Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kanda Thai – San Diego
Kanda Thai - San Diego
Photo from Kanda Thai
Kanda Thai at a glance
San Diego Loma Portal
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#521 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#23 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
425
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Clean ambiance
- Flavorful food
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Unpleasant environment
- Service inconsistencies
The restaurant Kanda Thai Cuisine is a delightful Thai restaurant nestled in the vibrant Loma Portal neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, offering a refreshing complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot provides a welcoming setting for you.
Overview: Introducting Kanda Thai
Kanda Thai often receives praise for its welcoming staff and a generally clean atmosphere, contributing to a comfortable visit. Many patrons appreciate the overall quality of the food, finding it a reliable choice for a meal out.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly concerning portions and the perceived value for money. While service is frequently a strong point, there are occasional comments about the dining environment or specific dish preparations.
Good
6.7
out of 10
425
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
124
negative
22
neutral
279
positive
Kanda Thai garners an overall score of 6.7, placing it in a decent, above-average category. Customer satisfaction registers at 65.6%, indicating a generally mixed but often favorable reception.
This assessment is drawn from 425 customer opinions, with 279 positive sentiments outweighing 124 negative ones, providing a solid foundation for these insights. Delving into specifics, Service is a clear strength, scoring well (7.5) for its attentive and friendly approach.
The Ambience also contributes positively (7.2), frequently praised for its clean and quiet setting. However, Food receives an average score (6.6), and Value is perceived as average (5.7), with some guests noting concerns about portion sizes relative to cost.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
- Flavorful Thai dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions, high prices
- Unpleasant indoor environment
- Occasional service issues
Kanda Thai offers a generally acceptable dining experience, particularly if you value attentive service and a clean setting. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it suggests a decent option for many, though it’s wise to approach with balanced expectations.
If you’re seeking flavorful Thai dishes and appreciate friendly staff, it can be a satisfying choice. However, be aware of potential inconsistencies in portion sizes and occasional environmental concerns.
It’s a place that can deliver, but it’s not without its minor drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kanda Thai
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Diving into the food experience, many diners rave about the 176 positive remarks for delicious dishes and incredible flavors on offer. Popular items like the Pad Thai and yellow curry often receive high praise, especially for their customizable spice levels and generous portions. However, the overall food score sits at an average 6.6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 62.6%.
Some of the 87 critical comments point to issues like bland or mediocre flavor, oily sauce, and a perceived lack of authentic taste, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Food
281
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
87
negative
18
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Customizable spice levels
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland, mediocre flavor
- Inconsistent quality
- Lacks authentic taste
Often praised
- foodDuring the 2020 San Diego Restaurant Week, my experience was no different. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious! The SDRW Menu offered a nice selection to choose from.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my #1 spot that I return to frequently for what I consider some of the best Thai food in the area. The taste is great, it's affordable, and the staff is friendly.
- Pad ThaiI had my spicy Pad Thai so I was still happy
- spicy noodlesthe pad Thai and the spicy noodles they were both solid
- yellow curryThe yellow curry and spicy noodles are delicious
- Pad See-EwThe Regular Fried Rice and Pad See-Ew are both solid choices
- Thai teaThe Thai tea is great!
- Tom Yum soupTom Yum soup, a revelation of balanced spices and fresh ingredients
- chicken satayOrdered the chicken satay and fresh spring rolls (shrimp). Good flavor!
- lunch speciallunch special with the soup and salad contrasts flavors
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is way better than this scam restaurant
- noodlesI ordered the pad see ew with shrimp, which lacked traditional flavors and was the lowest quality I've ever had. The noodles were bare of sauce and flavorless. The fried rice with chicken was greasy and not delicious.
- Pad ThaiPad Thai was way too sweet and noodles were really undercooked
- flavorI ordered the green curry, which I consider a staple and a good indicator of a Thai restaurant's authenticity. Unfortunately, it completely lacked flavor and the chicken was chewy. Ironically, the peas had the most flavor in the dish.
- portionsI'm unsure how the average rating is above 4; perhaps the restaurant has changed ownership. As others have noted, the portions are smaller and the prices have increased significantly.
- chickenTWO pieces of dry tasteless chicken
- portion sizeWe've been ordering takeout from this restaurant about once a month for nearly three years. Unfortunately, the quality has gone down, and the portions are about 1/3 smaller while the prices have increased by 30%. We've also experienced bad pork a few times, leading to stomach issues shortly after.
- riceI gave this restaurant 4 stars because the food is always good, especially all their CURRIES like yellow, red, and green curry. However, the downside is that they DO NOT give enough rice. The portions are small, which is a shame.
- DuckDuck is still on the menu, but... it’s not available.
- Flat noodles with chickenFlat noodles with chicken I almost vomit the chicken taste old and rubbery
If you're looking for a casual meal with customizable spice and potentially generous servings, this spot could be worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the flavors delicious, some experiences suggest inconsistency in taste and authenticity.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 75%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 72 total comments, a whopping 54 were positive, often praising the "staff, " "wait staff, " and their "attentive and friendly nature, " leading to "exceptional service.
