Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple

The place is stunning. Beautiful serene place. The Sunday Market- they're constantly out of food by 11. They used to have so many offerings but for those who travel 30-45 min away, going for lunch at 10 is not desirable. The pad thai we had was inedible. Thai tea is good as always and I haven't seen it run out. I miss the coconut macaroons they used to make. I'd suggest going there early. Getting food to go and eat later. I miss the plant stand and trinket stand they used to have for shopping too. If you don't recall how it used to be, then I suppose you won't miss anything. Just get there early. We likely won't go again as the drive isn't worth it anymore.

Very nice experience. The temple is very unique to check out. They also serve fresh Thai food as well. Tons of picnic tables up front and back to sit at. Parking can be limited if you do not go early

A wonderful Thai market with great food. The grounds are tranquil and relaxing to sit near the river. If you are looking to worship the temple is available as a quiet place of reflection.

Came for the infamous Sunday market and had some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had. Cash only, for anyone thinking of going. We ended up getting egg rolls, dumplings, pad Thai and pad ped chicken with sticky rice, all for probably $35. We also got the Thai tea, which might be my new favorite thing! It’s not like any tea I’ve ever had. Absolutely no clue what’s in it, but it’s amazing. Make sure you come early because they will sell out of things. We met a woman who brought a bag and stocked up on a bunch of items, which I wish we had done lol. This place sits right on the water and has plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy your meal. Free parking lot. Amazing place. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend checking it out!

This temple is beautiful!! On Sundays, they have a market full of a large variety of Thai food. Thsre is free, onsite parking, but it fills up fast. I recommend getting there around 9 am. because it gets busy, rhe lines get long, and they sell out of many items. They only accept cash. Mango Sticky rice was amazing. There are so many items to choose from. Between the 2 of us, we brought 5 main dishes, a couple of sides and snacks, soup, Thai iced coffee, and a Thai iced tea. We brought so much food home. After you buy your food, they have a lot of picnic tables along the Palm River. Sit down at one under the large oak trees. The views are amazing. There are many different varieties of orchids, bromeliads, hibiscus, and so much more. After you eat, you can go into the beautiful temple. We can't wait to go back!!!

Arrived around 9am. The parking lot was filling quickly. Delicious food, great prices and super nice people. 100% recommend ❤️ Bring cash!

Beautiful day spent with my adult kids. Atmosphere and food matched the beautiful setting. All food sales profits go the temple. Amazing to see the ceremonies and community and so welcoming. Come early! Sundays at 9 am. Parking requires patience but easier the earlier you arrive.

a small temple with magical orchids on the trees. On Sundays you can try Thai food (at non-Thai prices $10-12 each) On weekdays you can meditate alone, looking at the orange monks

You need to check out this place for their Sunday market. It's like transforming into a different world. The food is excellent and the grounds are beautiful. Go early because it gets really busy and I hear they sell out. Bring cash because everything is cash only. I had the pad thai and I tried the mango sticky rice, both great. I will definitely be back again to try more. Lots of picnic tables to eat outside and you can walk inside to the temple.

I would just like to say even in 100° weather, people were still lining up to get noodle soup! I highly recommend getting here early. There are at least four different lines. At the back of the temple where the dragons are facing each other is the noodle soup and pad Thai line. The line that goes into the parking lot at the front is for the meats, dumplings and mango sticky (plus a ton more). there is also a separate drink line for Thai teas and coffees. I would say divided is the best method. this is cash only!

Family outing for Father's Day. We caught the Sunday market. The pork noodle soup was absolutely gigantic, I struggled to get through it. The temple grounds are very pretty, right on the river with lots of nice trees and flowers. A Thai iced tea was $2, a deal better than most out there these days. While I wasn't crazy about the food, I would definitely come back to grab a Thai iced tea and stroll the grounds.

5 stars for such a beautiful spot and affordable food! We heard such good things about this food market offered on Sunday. We visited kinda late, so we missed out on some items like the mango sticky rice. But we ended up getting bogo when we ordered the veggie Pad Thai for $10. They give you a lot in the container, enough to feed two people. We took the second one home there was so much food. Since all the other sweets were sold out, we just tried the fried bananas for $5. It had a nice sweet bread on these bananas. I just wished they'd give you a small sauce to dip them in like condensed milk but they were good otherwise. We also grabbed some Thai Tea for $2 each, so cheap and so good. It was very sweet though. There are plenty of picture spots on the property. The tables are spread out along the back area so you can enjoy your food with a view. Loved checking out this market and would love to come back earlier next time we visit.

