Flavorful bet: Bangkok Thai

For years, Bangkok Taste in Santa Ana has quietly been dishing up some of Orange County’s most solid and authentic Thai fare. The strong flavors shine through, from the lemongrass-infused broth of the Tom Yum (hot&sour) soups to the adequately intense heat of traditional offerings like larb, a delicious salad of minced chicken or beef doused in a dressing of fish sauce and lots of lime, accompanied by some cabbage wedges that make for perfect scooping utensils. Thankfully, there’s not much watering down of the flavors—so if you ask for an item to be spicy, it will be.

The $5.95 lunch specials are a big draw here and includes an entree, rice & fried wontons. The small but clean restaurant in tucked away in a nondescript strip mall: it doesn’t get more unassuming than being next to a Big Lots, but the food speaks for itself.

Bangkok Taste is located at 2737 N. Grand Avenue in Santa Ana
714. 532.2216