 p.m. we checked again, and were told we are not on the waitlist. I reminded the same gal that I checked in at 7:30 p.m and here is my app on my phone, we are 13th in line. OOOHHH she says, Yes! More apologies and excuses. We finally sat down outside at 9:15 p.m. The food came at 9:30 p.m. The menu is limited and could use more veggies. There is an imbalance of proteins and cooked veggies. The curry came poured out on a plate with rice? It should be presented in a bowl to keep the heat and flavor in it. They ran out of mangos and sticky rice, of course. There is a large parking lot they use for the waiting area. Why not build a platform and create a larger seating area with tables? They have the room to sit 40 - 50 more people to increase sales and make people happy like us who had to wait for two hours to be sat down. I hope they figure out these issues, because this is a restaurant with such great potential. One more final "It irks me," is they gave me my bill with three choices of tip: 20%, 22%, and 25%. What? You think this is the Capital Grille? Mortons? Maestros? NO, silly. I had to get out my phone and type in 18% to figure out the tip. 25% tip!! That is funny. You make me wait three hours and expect that kind of tip?

Service? So good, so quick. Food? Amazing. The Pad Thai Boran was the unexpected star here, being perfectly seasoned and having consistent flavor. The wings, "Gat Todd Hat Yai" are popular for a reason, paired with a really nice sweet and sour dipping sauce. Lastly, the Khao Soi was also delicious, with an incredibly creamy sauce that tastes homey and authentic. The Thai tea was a tad sweet, but the overall flavor was great. Definitely a must try! Went at 3:30 and only waited a few minutes! Thankfully they also have a yelp waitlist

After finishing a movie with a good friend, we couldn't decide on where to go to grab dinner. Friend suggested Hanuman - which tbh, I've never heard of before despite it making Yelp's Top 100 list at some point. When we got here, there was a 50 minute wait (somehow, I missed the option to waitlist myself on Yelp when I had initially looked them up after friend's suggestion). The friendly hostess told us that we will likely be seated sooner, since it's near closing, and they are encouraging diners to leave after they are done eating. We were seated in a table right next to the window - which was great for people watching while we waited. Andrew was our friendly and attentive waiter for the evening. It was great that he even asked upfront whether we had any food allergies - a thoughtful gesture that most places wouldn't think of asking. For an appetizer, friend and I split the Thai Sausages ($14). Both sausages were full of flavor, I enjoyed the different accompaniments that came with the plate. I ordered the Street Noodle - a pork-themed broth soup that had a pleasant, aromatic base to it. The meat to noodles ratio was great - noodles were al dente, I enjoyed the flavorful meatballs and sliced pork. Each sip of the broth was rich of flavor. It wasn't too spicy, and I enjoyed the crunchy topping once it softened up a bit more in my soup. Friend had the drunken noodle, which he ordered extra spicy - and paid the price lol. We're complete opposites in terms of spice when it comes to eating. He managed to somehow finish his meal - but I couldn't even sample it considering how I didn't like spicy food. It looked great though. The dining room has great aesthetics. Parking is easy to find, since we came in the evening, so a lot of the strip mall's businesses were already closed. While the food was great - it wasn't out of this world amazing. The nearly hour long wait would be a huge consideration factor for me if thinking of revisiting this spot again. It is open until 10pm, so that's a plus.

I loved: Pad See Ew Rak-Na I really liked: Lost on Samul Thai Tea Creme Brulee This was good: Massaman Steak Hanuman continues to impress. The Pad See Ew is phenomenal, perfectly balanced with great mouthfeel. It's one of those dishes that's instantly satisfying and hard to beat. The Rak-Na is also a standout. The lychee hits just right, super refreshing and honestly so drinkable I could've downed it in one go. Lost on Samul is another hit with its minty freshness, great for cleansing the palate between bites. I really enjoyed the Thai Tea Crème Brûlée. The Thai tea flavor blends beautifully with the creamy brûlée base, and it's just light enough to not weigh you down after a full meal. A great twist on a classic dessert. The Massaman Steak didn't hit quite the same. Everything in the dish works well on its own, the curry is flavorful, the roti and rice are solid, but the steak feels like the weak link. It doesn't quite tie the dish together, and I left wondering if the chicken thigh I originally wanted would've been a better match. Hard to say, but especially next to a dish as good as the Pad See Ew, it's a tough comparison. Big shoutout to the kitchen for moving fast. We got our food before the drinks even landed. And the portion sizes are generous, you won't leave hungry. Hanuman is definitely one of the better Thai spots in the area. It's got a great vibe, and if you can sit inside, the place is well decorated. The dining area does spill outside because it's so popular through which isn't as great of an experience but the food is so good, it's probably worth it. Already looking forward to visit number three.

