Mesa Thai captures the essence of Thai street food culture.
K-Pop sensation Lisa from Blackpink dropped by Mesa Thai in Thai Town, Los Angeles, delighting fans and staff alike. Chef Ple was emotional upon serving the star, who enjoyed a variety of authentic Isan dishes. Lisa’s visit has since increased the restaurant’s popularity, as her mother also enjoyed a meal there shortly after. Mesa Thai, known for its flavorful street food, remains a hidden gem in the heart of LA’s vibrant Thai community.
In the bustling heart of *Thai Town*, Los Angeles, an unexpected visitor brought a whirlwind of excitement to the well-loved eatery, Mesa Thai. The star in question? None other than Lisa, a dazzling member of K-pop sensation Blackpink and a rising actress known for her role in the popular series *The White Lotus*. As she prepares for her much-anticipated performance at Coachella, she took a moment to soak in the vibrant culture and mouth-watering food that Thai Town has to offer.
This beloved neighborhood, often dubbed “Thailand’s 77th province” by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, is tucked away in East Hollywood and is renowned for its authentic Thai street food. On March 22, around 8 p.m., Lisa made an unannounced stop at the cozy Mesa Thai, just half an hour before they wrapped up for the night.
The restaurant’s owner and chef, Phitwasuphon “Ple” Thanaporn, was in for the surprise of her life when a server informed her that the international star had just walked in. Overcome with emotion, chef Ple couldn’t help but shed a few happy tears at the chance to serve a top-tier celebrity.
Opting for a low-key look, Lisa kept it casual in a hoodie that obscured her identity as she sat down at table number six. Her culinary journey began with an array of tantalizing dishes that truly showcased the flavors of *Isan* cuisine. Lisa indulged in larb, a refreshing minced meat salad, alongside the famous Pad Thai Mesa, generously prepared with tamarind paste, fish sauce, dried shrimp, and rich palm sugar. She also sampled tom sap, a spicy northeastern pork rib soup, and a deliciously tart yum ma muang, a green mango salad.
What’s particularly delightful about Mesa Thai is its dedication to the true essence of Thai flavors, with dishes that respect the spice levels of Isan food. Chef Ple prepared the mango salad at a medium-spicy heat, considering Lisa’s taste preference which deviated from the more fiery options found in traditional Isan cuisine.
Mesa Thai is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a dream realized by Chef Ple, who opened the restaurant in 2018. Having learned the art of cooking from her mother, who ran a popular street food stand back in Bangkok, she brings a wealth of culinary passion to each dish. Before transitioning into the realm of Thai cooking, Ple was a licensed massage therapist and dabbled as a cottage food producer of northeastern Thai street food after moving to Los Angeles in 2010.
The establishment showcases a charming chalkboard menu written in vibrant Thai script, housing a variety of noodle and salad options, including different spins on the classic som tum, or papaya salad.
Even Lisa’s mother, Chitthip Brüschweiler, couldn’t resist the allure of Mesa Thai. On April 9, she stopped by to enjoy her own flavors, ordering the famed pad Thai Mesa along with Lao-style papaya salad and savory boat noodles.
For those looking to experience an authentic bite of Thailand, Mesa Thai operates from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and takes a breather on Mondays. It’s a spot that masterfully combines cultural heritage with modern culinary influences, capturing the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
As Lisa continues on her musical journey, her brief but memorable time in Thai Town—immersed in *Isan* cuisine—will surely leave a lasting impact, not just for her, but for everyone at Mesa Thai, as she joins fellow food lovers in celebrating the delicious flavors of Thailand.
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