I just love this place! It's always a staple when I go to Tampa. Just go! Fried bananas, dumplings and noodle soup all for under $20. Homemade. You can't go wrong! Unless it's the dead of summer...then, bring a fan. LOL

My fiancé and I had quite an adventurous Sunday Funday that began with a stop at the Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist temple! A serene and hidden gem nestled in Tampa, FL. For years they have been hosting a Sunday food market at the temple grounds! I'm not sure if their menu has changed over the years as this was my first time there. They had a very extensive menu with fresh options that included larb, fresh rolls (chicken and veggie), pork noodle soup, pumpkin curry, pad Thai, dumplings and also dessert options that included my favorite; mango sticky rice. My personal favorite items that I tried were; the pork dumplings and pad Thai. The chicken inside the fresh rolls was unfortunately a bit dry and my least favorite out of everything we tried is the papaya salad. Although Florida summer can be very icky and humid, we strolled around and enjoyed taking in the views throughout the temple which includes a vast area of open seating on picnic style bench tables. Tall beautiful trees draped in Spanish mosh provide plenty of shade and a beautiful green dragon sculpture is on guard as everyone eats :). Such a unique and wonderful experience that is family friendly and day date approved! Highly highly recommend! I will definitely be returning.

We had wanted to visit Wat Mongkolratanaram for a while, so when we had the chance on Saturday, we decided to go to the temple. The Buddhist temple has a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere throughout the entire property. As we went on Saturday, no food was available during our visit. However, if you plan on going to the temple on Sunday, you'll find delicious Thai food stalls around the area.

Came here for the first time since Covid and it is quite different! Still the same great food just all now prepared and prepackaged. Food and beverages are now located at a tent at the front of the complex. The huge wooden building that once housed the various areas for food and soup is no longer open to the public. This is now where the staff prepares food and bring to the tent. The whole back side of the building where they used to serve the pho soup is all torn down! They still have the picnic tables available out near the water but they are all moved over to the area in front of the temple now. There are different areas/lines around the tent offering the various foods and Thai tea/coffee. We got the beef pho which if you are going to eat there, they'll give you a disposable bowl to eat. As you can see from my picture, the broth is in a disposable bowl and the noodles and beef are in a to go box. The egg rolls aren't crispy like they used to be because they are prepackaged and now soggy. The flavor is still there so I just took home and popped in the air fryer.

This is a peaceful and beautiful Buddhist Temple with a Sunday food market serving delicious Thai food to the public! They have everything your heart could desire freshly prepared in to go containers to eat at the picnic tables beside the river or take home. Ive lived in Thailand and often crave Thai food and the tranquility of the Thai community. This gem brings me back to Thailand every time I visit Tampa! I've been several times and part of me wants to keep it a secret!

Sunday Market is still not back to pre-pandemic, but has more food available compared to when it was only drive-thru. Timing is tricky- I've been at 10:30 and had choices of everything but today at 10:30 they were already sold out of a bunch. That's a known risk of the Sunday market, though, and won't influence my rating. There was a news story this week, so I wonder if that got more people out earlier this weekend. In spite of being sold out early, the green curry, pork on a stick, mango sticky rice, and Thai tea were fantastic as always. Portions are large- I usually get at least two meals out of the curry. There is ample outdoor seating and most of it is shaded. The temple is an active site of worship- you can go in and learn more, although I could not due to wearing a sleeveless sundress- dress accordingly if you want to peek in!

Fun adventure with @eriqbre. Thai Brunch at Wat Mongkolratanaram, the Buddhist Temple in Tampa. Fantastic selection of homestyle/made with love Thai food. We went hungry so we could try a lot of the dishes being offered. Started with the beef noodle soup with traditional noodles (angel hair pasta is an option as well). Savory with a hint of sweetness yum Then a cornucopia of Shrimp Spring Rolls, Dumplings, Pot Stickers and Krapow (flavorful chicken stir fry with rice)/ so good! Oh and Thai coffee with Fried Bananas for dessert. Yes, it was a lot but I've meaning to come visit for the last 20 years so we went a little over board but had lots of great leftovers to take home for dinner. The people cooking and serving were so nice and helpful and the prices are very reasonable. Bring cash and check the hours @yelptampabay as it's during the Temple's Sunday market only. #APerfectDay #ilovetravel #DogMom #Ilovecreating #foodie #tampabayrealtor #GratefulandBlessed #bridget_breland_realtor #Bridgie_Breland_Foodie #yelptampabay

Sunday Thai Brunch? Count me in! The food is wonderful, the prices are very reasonable, and the views of the temple and Palm River are memorable. Bring cash and come early if you want to ensure that all of the offerings are available. What I tried and loved: -Vegetable Soup ($10) -(Vegetarian) Pad Thai ($10) -Fresh Spring Rolls w/ Peanut Sauce ($6) -Fried Spring Rolls ($5)

Loved the temple! Such a beautiful design and peaceful place for worship. Coming here made me feel like I wasn't in Tampa anymore. I really appreciated the authenticity of the food and really enjoyed the soup and dumplings specifically. Our eyes were hungrier than our stomachs, I think we bought a little too much lol. There was a nice path to walk around the temple and along the way some beautiful artistic pieces. Parking fills up quick but there is additional parking to the right of the temple. I noticed also that the desserts go quick so come early to enjoy.