8.7/10 Panang Steak - This plate is seriously aesthetic. That's what first caught my eye and drew me to the restaurant. That said, the portion size is on the smaller side. I was able to finish the entire meal easily, so it might not be filling enough for someone with a bigger appetite.The curry was flavorful and paired amazingly with the steak--it was honestly a great combo! I just wish they had included a bit more steak. One downside: I was dining outdoors, so the food cooled off pretty quickly. Price - $23.00 before tax and tip--not a bad price for steak! While the portion wasn't huge, the presentation was excellent and definitely added to the experience.

So hot right now.... The lines are insane so expect to wait at least an hour if you're not there right when they open. Best move is to get there early, put your name down, and go chill in your car or walk around. The parking lot also sucks. It's tight and gets packed fast. Once you're in, the food is great overall. Definitely worth trying if you're down to wait. Mocktail: Get Super cute and really tasty. Ours was creamy, fruity, and topped with puffed rice and a flower. Definitely a fun one to try. Wings: Get These were fire. Crispy, juicy, and came with sticky rice and a dipping sauce. One of the best things we had all night. Khao Soi: Get Rich and comforting. Loved the crispy noodles and curry broth. It's a good pick if you want something warm and filling. Curry with Steak: Maybe? The curry itself was bomb but the steak was tougher than expected. Still tasty, just not the best texture. Dessert: Get This was a surprise hit. Great texture, nice presentation, and just a really satisfying end to the meal. The server we had came off pretty pretentious which kinda killed the vibe a little. It didn't ruin the meal, but definitely noticeable. Food: 8/10 Service: 5/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 6/10

Insanely busy Thai restaurant? Let's get after it. First off the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. Why is this my first highlight? Because they were PACKED. Kitchen was like a war zone. You got cooks gettin down and pumpin food orders out. Wait staff dialed in. But you had to really look for the controlled chaos. Coming in, you just felt welcomed. As far as the food, from appetizer to main mean, nothing was left on our plates. I got to spend a few months in Thailand when I was in the military. Coming total restaurants it's a tall order to say it beats what I ate over there.... But here, they made it happen. From great recommendations from the staff and them walking you through what you'd like vs might not enjoy, my co workers were easily able to navigate the menu and everyone ended up full and happy. It's a family owned restaurant so definitely stop by and show them some love.

This might actually be my favorite Thai restaurant. I wish I could try everything on the menu :'D So many favorites from this dinner but the Gai Todd Hat Yai (fried chicken) is a must have appetizer! The sauce and flakes complimented the chicken well giving it extra crunch and sweetness. The lamb-a-singh was also fantastic, cooked very well and flavorful. The drunken noodles had a nice kick to it, I'd say maybe it was a bit saltier than I'd like but still very tasty. As for drinks, I got a mocktail of the mango sticky rice drink but wow it was quite literally mango sticky rice in drink form! Of course, we also got the actual mango sticky rice dessert and it was a great way to end it, just what you'd expect. The vibe of the place itself is quite warm and vibrant! The service was great as well with waiters checking in at great times. Love this place, will definitely need to come back when I'm in the area again. I just cry that it's not closer to me

I love love love this place. One of the best thai restaurants in OC and one of my personal favorites. Everything is delicious, but I highly recommend the Khao Soi and Panang Curry with steak. The service is amazing. They are very attentive, efficient, and friendly! Highly recommend making a reservation if you'd like to visit for dinner or have a large party.

Hanuman satisfied my Thai food craving. It's a popular place so join the Yelp wait list or expect a wait. After a 50 minute wait my friends and I were seated outside. We had a lovely server and were attended to just the right amount of times. The Crying Tiger was my favorite dish. The filet was so tender and the flavors were punchy. Their traditionally prepared Pad Thai hit all the marks although I suggest that you venture out and go with one of their more exciting dishes. I really enjoyed the Spicy Basil Pad Ga Pow Kai Do. The presentation was beautiful with the egg and rice on the side and the flavors all melded together so well when mixed.

