Sweet Rice

4.7 (588 reviews )
$$
Thai restaurant
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in
Breakfast
+(10)

About Sweet Rice

Sweet Rice is a cozy fast-casual Thai restaurant in Gardena, CA, known for its aromatic Khao Soi and delectable desserts. The menu features a variety of soups, noodle dishes, and traditional Thai desserts like Mango Sticky Rice. Customers rave about the comforting Jok and flavorful Boat Noodles. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with friendly staff, adds to the overall dining experience. Although not Michelin-star quality, the creamy curry noodle soup and tender beef dishes are worth savoring. With options for vegan and gluten-free diets, Sweet Rice caters to a diverse set of palates seeking authentic Thai flavors.

Reviews (588) 4.7

  • Sandra N.
    Dec 28,2023

    Sweet Rice is a fast casual Thai Restaurant primarily known for their khao soi as well as desserts. There is a private parking lot out in front shared with a few other Thai spots. They are frequently out of their coconut icecream so don't get your hopes up if you come here solely looking for coconut icecream. The menu is extensive with different types of soups and noodle dishes.

    You order and pay at the counter. The food is brought to your table. Water cups, utensils, and takeout boxes are located in the back.

    *The chicken Khao soi was good. It doesn't taste Michelin worthy however, it was still a solid bowl of creamy curry noodle soup. The soup was rich, milky, not really spicy to me. I feel like the soup needed more acidity than provided. The workers weren't very friendly so we didn't bother asking for more lime. The pickled mustard and crunchy wonton strips added a nice crisp texture.
    *Boat noodles were good but nothing I would come back for. The beefy blood flavor soup was heavy and rich. The rice noodles had a good chewy texture. The beef was tender and plentiful. The meat balls were okay, very springy and snappy.
    *Mango sticky rice- this was a great dessert to finish the meal. The sticky rice was perfectly sweetened by the coconut sauce. The texture was chewy and soft. The mangos were sweet despite it being off season (winter). I thought the bottom part was more mango but it turned out to be just the seed which was disappointing. It felt too expensive to be just one slice of mango.

    Overall, we had a good experience. We wouldn't go out of our way for Sweet Rice- only if we're in the area. It wasn't the best Thai food I ever had but a good option if you're looking for khao soi.

  • Gabby O.
    Dec 20,2023

    Food is amazing would definitely recommend the kao soi curry noodles . Incredible. Mango sticky rice. Even better. Fast service so will definitely be coming back.

  • Brittney K.
    Dec 17,2023

    Always visiting here for the jok :) With the coconut juice, this meal is comforting the next morning, after a long night out. The jok comes with little fried dough pieces to dip in and there are sauces available to bring to your table if you need to add some flavor. I'll have to try other dishes next time.

    Staff is super nice and gives off a 'mom & pop' feel!

  • Michelle O.
    Dec 16,2023

    This amazing Thai restaurant is run by some amazing women who you know used to have everyone come over their house because their food was amazing.  Im sure they had everyone tell them that they should open up a restaurant.   When you go there is has that homey,  comfortable ambiance.  Its always busy and the flavors....  MMMM Every bite is to be savored.   All the dishes Ive had to far were so so good.   The Curry Noodle is packed full of flavors with every bite.   The boat noodle dish is another favorite.   The mango sticky rice is by far the best Ive ever had.  Trust me, I have been comparing.

  • Fred E.
    Dec 10,2023

    This may be the best Thai food I have ever had in my life. I live about 3 miles from this restaurant. So, I've had the chance to explore a good amount of the menu. I've yet to have a bad meal. The mango sticky rice is addictive! Don't walk, run to this spot! The ladies are always nice and if you're not familiar with Thai food they'll walk you through the menu!

  • Shanelle S.
    Nov 22,2023

    100% recommend this spot - get the khao soi. You won't regret it. The soul is umami and has a salty/sweet/savory taste. That combined with the crunchy wonton strips on top and the chewy noodles makes for a delicious bowl of soup. It's counter order and there is indoor and outdoor seating. Credit cards accepted. There is a single occupant restroom inside and a self service water dispenser. There's a variety of Thai snacks and drinks for sale by the counter as well.

  • Leslie Y.
    Nov 14,2023

    Finally, I returned to this piece of heaven after the indelible memory I had at the peak of the pandemic.  I was here with my entire family the first time, and it was one of the highlights of our dining experience during that dark time.

    I realized this is within walking distance from my work, so it made perfect sense for me to visit during my lunch break.  I ordered the kao soi again, but this time with beef instead of tofu.  It was even better than I remembered.  The broth was rich and the beef was tender.  The mixture of other ingredients unified the taste in such way that I cannot imagine a better combination of culinary goodness.

    I also tried their homemade coconut ice cream, with some of my favorite toppings.  This lunch experience set the bar so high that everywhere else might feel like a disappointment.

    Even though I ordered at the counter, the staff brought my food to me and cleared my table while I enjoyed my dessert.

  • Shirley A.
    Nov 12,2023

    One of my best friends and I came here for the first time to eat. The service AND food were outstanding! You pay as you order at the counter, then sit down at a table afterwards while you wait. Our order came within 5 minutes even though it was busy! Everything was absolutely delish! I definitely recommend this place AND I'll definitely be back! Thank you for a good first impression!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the most popular dishes at Sweet Rice?

    Some popular dishes include Khao Soi curry noodles, boat noodles, and mango sticky rice. Many guests rave about the flavors and quality of these menu items.

  • Can I make a reservation or do I need to walk in?

    Sweet Rice operates on a walk-in basis and does not take reservations. You can simply come in and find a seat.

  • What dining options are available at Sweet Rice?

    You can enjoy dine-in or takeout options. There’s also outdoor seating available for those who prefer to eat outside.

  • What is the atmosphere like at Sweet Rice?

    The atmosphere is cozy and casual, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. It’s lively and popular, especially during lunch and dinner hours.

  • Is parking available at Sweet Rice?

    Yes, there is a free parking lot available, along with free street parking. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible.

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