" You can usually expect a warm welcome and quick attention here. However, not every interaction is perfect, with 15 negative remarks. Some guests encountered issues like an "Uber Eats order" being marked ready too early, leading to "wasting our time, " or needing to attract the "cashiers attention.
There were also a few hiccups with basic requests like napkins and utensils or problems with the credit card machine. "
Service
72
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Inattentive staff
- Order readiness issues
- Payment problems
Often praised
- serviceThis place is quickly becoming my go-to spot whenever I'm in the mood for a great fried rice dish. In addition to the delicious food, their prices are incredibly affordable, and the service is consistently friendly, which further enhances the overall experience. If you appreciate wok-fried flavors and a good kick of spice, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit!
- staffIt's a nice place to go for a tasty, quiet lunch. The establishment is very clean, and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend trying it at least once.
- ServiceService and dining experience are wonderful.
- serverThe server came over after my friend arrived and he was very polite.
- KandaKanda is my go-to when I don't feel like cooking!
- San Diego airportI tried the pad Thai and the spicy noodles, and both were solid choices. It's a great option for a meal, especially since it's only 15 minutes from the San Diego airport.
- StaffStaff is friendly.
- attentive and friendly natureTheir attentive and friendly nature creates an inviting ambiance
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- exceptional servicedeserves accolades for its exceptional service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service started off weird
- ServiceHe took it back angry
- Uber Eats ordermark the Uber Eats order as "ready" 10-15 minutes earlier
- cashier's attentionI had to attract the cashier's attention when I arrived first.
- credit card machineMy experience at the restaurant was cut short because the credit card machine wasn’t working. Additionally, it was quite stinky and hot inside.
- heat leveldoesn’t ask your the heat level
- limeWhen I asked for a side of lime she handed me the slice of lemon
- mad at meas if they were mad at me for complaining
- napkins and utensilsThe old rotten fried tofu was particularly disgusting. While the service was fast and the food came out quickly, we had to ask for napkins and utensils, and then again for some Thai spices. The atmosphere was also very poor, rated only a 1.
- takeoutVery disappointed this time around
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, with staff often described as friendly and efficient. While there are occasional minor snags, the positive feedback strongly suggests it's worth a visit if good service is a priority for you.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.2 score and a 78.6% customer satisfaction rate, which is pretty good! Many of the 33 positive comments praise the warm and welcoming ambiance, highlighting its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a quiet lunch. Guests often appreciate the open seating and good music, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, its not without its quirks. A smaller number of 8 negative opinions mention some noticeable issues. Concerns include an unpleasant inside smell, sometimes described as stinky or like guinea pig bedding, and occasionally being hot inside.
' A few guests also noted dirty walls/windows and the presence of flies, which can certainly detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
42
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming ambiance
- Clean restaurant
- Peaceful atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unpleasant inside smell
- Dirty walls/windows
- Presence of flies
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was a unique, sweet hot cucumber soup that I'd never had before, though I unfortunately didn't catch its name. The atmosphere was quiet and clean, though it might not be the best place for a private conversation depending on the seating. Our server was very nice.
- cleanlinessIt's a nice place to go for a tasty, quiet lunch. The establishment is very clean, and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend trying it at least once.
- placeA place you will be very delighted!
- restaurantClean restaurant
- Atmospherethe Atmosphere a 4
- cleanI've never had any problems. It's a great local spot that is clean and inexpensive. Please don't crowd my favorite Thai spot!
- crowded placeaway from A too crowded place
- dining experienceService and dining experience are wonderful.
- displaythe display was great
- drive from airportThe staff were friendly, making for a pleasant dining experience. It was definitely worth the drive from the airport.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere isn't much
- fliesOut of all the Thai food places in San Diego, this was our least favorite. When dining in, we noticed the walls/windows were dirty and there were lots of flies.
- hot insideMy experience at the restaurant was cut short because the credit card machine wasn’t working. Additionally, it was quite stinky and hot inside. Due to these issues, we just walked out.
- inside smellSmelled like guinea pig bedding inside
- stinkyquite stinky
- walls/windowswalls/windows dirty
Overall, the ambience here is generally positive, offering a comfortable and clean setting for most. While it usually provides a peaceful and welcoming vibe, be aware that a few visitors have encountered issues with smells or cleanliness. If you prioritize a quiet, clean spot, it's worth a try, but keep an open mind for potential minor drawbacks.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 53.3% and a score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average range. Many diners, accounting for 16 positive opinions, praised the prices and value, often calling it a deal or inexpensive. They frequently highlighted affordable prices, great value for money, and even surprisingly generous portions for the cost.
However, 14 negative opinions suggest some diners felt it was a rip off or pricey. Comments often pointed to high prices and an awful deal, especially when portions seemed small for what was paid. The absence of lunch specials also left some disappointed, wishing for more affordable options.