I've been wanting to go to the Buddhist temple for awhile and finally made it out on a Saturday afternoon. What a peaceful and serene place, with no one in sight. Walked the property and visited the temple. Being that it was Saturday, there was no food or beverage service available, but I still enjoyed the peace and quiet. Based on the reviews I've read, it seems that the Sunday market is a must do. Next time!

A great Sunday afternoon activity. Parking is free. It is also free to explore the grounds and the temple. The grounds and temple are beautiful. It was a festival the day that we went . There is food, snacks, and drinks for purchase. There are also tables to enjoy the food and views. BRING CASH! They do not take cards. Be respectful of the temple and the people.

I haven't been to the Wat since 2020. Coming to the Sunday market was a regular stop for me and I'm happy to be back. Some things have changed since the last time that I was here. There use to be soooo many food, drink, and dessert stalls that it was difficult to pick what to order. Now, the options are very limited to Pad Thai, Soup Bowls (Vegetable, Pork, or Beef), and some rice dishes. Still very delicious. Just, limited. I fondly reminisce about that first bite of Pumpkin Curry and Green Curry dishes. Mmmm...They were so yummy. Even though there are limited food and drink options, a rearrangement of tables and vendors, and less plants available for purchase, there are some things that haven't changed. What hasn't changed is the fresh, delicious, high quality food, the volunteers that cook this delicious food and man the stations in order to raise money for their Wat, and the beautiful scenery of the Hillsborough River! Did I mention how much I love the Thai Tea and Thai coffee! Yes, they still have both and they're still so delicious! I would recommend that you bring your own container for leftovers. And you'll probably have leftovers. The Wat itself is beautiful and they offer Buddhist services. They also offer the use of books and some tutelage in regards to learning about buddhism. This place is not only a spiritual Institution but a community meeting place for people of all ages, race, socioeconomic, and demographic . It is a staple in our community and it's worth making a trip to visit.

This place is a hidden gem! You'd never expect to find something like Wat temple smack in the middle of a common neighborhood, but there it is. A gorgeous temple with architecture and decor that you can stare at for hours. The food... delicious noodles and meats of all sorts, sweets, and other delicacies. The flavors make you feel like you're on a trip abroad. To top it all off, the riverside dock is such a peaceful, pleasant spot to let the food go down. If you have the time and internet, sit in on one of their ceremonies inside the temple. It's a beautiful experience.

What a beautiful place to visit on a Sunday morning! Fresh Thai food prepared on site in a peaceful setting..delicious.,.get here early to make sure you get yours...Orchids and other plants for sale too and a chance to see the beautiful Temple..a very enjoyable morning....

Came here mid April 2022 and had a great time! It seems like they now have drive thru ordering as well as walk in ordering. There are signs to direct you if you were interested in driving through instead of lining up. There is a tent over the area we line up for. There was a lady handing out the order slip. You basically write the number of the items you want, line up, and get your total. They will call your number when they are ready with your order and then you pay. The menu seems pretty extensive: there was pad thai, noodle soups (beef, pork, veggie), curries, fried snacks, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, spring rolls, thai coffee, thai tea. There is also a self-serve station with drinks, extra utensils, and sauces. This is located past the food area and right by the table and benches in the back by the water. Beautiful views and lots of catfish in the water. We got pad thai, beef noodle soup (regular noodles), papaya salad, shrimp spring rolls, thai coffee, and thai tea. Everything was delicious! The temple was also beautiful. There are some rules to be respectful when going in. Shoes off and make sure you cover up as well. We arrived around 10am and stayed until 12-1pm and noticed a lot of the food running out, so show up early and bring cash!

The Sunday market is the best. We used to come here 10 years ago and they have upgraded it for sure. Sunday morning the parishioners make food to sell for the temple. They have pad Thai, assorted curries, custards, soups. The outdoor seating is beautiful and you can visit the temple too. Such a cool adventure in Tampa. Cash only though!!! Must see !!!

A must-visit on Sunday! The food was delicious, huge portions and reasonably priced. Just make sure you bring cash! Lots of outdoor picnic tables available.

Hidden gem in Tampa. i would have never known this place had food unless someone told me. Grab a picnic table by the river and enjoy some truly authentic food. I got the pad Thai and it was some of the best I have had in a long time. I also had the masaman curry which was really creamy and filled with veggies and chicken. Get here early because when they sell out of dishes they are done. Also remember to bring plenty of cash because they don't take credit card.