Super happy they added the Yelp waitlist and hopefully it stays! This place is always busy and for good reason. Food is always great - we got the chicken satay (I could eat that peanut sauce on a shoe), khao soi and massaman curry with steak. All delicious and flavorful. Mocktails were great & the service was stellar!

Hanuman Thai Eatery is a popular Thai restaurant located in Newport Beach. Although it sits in an unassuming plaza near the airport, this spot has become extremely well known to the locals. This is because the dishes are all very well made with bold flavors that balance each other out. My favorite dish was the ceviche, as the fresh and bright flavors were super surprising yet delightful. The service is always friendly and efficient, although it often gets really busy so go early! Overall, Hanuman is one of my favorite Thai restaurants in the Orange County area!

We've been here a few times and every time it's been 10/10. This place is top tier, from the wait staff to the food. Be prepared to wait. I prefer to sit inside and usually wait a little longer to do so, but the experience is worth it. I've had so many things here, and a few highlights: fried chicken massaman, the coconut soup, and the pad thai.

WHAT I LOVED: thai tea, wa-non pudding overall this place is definitely worth recommending. the food was delicious and the service was great. i think it's a solid option in the costa mesa area, not my favorite thai food ever. the panang thai was a bit creamier than id go for which also made it have a stronger coconut flavor which isn't my preference. i also think it could've used way more spice. it wasn't spicy at all - so i guess if you don't like spicy food it's a good option! besides those critiques it was all fab! the thai tea was perfect and the thai sausages were yummy! i also think the wanon is worth the try. they were able to make it gluten free too which i loved! i didn't get to see the interior of the restaurant as we sat outside. in terms of outside seating, there's not much ambiance it really does feel like you're sitting outside eating in a strip mall but i didn't mind it. i wouldn't take someone here and sit outside if they were visiting but for a casual dinner spot it's okay!

Still my favorite spot for Thai food in OC! The karee with hangar steak and pad see ew are must tries. Service is always great, and I love that the casual atmosphere but elevated dishes make it a perfect spot for any occasion (just be prepared to wait in line).

Waited about an hour to be seated for dinner time. Lots of parking available. I was surprised to see that the restaurant was pretty small, so there were tables set outside along the sidewalk in front of other businesses with fire heaters to keep you warm. Personally I wasn't a big fan of sitting outside but could appreciate that they were trying to seat everyone as much as they could. They also played clubbing music so you can tell they really wanted people to eat and go (maximum time to eat was 90 minutes). Unfortunately when expectations for a place are too high, it's easier to be disappointed. 7/10 Khao Soi ($24): The broth was too heavy and is easy to get tired of. It was sweet but too creamy as they used a lot of coconut milk/cream. I would recommend getting a side of rice to finish this. The chicken was good and not dry. Wasn't a big fan of the noodles. 7/10 Panang ($20): We got the chicken thigh as our side of protein. We enjoyed this dish more but like the khao soi, it was too sweet and not savory enough for a main dish. The curry sauce was also a little thin, but I enjoyed the crisp skin of the chicken. Service was really nice hence the four stars! Hot water was an extra dollar, but they let you know beforehand. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're craving authentic Thai food as I think there are better places for way better prices and portions. Still give it a try if you're curious though.

Went on a Saturday late night around maybe 8pm and wow was there a line! The wait was pretty long but I can completely see why for the quality of food and great service. I also appreciated the little boombox they had playing music, definitely made the time feel like it went faster. Once we were seated however, we understood the wait--the food was so good. Our table ordered their chicken wings and Hanuman ceviche to start. Chicken wings were crispy and savory and the ceviche definitely is a must have! It's refreshing, acidic and sweet all at once! And it looks small but each of us were able to get a few bites in and each bite was heavenly. I personally ordered the Khao soi because I love those crunchy noodles and they paired so well with the spicy broth, the chicken also was so moist and noodles were filling and a great texture. My friend liked the masuman curry and described it as a rich and butter texture with tender steak. I do have to give a shoutout to their drinks. The mango sticky rice cocktail was sooo good and the alcohol didn't have a strong taste, that pandan mocktail was something I would literally drink on a weekly basis, it was sweet and refreshing but did the pandan flavor a wonderful justice. Look at that color too! Gorgeous! Lastly dessert was also very refreshing and it reminded me of bingsoo but I really enjoyed the variety of their toppings! I am a huge fan of corn and think it sits nicely in desserts and savory foods! The staff were also very nice and attentive, never making us feel rushed even when the restaurant was nearing closing. We definitely would recommend Hanuman Thai Eatery for authentic and delicious Thai food!

