Song Phang Kong

Stir-fried noodles may be found at this modest Thai eatery in the ID. Their rice noodle pad kee mao is hot and satisfyingly chewy. This Chinatown–International District eatery gained a following because of its homey Lao meals, but the sign out front now reads "Thai kitchen". The cuisine moved toward more prominent curries, salads, and noodle meals under the following family owners, with notable outliers such sai oua sausage.

Chef Thanaporn Luijan, on the other hand, takes such meticulous care with the minutiae in her little kitchen that you'll see each aromatic plate of pad kee mao and egg-topped basil stir fry with fresh eyes. Song Phang Kong's fan base continues to grow.

Location: 1017 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104

Website: songphangkong.com