We haven't been here on a Sunday since covid started. Of course, the space is still beautiful, but things have changed quite a bit. Everything now is just in 1 very long line. We arrived a little before 11 and they were pretty much out of food. There were only 3 items left, so we grabbed those. We had a grilled sausage and larb. Everything was prepackaged, so the sticky rice was cold and hard in ziploc bags inside the container. No grilled meats, no fried bananas on the menu anymore . I used to get these items every time. The menu now seems much more limited. I think we were just too late, so coming early is definitely a must. The whole deck area in the back is gone, and there seemed to be fewer tables to sit at. We did manage to get a table. The Temple and grounds are so beautiful. We enjoyed just walking around and enjoying the day. We will definitely come much earlier next time.

This is NOT the Wat Temple I remember going to. This is a one stand set up with a few broth options for the main course. There is a tent or so in front of the main course line, but still not the exciting and full market it used to be. I know Covid made some businesses change their ways, but this drastic change is a shame. Unfortunately won't be returning.

This is a nice place to go to for a nice outdoor Sunday breakfast. They do not serve your traditional American breakfast, instead they serve traditional Thai dishes and treats! It's absolutely beautiful. The temple is gorgeous and so are the dragon statues. It's so peaceful because it's on the water. I believe they open at 8a, but they did not start serving the main dishes til 9ish. Their food was ok, I had their pad Thai and Thai tea. Their pad Thai was too sweet for my liking. They also serve noodle soup, but it was too hot for that. Their Thai tea was absolutely delicious. Their whole market is run by volunteers. I didn't get the best vibe from a few of them, maybe because it was so early? I think this is a good place to at least try.

Been a while since I've written my original review. Also been a while since I've been here...the last few years have been a little different and Wat has re-opened post Covid some time ago in a new format... Drive Thru only! (Except you can still arrive by boat and walk up and order, which is a much better option than waiting in a long line in your car!) Showed up by boat yesterday and all wearing masks, we ordered from the limited menu. An order of veggie spring rolls, they did not have any others by the time we arrived... We had 4 orders of pad Thai. And 2 orders of soup, 1 beef, 1 pork. Everything came in styrofoam containers, the broth for the soup in disposable plastic pint containers and the fixins in a separate styrofoam container. The broth was very tasty. Once you made room in the broth container you could add all the fixins to the broth. It was very good! What you miss is the spices and add-ons you used to be able to add once you left the line and fix it up hot or sweet the way you liked on the way out to the picnic tables. That is no longer an option.... They do provide some hot sauce in tiny plastic bullets to add but not exactly the same... But still very good! I did not personally try the spring rolls but they looked very good (no pic) and heard they tasted very good as well. The pad Thai was unanimously disappointing. Unfortunately the flavor and we're not sure if it was egg or tofu or both or what, it was just not good. We each had a container to take home but everyone was in agreement that was not the dish to get. Enjoyed sitting outside under the beautiful trees and being on the water. It was nice to make it back here and so glad they modified their Sunday market for this. The market itself is still not open but we still get to enjoy their little slice of peacefulness!

Beautiful with great food! I can't believe I've lived in the area for all these years and haven't been here until NYE 2023?!?! Just remember to wear your more conservative clothes as these are religious grounds.

Things have changed significantly at Wat Tampa since the pandemic. The Sunday market is much much smaller and although the food is high-quality, it comes pre-packaged. Half of the veranda was removed, and the seating area is half the size it used to be. But the food is still consistently amazing, so I only took off one star. I just really miss the pre-pandemic vibe that the temple market had. :(

Beautiful grounds and buildings. The ladies were so sweet. We went to check out the drive thru Sunday food option. Its cash only and the line moves quickly. You pull in and are handed a paper menu to fill out with quantity and total. You give it to another lady and you pull around. The last stop is payment and pickup. It was very efficient. Since it is drive thru, the menu is limited. We decided to try a variety of things and share. There's picnic tables to sit at if you want to park and stay. We had the pup with us and there was a funeral that day, so we parked under a shade tree and ate in the car. The goods: Green curry with white rice- this was my fav of all the dishes we had. It was creamyand flavorful. I wanted to get back in line to get more! Thai tea- Realy good also. It had some floral notes to it. Not overly sweet or full of cream. Beef soup- I'm still on the fence. It was different. Maybe I eat too much pho. Lol. It tasted like star anise, cinnamon, and garlic. Mango sticky rice- sweet salty and delicious Fresh spring rolls chicken- the peanut sauce was delightful. The rolls were...rolls. All in all a great experience and we plan on going back. There are a few other things we want to try.