Value
30
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good deals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- No lunch specials
Often praised
- priceIt's my #1 spot that I return to frequently for what I consider some of the best Thai food in the area. The taste is great, it's affordable, and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend it.
- pricestheir prices are super affordable
- alcoholThe alcohol is also very cheap
- dealAnd a really good deal.
- food priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive, with a few minor points to note. The food was very reasonably priced. I ordered the Pad See Ew with pork, requesting medium spice.
- food pricestasty food at food prices
- good priceThe staff were delightful, and the food was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised by the big portions, especially considering the incredibly good price in San Diego. I highly recommend trying the Spicy Noodles.
- inexpensiveI've never had any problems. It's a great local spot that is clean and inexpensive. Please don't crowd my favorite Thai spot!
- lunch speciallunch special, affordable at $11 or so
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices are still high for what you get.
- lunch specialsWould have spent more if there had been lunch specials
- rip offThis is a rip off
- awful dealThe portions were tiny, and the food seemed premade with mediocre flavor. It felt like an awful deal. The only redeeming quality was that it was spicy enough.
- moneyDon’t waste your money
- pricesmaller end for the price we paid
- priceyA little pricey.
- restaurantthis scam restaurant
This spot offers a mixed value proposition. If you catch a good deal or find the portions generous for the price, youll likely be pleased. But be warned, some find it pricey for whats offered, especially without lunch specials, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Kanda Thai?
On average, you’ll spend around $25 per person – based on 68 guests. That places this Thai restaurant in the $21–$30 category, which is comfortably mid-range. While the average sits here, it’s interesting to see that most diners actually spend in the $11–$20 range.
This suggests a good mix, with some guests opting for more premium dishes that bring the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in San Diego. It offers good flexibility, allowing for both a casual, budget-friendly meal and a slightly more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kanda Thai
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Impressed by Yellow Curry and Spicy Noodles!
My husband and I tried this place for the first time this evening and were super impressed! We did the takeout option, however the inside is very cute. The yellow curry and spicy noodles are delicious and have a good ratio of veggies and meat.
We will be back soon!
- takeout8
- inside7
- yellow curry9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
We ordered takeout after a long day of driving, hoping for a satisfying dinner. My initial suspicion arose when the food was handed to me in the car, lacking the usual aromatic quality of Thai cuisine. Upon reaching our hotel just five minutes later, our disappointment grew.
The noodles and rice were overcooked to a mushy consistency, and the entire meal was flavorless and completely bland. We couldn't even finish it and had to order from another place.
- noodles2
- rice2
- flavor1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food flavor and freshness were excellent, and the prices were very affordable. I also received great customer service.
I recommend it 100%.
- food flavor and freshness10
- prices9
- customer service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Inedible Fried Rice - A Disappointing Experience
My first visit to this restaurant was unfortunately a very negative one. I ordered a fried rice dish with chicken and shrimp, but it was completely inedible. The dish lacked any discernible flavor, and the pineapple tasted like nothing.
There was an odd and not good flavor to the entire dish, which led me to throw it out. The reviewer's experience with the food was extremely poor, with the dish being inedible.
- fried rice dish1
- pineapple1
- whole dish1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Thai Food Experience
I was excited to visit, as I love Thai food, but I was a bit disappointed. The service started off weird; the host was on the phone, acknowledged us, and told us to sit, but then made us wait about five minutes before attending to us, even though it wasn't busy and we were her third table. Regarding the food, the beef larb was very bland, definitely missing the essential rice powder and coriander.
The meat tasted old, not bad, but close. The chicken chow mein was just okay, average. The beef spicy noodle was pretty good, but still average.
The wonton soup was the best of the four dishes, but still only average.
- chicken chow mein5
- beef spicy noodle6
- wonton soup6
- service2
- beef larb2
- meat3
What Kanda Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options are available at Kanda Thai Cuisine?
At Kanda Thai Cuisine, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer lunch and dinner service with comfortable seating, and table service is provided. If you’re planning an event, catering is also available, and don’t forget to save room for dessert.
Does Kanda Thai Cuisine cater to specific dietary needs or offer healthy choices?
Yes, Kanda Thai Cuisine offers a variety of healthy options, including dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes. You can also enjoy small plates for a quick bite. To complete your meal, they provide a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.
How does Kanda Thai generally rate with customers?
Kanda Thai has an overall score of **6.7** and a customer satisfaction of **65.6%**. **Service** (7.5) and **Ambience** (7.2) are rated positively, while **Food** (6.6) and **Value** (5.7) are considered average.
What are the main positive aspects of Kanda Thai?
Patrons often highlight the friendly and attentive **service** and the clean, pleasant **ambience**. Many also enjoy the flavorful Thai dishes offered.
What are some common criticisms of Kanda Thai?
Common criticisms include inconsistent **food** quality, concerns about **portions** and perceived **value**, and occasional issues with the indoor **environment**, such as cleanliness or smell.