Nestled in a bustling Gardena plaza, Sweet Rice is a chic dessert haven serving up traditional Thai treats, hearty noodle soups, and Instagram-worthy mango sticky rice in an inviting, casual atmosphere.
"Sweet Rice is the sister restaurant to Bowl Thai, another excellent Thai food stop, but this Gardena joint specializes in Thai breakfast and treats. Find comforting Thai rice porridge, fluffy omelets layered with sweet onions and crab, and yen ta fo, a pink noodle soup made from fermented bean curd that’s loaded with fish cakes and shrimp. On the weekends, be sure to nab an order of the tapioca which is studded with corn kernels and strands of coconut and blanketed with a salty and sweet coconut cream." - Kat Thompson
"Sweet Rice specializes in Thai breakfasts and punchy desserts in a casual but chicly adorned setting. In addition to soups and noodle dishes, the menu includes two kinds of jok — rice porridges brimming with pork, fresh ginger and green onions, an over-easy egg, and more. The mid-century-style design accents and mood lighting (design fans will appreciate the woven-basket-like ceiling fixtures) only enhance the vibe." - Cathy Chaplin, Eater Staff
"Sweet Rice in Gardena from the same people behind Bowl Thai Grill (which is just next door) and the original Bowl Thai (which is just down the street). These spots make up a Charlie’s Angels-esque power trio that serves some of the best Thai food in the South Bay, and out of the bunch, Sweet Rice is our favorite. You’ll find noodle soups, stews, rice porridges, and a few curries on their all-day menu—all excellent for cold weather comfort—and puffy, Thai-style pan-fried omelets that are a must-order, either as a side or as their own meal. Sweet Rice does a lot of takeout business, but the minimalist dining room is a nice place to camp out with an iced coffee. In fact, the power move might be to get khao soi and an omelet at Sweet Rice, then pop over to Bowl Thai Grill for grilled pork and papaya salad—the best of both worlds." - Brant Cox, Arden Shore, Garrett Snyder, Nikko Duren, Sylvio Martins
"Tucked into a back corner of Pacific Square Shopping Center, this exciting haven specializes in authentic Thai breakfasts and desserts. The playful menu also proffers hearty soups and noodle dishes, so it's hard to go wrong, but first-timers might want to start with jok—congee bubbling with tender pork meatballs, loads of fresh ginger and an egg that cooks gently n the molten rice. Desserts—even post-breakfast—are an absolute delight; and if the mango sticky rice is available, jump on it.The space is casual, with counter service, a welcoming vibe, and friendly servers. While the décor may be simple and modern, the bright white walls are accented by pops of turquoise and red—and large paper lantern light fixtures are suspended above each table." - Michelin Inspector
"Sweet Rice is a Thai restaurant in Gardena from the same people behind Bowl Thai Grill (which is just next door) and the original Bowl Thai (which is just down the street). These spots make up a Charlie’s Angels-esque power trio that serves some of the best Thai food in the South Bay, and out of the bunch, Sweet Rice is our favorite. You’ll find noodle soups, stews, rice porridges, and a few curries on their all-day menu—all excellent for cold weather comfort—and puffy, Thai-style pan-fried omelets that are a must-order, either as a side or as their own meal. Sweet Rice does a lot of takeout business, but the minimalist dining room is a nice place to camp out with an iced coffee. In fact, the power move might be to get khao soi and an omelet at Sweet Rice, then pop over to Bowl Thai Grill for grilled pork and papaya salad—the best of both worlds. photo credit: Matt Gendal" - Garrett Snyder