COVID-19 UPDATE: The temple is finally open after being closed for +1 yr.! Here's what you need to know to make sure you get your food: A.) Hours - 9am - 1pmEST - get here EARLY - I've been waiting for +20 min. & I arrived at 845am. B.) I missed picking up a paper menu, which lists what they have and how many quantities of each item you want to order and use a pen to make your answers C.) Follow the arrows for the Drive Through-NO Dining at the picnic tables, unfortunately D.) Visual adds available by the temple of what you can order with prices - a total of 14 items E.) Follow their websites and Facebook for regular updates F.) Please wear your masks per the website even in your car FYI. G.) CASH only like before. H.) It is missing the charm previous to Covid-19, but I really can't complain because they work extra hard to make sure we are getting our delicious Thai food. They have an assembly line of people who are putting the food together as quickly as possible!

Beautiful temple and kind people. Thank you for all you did. May our dharma continue to flourish. Be alert to those who may seek to damage your beautiful dharma tradition. See attached pictures

BRING CASH AND GET HERE AT 9 A.M. I have a new update to my last review and that's get here at 9 a.m. The website says they open at 8:30 a.m., while Yelp says 9 a.m. Brett N. and I had a text exchange about what time we should go. I said I trusted the temple's own website over Yelp - I was wrong. Yes, a few booths were open at 8:30 a.m., but the vast majority started serving food at 9 a.m. and later. It was kind of a lackadaisical roll out of food as it was ready. What is astonishing is at 8:30 a.m. there was already a longish line for the pho. We had one person stand in line and it took about 45 minutes for her to get it. I think they opened the line at about 9 a.m., but by that time the line was really long. This was probably the only time I'll get pho because of that wait. The pho is absolutely delicious, my favorite in Tampa Bay. I went with the beef, whereas friends went with the pork. They said theirs could have used more flavor. Maybe it was the meat, who knows, but mine certainly wasn't lacking. I always get the fried bananas. Luckily, fried bananas were being served at 8:30 a.m. All the other fried options (sweet potato and taro) were not. Again, just kind of a crap shoot. Their curry is so good and cheap. It's only $6 for a huge portion and you can choose two different types. The green curry wasn't available at 9 a.m. when I went through the line, so I chose chicken basil and another chicken curry. Both were phenomenal. Another new favorite are the meatballs. They were really addicting. Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with what you choose. There are so many options and they're all pretty cheap. If I lived closer I'd be here every Sunday.

Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida is a Thai Temple and a delicious culinary find that occurs on Sundays from 8:30 am- 1 pm. On Sundays, you will find several different tables that sell delicious gems such as pad thai, various curries, satay, mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea for a very affordable price and with generous portions. Be sure to bring cash as that is the only form of payment accepted. My husband, our little girl dog and I came to this temple 2 Sundays during our recent visit to Tampa. (Please note that dogs are not allowed where the food is sold, including service dogs, which there is a sign. But dogs are allowed in the indoor dining room (according to a volunteer of the church who told me to go to) and also on the grounds. There are plenty of outdoor, uncovered, seating with wooden benches). The first time we came, we arrived around 9:15 am and were lucky to find a great parking spot. Same with when we came around 10 am. Please note that sometimes the later you come, the longer the lines will be, the bigger the crowd. However, according to a local, usually the heat and rain will deter others from coming. On both visits we purchased: Pad Thai, $5- This comes with tofu and scrambled eggs, generous portion and was delicious. Basil Chicken, $6- I thought this was a little spicy but was rather tasty. You get plenty of ground chicken. Served on top of a nice portion of steamed white rice. Green Curry, $6- This curry was a little less spicy than the basil chicken. Plenty of chunks of chicken. Served on a large bed of steamed white rice. Thai Iced Tea, $2- Purchased 2 of these. Thought this was a bit too sweet for me but was good though. This was served with a huge cup of ice. Sesame Ball, $1- Even though I purchased 2, I ended up wasting one since it was rather hard 2 days after purchase. My husband ate one and thought it was good. It was interesting that there is little pepper inside. I didn't try any but he thought it was fine. Pork Bun $2- My husband ate this steamed bun a day after we purchased it and thought it was good. There is a hard boiled egg inside the meatball. Mango Sticky Rice, $5- Ended up purchasing one the first Sunday and then the second Sunday we came. Probably one of the best mango sticky rice desserts that I have ever had. I was surprised that it came with one whole mango. Chicken & Rice w/ ginger sauce, $5- Loved the hainan style chicken. But the rice is plain and does not have that ginger and onion flavor. Still a tasty dish. Shu Mai, $5- This comes with 8 pieces and was a big mushy. I would not recommend this. I did like the sauce that came with this. Large Soup Noodle, $8- My husband waited about 45 minutes to get this. He picked pork which came with a few slices of char siu and some pork balls. This was good but didn't think it was worth waiting in line for. The broth was good. Please note that if you have leftovers, you can purchase a to go container for $1. Chicken Skewers, $5- Comes with 3 pieces and 2 different sauces. Tasty and tender. Chicken skewer, $3- I am surprised by the portion size for one stick of chicken. Very good and well seasoned. Pork skewer, $3- Just like the chicken, this also was a pretty good portion for one stick. Well seasoned and tasty. Side of rice, $1- had to purchase this to go with our satay. Papaya Salad, $5- Ended up purchasing two of these. The slices papaya is swimming in a light sauce, which I did like. But my husband didn't like that so I drained our 2nd container and we ate that several hours later. I liked both and appreciated that there were peanuts in it for added crunch. The first Sunday we came, leftovers lasted for a few more days. The second Sunday we came, we bought food to take with us to the airport. Everything was delicious and we really enjoyed ourselves. If only there was something like this back at home, I would come at least once a month. If you have some time, consider checking out the temple and look at some of the pretty flowers that you can purchase. Please note that there are clean restrooms here and do come early as food does run out (as I had seen that the 2nd Sunday that we came). Also food items are served on the mild side but you are welcomed to add pepper flakes if you need a little bit more heat. Plastic silverware, napkins and plastic bags area available for you in case you need it.