Finally got to try Hanuman Thai Eatery after hearing so much hype from friends -- and let me just say, it lived up to it. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so expect a bit of a wait, but it's absolutely worth it once you're seated. Two of our friends had already been before and immediately ordered the khao soi (curry noodle soup), which was hands-down the star of the night. Rich, creamy curry with a hint of spice, paired with crispy noodles and a perfectly cooked chicken leg -- so flavorful and comforting. We also asked our server for recommendations and ended up with the fried chicken wings with sticky rice and the ceviche-style Thai raw fish dish with shrimp chips (super refreshing and unique!). Everything came out beautifully plated and packed with flavor. We ordered a few other items not pictured, and honestly, there wasn't a single miss.

Came here around 3:30pm and there was no wait! Our table for the chicken wings to share and it was so yummy. I got the thai tea but I would skip it next time, nothing too special. The Khao Soi was super yummy tho! The broth was soooo rich and flavorful. The chicken leg was so juicy and meaty!

This is very popular amongst OC, and we waited around 2 hours to get seated. Inside, it's pretty small and the tables are very close to one another. This place has pretty solid Thai food, but I wouldn't wait again. I didn't think it was outstanding and the best Thai food I've had. For the food, we got the papaya salad and had a nice crunch and acidness. We got the fried chicken which was very crunchy and juicy. It paired well with the sticky rice. But it didn't have "Thai" flavor. We got the massaman curry with beef and roti. The curry was pretty good, had a nice balance between sweet and savory. It tasted more like the peanut sauce that comes with chicken satay. Lastly, we got the chicken pad see ew. It was very flavorful and had a smoky flavorful and it wasn't too sweet.

I went here with my best friend and the food was delicious! We got the Gai Todd Hat Yai-- which was so good, probably my favorite dish. It's really crispy and the flavor is to die for. We also got the Panang Curry and it was really good as well, I would say certain parts of the steak were a bit too salty, but overall an 8/10. Lastly, we got the mango sticky rice for dessert and it was SO delicious. mangoes were fresh and the sticky rice was warm. The service was fast and they were very friendly too! The place was fairly small but there is also seating outside! We waited about an hour to get seated!

It was our family's first time dining here and we will definitely be back. Not only was the food phenomenal but the service was amazing. Customer service is such a lost art these days but this place hit it out of the park!! I love when they pack up your leftovers for you!! It's really the little things that matter. And while we were waiting for our dessert, they cleaned the table so we can fully enjoy our dessert!! The friendly ambiance and warmth of their staff made the meal amazing.

Finally checked out Hanuman Thai Eatery after hearing so much buzz, and overall, it was a solid experience -- though not quite the mind-blowing meal we were expecting. The service was awesome though as they brought out tables and chairs outside to ensure we could seat our entire 15+ group. We tried a few of the more classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, and while they were perfectly fine, they didn't really stand out. Pretty standard flavors, nothing that really set them apart from your average Thai place. But where Hanuman really shines is in the curries -- rich, bold, and super flavorful. If you're coming here, I'd highly recommend focusing on that part of the menu. That's where they bring the heat (literally and figuratively). The place was packed, and that could explain some of the inconsistency. They're clearly cranking out a ton of food in a short amount of time, which may impact some dishes more than others. Still, I'd definitely recommend it -- especially for the curries. It's a solid spot with a good vibe, and while our expectations may have been a little too high going in, it's easy to see why it's so popular.

