Pakaoma Thai-Lao

girl_being_crazy

Craving bold, vibrant flavors that transport you straight to Southeast Asia? 🇹🇭🇱🇦✨ I just discovered Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner in El Cerrito, and WOW—every bite was an explosion of flavor. Think icy-sweet Thai Iced Tea, tangy Maak Kaam Waan, and a Jumbo Papaya Salad Platter bursting with crunch, spice, and citrusy zing. The Chicken Satay was smoky and tender, the Crispy Calamari perfectly golden, and the Mok Pla was rich, aromatic, and wrapped in layers of flavor. And don’t even get me started on the Crab Fried Rice—savory, fluffy, and packed with sweet crab in every bite. 🤤🔥 What makes this spot extra special? They focus on Isan (Northeast Thai) and Lao cuisine, so you’re getting authentic regional dishes you don’t see everywhere. Plus, they’ve got gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, so everyone can dig in! 📍 Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner 11880 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 Tag your foodie crew who NEED to try this with you! 🍽️👇 Have you been here yet, or which dish would you order first? Follow @girl_being_crazy for more Bay Area food spots, hidden gems, cafés, weekend adventures, and local events! ❤️ #bayareaeats #sfbayarea #thaifood #new #sanfrancisco [Thai food Bay Area, Lao food Bay Area, Thai-Lao restaurant, Isan cuisine, authentic Thai food, authentic Lao cuisine, El Cerrito restaurants, East Bay food, Bay Area restaurants, San Francisco food, San Francisco restaurants, Bay Area hidden gems, California food, family-style dining, gluten-free & vegetarian options]

foodieberrie

@pakaoma.thai.lao is a Thai & Lao gem in El Cerrito serving authentic Thai Isan and Lao cuisine. Every dish is packed with bold flavors, fresh herbs, spice, and rich umami from ingredients like fermented fish sauce. Bring your friends or family and order family-style so everyone can try a little bit of everything! Featured: 🐟 Pun Pla: Crispy whole fried tilapia served with fresh herbs, cucumbers, lime, red onions, lettuce, fresh chilies, vermicelli noodles, pork rinds, peanuts, and tamarind sauce. 🍗 Fried Chicken Set: Crispy chicken thigh with sticky rice, sweet & sour sauce, and your choice of Thai-style or Lao-style papaya salad. 🍖 Barbecue Pork: Marinated grilled pork served with steamed vegetables, sticky rice, and spicy jaew sauce. 🌭 Lao Sausage: Medium-spicy Lao-style pork sausage with herbs and tomato jaew sauce. 🥩 Laab Seen: Minced beef and beef tripe tossed with mixed greens, cucumbers, red onions, mint, cilantro, roasted rice powder, and tamarind dressing. 🍜 Kao Piek: Lao-style noodle soup with chicken thigh, pork belly, pork meatballs, bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions, fried garlic, shallots, and rich chicken gravy broth. This was my first time trying Lao cuisine and everything was incredibly flavorful. Highlights were the barbecue pork and fried chicken set! Meat was cooked perfectly and the sauces were the perfect compliments. #elcerrito #bayareafood #bayareaeats #thaifood #laofood

gwenlloves

My favorite Thai-Lao spot in the Bay Area @pakaoma.thai.lao From the moment we walked in, it felt like being transported straight to Southeast Asia. The cozy diner vibes, the nostalgic decor and authentic dishes made this one of the most memorable meals I’ve had recently. Some of my favorite dishes: ✨ Mok Pla (catfish fillet wrapped in fragrant banana leaf) ✨ Nam Khao Tod (crispy rice salad, one of my all-time favorites) ✨ Pakaoma Short rib (omg the biggest rib I’ve ever seen and this dish is only $30!) ✨ Papaya salad (sooo spicy! That’s how you know it’s authentic!) ✨ Kao Poon, a comforting Lao-style noodle soup topped with amazing crispy pork belly Every dish was packed with bold flavors and made with so much care. For drinks, don’t miss the Thai Iced Tea and refreshing Longan iced tea. Bonus points for having their own free parking lot and a great Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4:30-6:30pm 🍻 If you’re looking for authentic Thai and Lao food in the East Bay, add this spot to your list. Have you tried Lao food before? 👇 📍Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner 11880 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito #thaifood #laofood #eastbayeats #bayareafoodie #bayareaeats

hangrypotato

Prepare yourself for a delicious feast and a fusion of cuisines! 🇹🇭🇱🇦 Pakaoma fuses both Thai Isan and Lao cuisine making this place worth the drive. 🥢 • Roti Dip • Pad Kee Mao w/ Beef • Pun Pla • Barbecue Pork • Papaya Salad (thai style) • Basil Fried Rice w/ Crispy Pork Belly • Panang Curry w/ Chicken • Mango Sticky Rice 📍El Cerrito, CA @pakaoma.thai.lao Thanks for having us! 🥔 Follow @hangrypotato for more food & travel recommendations! #thaifood #ieatnorcal #laofood #elcerrito #contracostacounty

foodieclubsf

@pakaoma.thai.lao • This East Bay gem is located in El Cerrito, CA. They serve up authentic Thai and Laotian cuisine. I came to try some of their new items and it was fantastic. Their salted egg yolk calamari was so umami and well seasoned. The broth of the short rib noodles was so flavorful and the meat was so tender. The Lao sausages were so tasty. And my favorite was the pork belly, it was crispy and fatty. I definitely left happy. • Would 1000% recommend!