This was my first time visiting the Sunday Market on the Thai Temple grounds. What a wonderful experience! I was quite blown away by what they have to offer in the way of Thai food, plants, scenery, and just the pure peacefulness experienced when walking by the river. I met my Yelp friend Rachel M., her husband, coworker, and the famous Mocha Coconut (who is the most gentle and very photogenic doggy ever). I had great company and the weather was fantastic. What more can I say? Oh right, the food was absolutely delicious! I didn't get to take pictures of all the food that we shared. Mainly because we were too focused on eating it. The Thai pork noodle soup was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was savory and had so much flavor. They have an area with chili pepper paste, spice, pickled jalapenos, fish sauce, and other additions to make it spicier if needed. It's totally worth standing in that long line. It moves pretty fast. We also shared the mango sticky rice, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and fried bananas. All of it was very good. The fried bananas were my second favorite (after the noodle soup). I ate the leftover bananas on the way home. I honestly can't wait to go back to try more food items. I also bought some blue trumpet vine tea (or Rang Jued) which is said to have many benefits. There were also many types of fruit and vegetables as well as plants and orchids for sale. My only advice would be to come early. It all starts at 8:30 am and ends at 1:00 pm. The food is pretty much gone by noon. The earlier you get there the better. There are plenty of picnic benches for everyone. Most of them are under shade trees. Oh, and don't forget to bring cash. No other form of payment is accepted at this market. It's a great place to bring visiting friends and family, or just to meet up with old and new friends. Highly recommended!

The weekly Sunday Market is a unique experience. Golden temple, great food, long line, nice dock on the Palm River. Try the empanadas, crab rangoon, fresh roll, Thai ice tea.

It's pretty to see once not like the old days before the pandemic. Went today , food was really not good, not as much selection. They got rid of the orchids and exotic plants which was a draw to!will not be back

If you live in the Tampa Bay Area or are visiting on a Sunday, this is a must! But do bring cash with you (no credit cards allowed). The market & food is available every Sunday (minus some holidays). The food selection is amazing from curries to fried vegetables to noodle bowls and then plenty of treats for dessert. Pick your favorites and then grab a seat out at the picnic along the river. The view is spectacular and it's great way to enjoy the morning. After you eat grab some treats from the market including various fruits & veggies or plants including herbs, fruits or beautiful orchids. Don't forget to visit the temple. It is gorgeous and just remember to take off your shoes before going in. Enjoy one of the best hidden treasures in Tampa if you haven't already!

Wat Mongkolratanaram is such a neat place to go to on a Sunday morning. I definitely recommend getting there early so parking isn't an issue. Wat Mongkolratanaram is a buddhist temple that offers a market on Sunday that is open to the public. The market consists of stalls that offer a variety of food such as curries, pasties, and drinks. If you have a green thumb, you will be excited to hear there is also a small area with plants that you can purchase. Once you grab some food you can sit and enjoy it on the benches the are available (another reason to go early is to secure a seat!) The grounds are really beautiful because it overlooks water and the temple is pretty to look at from the outside. Bring cash and go early!! I am not sure when they will reopen. It does get crowded so I am assuming it might be a while until they think it's safe enough to open up again.