I was looking forward to trying this restaurant. We put our name on the Yelp wait list early. Our estimated seating time was 7:46. We arrived around 7:45. However, we were not seated until around 9:20 P.M. That's 1.5 hours longer than their estimated time. If you come, be prepared to wait 1 to 2 hours longer than their estimated arrival time. We were seated outside as a result. We ordered 3 dishes. I enjoyed the Hanuman fried rice. The Pad se ew tasted good as well. However, I did not enjoy the yellow curry. It had too little sauce and was served with on a plate rather than a bowl, which I felt strange. Overall, the restaurant is not worth the long and inaccurate wait times. The menu did not have any dishes with cooked vegetables. The only dishes with veggies were salads.

Been wanting to try this place. We got there on a weekday during dinner time and had to wait for over an hour. I was surprised it was so crowded especially on the weekday. We tried: Pad see ew - pretty good. Except I ordered tofu and the tofu was burnt so there was a bitter taste to it which didn't taste great. Once I removed the burnt tofu it was tasty. A tad disappointing. Hai Todd hat yai - the best and my favorite. Basically fried chicken. It was perfect! Thai fried rice khao pad - friend rice was good. It did taste like the oil was super old and the rice was very dry . Perhaps I had the burnt taste in my mouth still from the pad see ew and wasn't able to taste the rice appropriately. I also got a Thai tea and that was delicious! Limited parking too. I will try this place again :)

So so good. Really good service. Great food and drinks. Definitely will be returning.

5/5 stars. If I could give 10 I would. The food was exceptional! Everything was so tasty and delicious there wasn't a dish we ordered that I wouldn't order again. It was our first time here but reading from other peoples reviews we showed up around 3:30 and waited for 15 minutes and got seated pretty quick. They get busy FAST especially on the weekends so we got lucky. We sat inside, seating was smaller and had roughly 9-10 tables but they also had outdoor seating. Service was wonderful, food came out quickly. We got for appetizers: chicken skewers and crying Tiger. I definitely cried because it was so delicious!!!!!!! For entrees we got the street noodles, pad Kee Mao, massaman curry with hangar steak. Man was I mind blown. Everything was delicious!!!!!!! Worth it worth it worth it.

Be prepared to wait but the wait is so worth it. My friend and I came on a weekday so the wait wasn't too bad, maybe 45 min and we came around 530. Inside is very limited space but they do have a lot of outdoor seating as well. We sat down and started with the ceviche and the papaya salad. The ceviche was to die for it was so fresh and so delicious, the papaya salad was just as good, but a little too much "dressing" in my opinion, was a little soggy towards the end. Then we ordered pad Thai noodles along with panang curry with the steak. The curry was my favorite thing the steak was so perfectly cooked. We also ordered the mocktail, it was a mango sticky rice vibe, 10/10 amazing. We then ended with the mango sticky rice dessert and of course so delicious, it's not on the menu but our waitress did offer it to us. Would definetly come back again!

This place needs a reservation system of some sort, or, at least a more accurate wait time. We arrived at 7:30 and got a table at 9:13 (Friday night). Full transparency though, I did say that we preferred an inside table; however, no one disclosed to us about how substantially faster we would have gotten seated outdoors. Had we known that the difference would be about 50 minutes, we would definitely have made a different choice. Staff and manager were all very sweet and apologetic and did try to make sure we didn't leave unhappy, and I do appreciate their effort a lot. They offered us complimentary desserts (which we did not take), and gave us a discount on our bill. Overall just super courteous. The presentation of the food was beautiful, and I wish I took pictures of it, but I was too sad, lost my appetite and didn't eat anything by the time we were finally seated. My friends did tell me that it was decent, but definitely was not worth this long of a wait. I really was looking forward to trying this place, and wish I would have be able to leave a more fair review. I would love to come back to try things out again if they took reservations, but unfortunately I don't think I have it in me to invest this much energy and time again like this.

Absolutely delicious, got the pad see ew, ceviche and coconut ice cream. Would come again to try more of the menu. Cool vibe and great service too.

wanted to update my review as i returned to hanuman recently, and this maintains its spot as one of the best thai restaurants ive ever had. i got 2 of the same dishes as my last visit: the pad see ew and khao soi. the pad see ew is truly my favorite with a nice charred and smoky flavor that i usually dont get with other Thai places I've tried and the khao soi was also good, a little heavy but still tasty. the chicken wings were also a perfect app and i really enjoyed the presentation! i liked that it came with sticky rice and the chicken itself was deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. i also cannot say great enough things about the service, we were constantly checked up on and didnt have to wait too long to receive our food. 10/10 i waited about 15 min for an outside table on a Saturday afternoon and we arrived 3 min just after opening! and there was already a long line so be prepared to wait but hanuman will always be worth it :)

I'm so conflicted on my review here and you will shortly see why. I really wanted to give this spot a 3.5 if at all possible because the food tasted good enough to be a 4/5 but the limitations for said food....definitely lowered the rating for me. I will say that this spot is fairly straightforward about what they do and don't offer so just be informed before you head in -- AKA DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU ARE VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN. IF YOU DO NOT EAT FISH SAUCE, IT'S A NO FOR YOU DAWG. The menu and the signage are both super open about the fact that dishes cannot and may not be made vegetarian/vegan as a result of fish sauce or other added ingredients. I am vegetarian and try to avoid all non-veg things possible. Sadly, I ended up here with a group after we had failed to get a table at two separate places. I also knew that this was going to be my dinner no matter what and that I had likely inadvertently eaten fish sauce while traveling in SE Asia. I gave myself the leeway so as not to burden my group, but honestly it was a bit disappointing to know that I had no viable option on the menu unless I literally ate dessert/drinks. I had the drunken noodles with tofu -- medium spice level. The noodles had a good chew and the spice level was thai spicy for bewaaare if you cannot handle spice. It took us 35 min to be seated outside on a weekday at 8:30 pm and another 10-15 min until our server came by. Food did come out quickly thereafter. The service was friendly but definitely sparse given how busy they were. Overall solid spot if you eat meat or fish.

We've heard GREAT things about Hanuman Thai from our friends, but my partner and I finally had the chance to go for an early dinner before the rush on a Thursday evening and it didn't disappoint. While I love the mom-and-pop Thai places around Orange County, it was also refreshing to see Thai food displayed in a more elevated way. Don't get me wrong - homecooked is plenty comforting, but I loved the presentation and creativity in some of the dishes. We ordered pad see ew, khao soi, chicken wings, and dessert. Everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - was delicious! The wings were juicy. The khao soi was savory, slightly spicy, and rich. The pad see ew had that infamous wok-fried taste to it. We enjoyed everything! It's not a very big restaurant, so we definitely understand why the wait times can be lengthy. One of the staff was telling us that on Friday nights, it gets crazy busy! It's definitely worth a try, especially if you find yourself in the area early on a weeknight. I would definitely come back in again!

3.5 stars in my honest opinion. The flavors were there and the line waiting outside gave me more anticipation for how good this place would be. We ended up ordering take out because the 45 min wait to sit outside was a bit long with the kids. The service was great and welcoming and again we ordered take out so I'm sure it would have tasted different if we sat down. I did enjoy the pad see ew and the Tom Kha soup was delicious on a cold day. Mushrooms in the soup were fresh and the sweet sour taste was good. However, the chicken skewers were dry and the khao soi needed more noodles. It was a bit $$ but I could see how if you ate there it would be worth it.

Another Yelp search for good Asian food pointed me to Hanuman down the street from my hotel. This well-established, popular restaurant sits in a smallish strip mall right next to a dance studio. Indoor and outdoor seating with heated lamps. The line wasn't too long as I had no reservation, but I got a seat right away - outside. Almost everyone was electing to eat inside as it was kind of cold out. Prices are pretty steep here, not gonna lie. So I was surprised to see so many Gen Z patrons here. I guess their parents are well-off. This is Costa Mesa, after all. If you've eaten Thai, and I'm going to guess everyone has, some of the items here will sound familiar. Yelpers were raving about the street-style fried chicken, so that was an easy pick for me. Here's what I ordered: Hanuman's Ceviche - yellowtail - 7.5/10: Served with bits of pineapple and shrimp chips. Tasted as what it looked like: citrusy and fresh. Solid, but a bit uninteresting as it really didn't blow me away. It was advertised as "definitely a must try." Gai Todd Hat Yai - Fried chicken and sticky rice - 8/10: I wasn't really counting, but it's a heapful of chicken wings (easily shareable between 2), served with a sweet and sour sauce and a mound of sticky rice. Chicken is fried perfectly, not overcooked or undercooked. Crispy on the outside and very juicy on the inside. Not a fan of the sticky rice though. I just don't get it. It's hard to manage as a side dish for me. Just sticky and chewy and...eh. Too much work. Thai Lemon Tea - 7.5/10: more sweet than lemony, but refreshing nonetheless. This was a solid experience for me, but a little pricey. My only other complaint was that the appetizer came at the same time as the main course, which threw my dining experience off a little bit. A plus: the wait staff is superb. A couple of guys I noticed were being a bit rude and demanding, but they handled them well. Love seeing that. Anyway, try it!