I've been going to the Sunday market at Wat Tampa for over 20 years. While the service style has changed due to Covid precautions, the food and the setting on the River and the welcoming smiles of the volunteers has not changed. This is a wonderful way to spend part of your Sunday. Enjoy some good Thai food, visit the beautiful temple, and have a friendly cultural experience! I highly recommend a visit!!

Haven't been in a couple years and found this place a while back. It's still a place all must go to and try. Definitely a must, to go on a Sunday when they have all the food. Loved the chicken Satay Skewers the most. The Thai tea and coffee prices did go up but still worth it. Had the mixed fried bananas, sweet potatoes, & Taro for $5. Bananas were the best. This time we tried the pad Thai. The restroom inside was very clean. Can't wait to come back!

This is the Thai temple of the South as it may be the only one. It sits in a neighborhood and across the street from a church. Cops are hired on Sundays to help direct traffic. If you want parking and a nice one at that, come early meaning 8:30am (when they open) to 9:00am. Anytime after that is no guarantee and it will be hectic. Don't say that I didn't forewarn you. We went there this yesterday when they were celebrating Thai new years which was neat and more busy than usual but their boat noodles are to die for. It always has a line but I tell you, it is worth it. You can get a regular $6 bowl or large bowl for $8, you also have the option of more meat as well for $1 upcharge. They have upgrade their bowls to the biodegradable bowls so you just throw it away after you are done eating. They also have other options of food such as different types of curry, sausages, meat jerky, papaya and chicken on a stick with sticky rice. The food there is very affordable with most dishes costing a $5 donation. The benches are more than plenty of room to sit and enjoy the river with a pier that you can go on and enjoy the view even more upfront. I go there from time to time and love it. If you are attempting to get into the temple, you must be covered up from showing your legs, arms, and etc. In respect for the temple, of course so very understandable. You have to make the trip out!

Great Sunday brunch at an awesome price. It's a hidden gem in Tampa! Grab your food and enjoy the beautiful view on the river. Get their early to avoid the lines. Be sure to bring friends the portions are huge and great to share.

This is one of my favorite places to visit in Tampa! I can't think of a better place to visit on a Sunday. I've been coming here since before it was so well known. Over the years word has gotten out and more and more people venture out. The temple has even remodeled the outdoor space with railings along the water and a larger sitting area as well. When it comes to the food there are tons of options from soup to fresh rolls with peanut sauce. But let's be honest, the best thing to get is the PAD THAI and the CURRIES. It usually costs $7 for the pad Thai and $5 for the curry which is an unbeatable price compared to anywhere else. You can even buy orchids and other plants. I bought my desert rose for $2.50 and 7 years later it is still thriving. I have such fond memories with different friends over the years and will continue to visit when I crave curry on Sunday's. A huge tip is if you are going just for the curry, make sure you go around 10am as I have had them run out by 11am before. I about cried when they told me there was no curry left. Like I had to re-learn how to live my life. Also make sure you bring CASH as it's cash only and you'll be very hungry if you don't bring it. Lastly, parking can be tough so going earlier is better usually. Where you order your food is on a wooden wrap around back porch. You walk down steps to an outdoor communal picnic table seating. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a seat if it's really busy. There are views of the river which is quite relaxing to be able to walk along the water and to even observe the Buddhist temple for a different cultural experience. It truly feels like you transport to another country even though you are in Tampa.

Always loved this place. Great scenery. Such good pumpkin curry, plantains (both sweet potato and banana), and pad thai. Thaitea was a little disappointing after COVID but you can't get that pumpkin curry anywhere else.

This is a gorgeous Buddhist Thai temple on the bank of the Palm River in Tampa, and I would consider it a must if in the area on Sunday. We arrived around 10am, it was slightly raining so not too many people were there and most of them were only picking up the food to go, so we got in the line and ordered little bit of everything. Mango sticky rice was to die for, pot stickers and dumplings delicious. The only dish we were somewhat disappointed with was pad Thai. My kids love it and we eat it weekly and we felt this one was couple of hours old so too dry and chicken-poor. I guess it's one of those dishes that really need to be prepared on the spot and fresh to taste good. There was no flowers for sale, but there was plenty orchids and bromeliads flowering all over the trees. Just a beautiful peaceful spot.