We have been going to Hanuman for Thai food for the past seven years. They have always been consistent and deliciously satisfying for our want of Thai cuisine. In the past seven years since we moved to SOCAL from NYC. We have strayed and visited several other Thai restaurants but we always came back to Hanuman for great Thai food. No matter where we go, Hanuman have always been the Thai restaurant that always satisfied us. Being Korean and living in all parts of the world and in NYC for past 30 years, Hanuman was always the quintessential best Thai restaurant ever. No matter what day of the week or time we went to Hanuman, they were always busy with waiting lines out the door. A testament to a great restaurant. We would send relatives and friends to Hanuman with a great sense of confidence. Keep up the amazing work and we will be there shortly. Thank you, the Kim's.

My husband and I have been wanting to come here for the past couple years. We took wedding dance lessons at Bella Ballroom next door, and after every lesson we saw how crazy packed Hanuman would get. Finally, almost two years later, we got to try it! The space inside is limited, but they have some tables out on the sidewalk with heaters. We tried an assortment of food and drink: Our drinks - mango sticky rice beer and pandan cocktail (I forget the exact name of it but it was one of the featured cocktails). The cocktail was honestly the best drink I've had in awhile. It was sweet but not too sweet and had a lovely aftertaste that reminded me of a Filipino dessert. The mango sticky rice beer was great too!! Yellowtail ceviche - as a huge yellowtail fan I was pleasantly surprised by this appetizer. I love that this restaurant has such unique dishes beyond traditional Thai cuisine! Tom Kha Gai - perfect for the colder weather! Great coconutty creamy flavor! The mild was a bit too mild so next time we'll probably crank up the spice. Pad See Ew with tofu - I enjoyed this dish but I felt like the ratio of noodles to tofu was a bit off. I wish there were more noodles! The tofu was great though - it reminded me of a paneer consistency. Karee with chicken- yellow curry is usually one of my favorite dishes, but this one was slightly different. Again it was a ratio thing for me- there wasn't enough curry for the amount of meat and rice. The amount of curry was more like a Japanese curry dish, more conducive to "dipping" the meat and eating it with the rice, versus everything being drenched in curry like traditional Thai restaurants. Of course Hanuman is not your traditional Thai restaurant though, which is why we love it! Next time I'd like to try it with the hanger steak, which seems to be the more popular option! Sweet roti dessert - simple but delicious!! Just roti (an Indian flatbread) topped with condensed milk and cocoa powder. Can't go wrong with this!! Overall I enjoyed Hanuman and would definitely come back as long as the wait is short! The yellowtail ceviche and pandan cocktail are a must. :)

Holy bajeezus! 10/10 Food + service + ambiance. Even easy parking BUT the food I'm just soo woo-ed right now. Like marry me woo-d. Ok we got the chicken wings and that was ridiculously good and started us off. Drunken noodles w chicken - medium heat is pretty hot loved it and even the chicken was perfection. Then the Massaman steak with curry literally how can a meat melt in your mouth? I just can't say enough and how did I JUST find this place?

Hanuman has been and continues to be my absolute #1 Thai spot in all of Orange County. I've tried other places in the area but none of them beats Hanuman!!! I have a few menu items that I have on rotation for each time I visit, and each dish is always so consistent. Also, the service is always great! What we ordered- Drunken noodles: Honestly any of the noodle dishes are great but I really love the spiciness and how it's slightly less sweet than pad thai or pad see ew. The other things we ordered are on the sweeter side so it's a good balance. The noodles are always soft and chewy and I love the cooked tomato in there. Sweet and sour salmon: This salmon is always cooked perfectly and tastes amazing but I feel like I might even like the veggies in this even more. They're so delicious and flavorful and the sweet and sour sauce is seriously a 10/10. Yellow curry: My favorite curry here!!! Sometimes I'll order the massaman or panang instead to switch it up and those are so yummy as well. The sauce is sweet and coconut-y but also spicy and savory. All of the curries go SO well with the hanger steak. Definitely a must try!

Arrived with a party of 3 at 8pm on a Friday, and the wait was 1 hour. Luckily there's an izakaya next door owned by the same restaurant owners, so we got drinks there while waiting! If you do the same, you're able to bring your drinks from there to the restaurant after closing your tab! Anyway, we came to this restaurant for the Khao soi, and stayed for the coco mango drink!! Don't get me wrong, the Khao soi and all other dishes were insanely delicious and are definitely worth waiting for, but that drink was something else. The coco mango drink is essentially a mango sticky rice dish turned into a cocktail. Cannot recommend enough! Staff was also super super friendly, and the interior is cozy and inviting. Will be back!

Was in the mood for some good Thai food and this place totally satisfied my craving! The service was great and with a smile. The inside is nicely decorated and there is patio seating as well. My curry could have been spicier but the flavor was great!

This place is fantastic, from the decor, to the services, and to the foods. The not so great is the parking and the long waiting. It's located in small corner strip mall so parking is not fun. Then you have to put on a waitlist and it can be ranging from 30-1.30mins, depending on the day and time of the week. BUT once you got seated, things just go smoothly and all the troubles just melted away. Service is friendly and helpful plus mindful and attentive. Alright, the foods, just simply yummy and well balanced. The portion is in the middle, not big, not small but it's good size enough that you just want to order or more... cause it just simply delish. Once you leave, you just start arranging when would be a great time to come back solo cause you just don't want to share the foods.

Finally got to try this place after a few attempts - this restaurant is closed on Sundays and is always packed so when we did came once before around 8:30-9pm, we unable to get seated and was turned away. My friends and I came around 7pm on a Thursday night this time, and we got seated around 8:40pm. The place is relatively small, so they have tables set up outside in front of the next door businesses. As far as the food goes, everything tasted pretty standard for thai food, nothing extraordinary. The only dish that stood out was the Crying Tiger, which was very tender since it was medium fillet mignon. Overall, I was pretty disappointed as I was looking forward to trying this place since it's got so many good reviews. Personally, I think it's overhyped and would not come back as it is not worth the wait.

Love everything they have. You can't go wrong with any dish. My all time favorite Thai curry is their Kuree. They are attentive and kind. Their restroom door is something else.

Not as good as I remembered but the menu is more special than your average neighborhood Thai restaurant. PANANG CURRY WITH RARE HANGER STEAK: -- the steak looked a little better in photos -- above average steak quality but not remarkable -- quantity decent -- portions of rice, sauce and meat under the norm for your local Thai joints and flavor not necessarily better -- more loose liquid curry w/out any veggies in it -- prices are HIGH, especially for portions -- it is cooked rare which this dry meat hater enjoyed RATING = B+ CRYING TIGER: -- a solid rendition -- meat was good -- didn't eat much of it RATING = A-? THAI FRIED CHICKEN: -- nice accompanying elements to make it a little more special -- chicken a tad overcooked to make it crispy -- not dry exactly but definitely not moist or juicy at all RATING = B+ MANGO STICKY RICE (dessert): -- the mango with blue rice and cream is a visual splendor for the eyes -- mango is sweeter than it is tart which is not easy to find -- color of mango is on point -- great presentation and delicious -- this is not one of my favorite desserts, but this was utterly fantastic -- portion size good for sharing -- you must combine each element RATING = A+ BANANA PUDDING w/a PRALINE CRUMBLE: -- stunning presentation -- semi-firm rectangular brick banana pudding -- great texture and flavor -- caramel sauce thinner dulce de leche style -- splendid for this banana fan -- a little sweeter than the other dessert so I vetoed most caramel sauce RATING = A+ STAFF may hand you off to someone else and they are so busy the person that takes over may have no clue that you still have dishes coming and rush you to order dessert so they can get you out the door. Better communication amongst staff should occur at these prices and wait times.