What an unexpected sanctuary in Tampa! Referred to locally as the Thai Temple, this charming compound next to the Palm River draws Thai and tourist alike on Sundays for a feast of homemade goods. First things first, parking is available on site but fills up fast, as do the lines for the stalls, especially after 9A. Second, CASH ONLY. I'd bring at least $20 for food, drinks, and desserts. Lastly, it gets HOT (this is Florida after all), bring ice and a fan while you're waiting. I was excited to hear about the Sunday brunches because it brought back the nostalgia of the Wat Mongkolratanaram in Berkeley that I frequented during my college days. Everything is run by volunteers and the funds collected here go towards expansion of the temple grounds. I arrived around 8:30A and it was fairly empty. I was able to float around the area for a bit and taking in the serene view next to the river. The picnic grounds are open to air with little tree cover, so it gets hot under the Florida sun quickly. Watch out for the hordes of ants on the tables as well! They're pretty harmless, but not something you probably want falling into your food. The food stalls are on a covered wooden walkway surrounding a central building, but still open to air. Each food item has a separate station, with the noodle soup and curry/rice stations being the most popular. A small soup bowl was $6 (either pork balls or beef), and for $8 you'll get some more meat and noodles. It's quite a good bowl of soup and pretty filling, though I'm not a huge fan of the pork balls. I definitely recommend getting some iced coffee or Thai tea for $2, or bringing your own cold drink because that soup will make you SWEAT. If you're in the mood for something less filling, try the fresh rolls, fried sweet potato and bananas, or salads, or take your pick from the seemingly endless array of desserts. I had no idea what most of the items were, but one of the volunteers working there was happy to give me suggestions! When you're done dining, you'll bus your own tray by returning it to the walkway area next to the restroom entrance. The utensils are all disposable, making for a minimal dishwashing job. Pay your respects to those that made this experience possible and share this gem with a new friend!

We came here on a Sunday with some family and honestly, had no idea what to expect. We were told there would be food and it was good. Well, we can honestly say that was not a lie! We went pretty early, we arrived a little after 9:30 and the place was already packed. If you plan on taking the food and leaving with it for later, I suggest coming really early to beat the crowds. It is a beautiful location right on the water. The food is set up like a food market style and on the porch. There are so many different foods that there is bound to be something that you like. I, well I loved all of it! My favorite was the Pad Thai and the soup. Ohhhh and the fried plantains and sweet potatoes. I literally cannot wait to go back to have them again! This is definitely a must try location! Both for locals and this visiting/touring! You will not regret it!

Visited for the Sunday market during my visit to Tampa/Clearwater. Authentic Thai and Asian food stalls! Lots of people. Line for the pho was too long to wait this visit. We ended up with curry puffs, spring rolls, noodles and curry, papaya salad, grilled chicken. All delicious. They also have Thai desserts and so many other food options. Plenty to see here from the food, the temple, interesting fruit carvings, waterfront. An all around cultural experience.

Pretty good experience on a beautiful weather Sunday morning! Came here with my colleague and a few friends. Luckily one of the guys has been here before so we got a personal tour by him around the food area and got to know where to buy items from and what to go for. There were lots of items to order from and please remember it is cash only! Also, if you want to enter the temple you have to cover the shoulders and over the knees. We had the smoked chicken, chicken satay, crab rangoons, dumplings, mango sticky rice, coconut cake, Thai tea. The lines for pho and curries was really long so we skipped those.. food was mediocre across the board, but it was a great experience and I would definitely do it again!

Thank you, Karen V, for meeting w/ me this morning. What a great experience browsing the food & plant stands before sampling some of the entrees & sides! I highly recommend stopping in at least once to try the many culinary creations prepared & sold here, but bring cash (as no other currency will be accepted). And be prepared to wait if it's either prepared noodles and/or curried dinners you desire; thankfully, the lines move quickly. Decided to sample a host of offerings so I'll know what to get upon my next visit-- there will assuredly be a NEXT visit; I've enjoyed the food & the people-watching just too much to stay away:-) Once you give your set "donation" (of approx $1 to $10) for your favorite food, there are plastic to go bags & plastic forks & spoons for you to grab. The multitude of wooden picnic tables beside the river can accommodate visitors & their entourage or they can choose to sit inside what resembles a gym. (It was so windy & cold that we opted for a roof over our heads:) In this large room there are long tables w/ folding metal chairs to keep patrons comfortable while they dine. And there appears to be plenty of free parking; I suggest you back into a spot, if possible. We arrived by 8:30 AM for a three-hour stay; we experienced no issues. As we walked around, I purchased the FOLLOWING FOODS (pictured): 3 pork sausage ($5 & very good), barbecued chicken skewer ($3 & EXCELLENT), Sesame Ball dessert ($1 each--unusual flavors, but good), Fried Banana ($5 & DELICIOUS), Fried Sweet Potato ($5 & very good), & an $8 dinner of Pork Panang Curry, Chicken Pumpkin Curry, & Mixed Vegetables. (All very good & somewhat spicy. The cost would have been $10 had I not skipped the white or fried rice.) Definitely a GREAT way to spend a Sunday morning. Attractive grounds & lots of walking around space even w/ the large crowds. Bring a positive attitude, a big appetite, a friend, a camera, & definitely cash:) Enjoy!