




About
Honolulu’s Hidden Slice of Laos and Thailand
Tucked away from the high-rise bustle of Waikiki, Thai Grindz & Lao Cuisine brings a bold, aromatic shift to the Honolulu food scene. The air inside is thick with the scent of toasted sticky rice and lime-kissed herbs, setting the stage for a meal that feels more like a home-cooked feast than a commercial outing.
The Soul of the Menu
This spot earns its reputation through uncompromising spice levels and traditional preparations. The Lao-style papaya salad is the undisputed star, pounded fresh with pungent fermented fish sauce and a creeping heat that lingers. Unlike the sweeter iterations found elsewhere on the island, their version is unapologetically funky and sharp. Don't overlook the crispy rice salad, which provides a satisfying crunch against the tender, savory crumbles of fermented pork sausage.
The Experience
The interior is modest and functional, favoring function over flair, which keeps the focus entirely on the plates. You might find it challenging to grab a spot during the lunch rush, as locals flock here for a quick, searingly authentic break from the office. It’s an ideal setting for those who prioritize flavor depth over fine-dining polish. Just be prepared for the volume; the open kitchen creates a lively, rhythmic clatter of mortars and pestles that serves as the soundtrack to your meal. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for an early dinner arrival.
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Amenities & Features
Location
1742 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 46 community reviewsLeianaGoogle Maps
Recently
New owners and a little bit of renovation but still felt welcoming & cozy. One of the owners "Noi" was so hospitable and we had a good conversation. The food was awesome, delicious and of course the Thai tea hit the spot!
Robert MurphyGoogle Maps
Recently
New favorite food spot unlocked: Thai Grindz & Laos Cuisine! 🍜✨ It’s a small, cozy space where you can chat with the incredibly friendly owner. What to get: Lao Sausage: Incredibly flavorful, complex, and unique to this local spot. Pad Thai with Pork: A total game-changer! Most places stick to chicken, beef, or shrimp, but pork here is an option and it's a sweet symphony of flavors. Deal Alert: Drop by for the lunch special. The portions are huge for the price, and you can add a Thai tea for just $2. Put this gem on your list!
Esha MehtaGoogle Maps
Recently
Phenomenal food and service. They recently reopened and the environment is welcoming and the staff is very kind. Food came out extremely quickly and was delicious. We are a group of vegetarians and there were plenty of options on the menu. We specifically loved the pineapple fried rice and cashew nut vegetable. Thai iced tea was also delicious. Absolutely would come back
Alli SchumacherGoogle Maps
Recently
This place is incredible. The food was amazing. We had Pad See Ew, Evil Jungle Princess Curry & Laos sausage. Some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had & I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand. The staff were so so friendly & you could tell they really cared about their food. I would highly recommend going here! Definitely going back. 12/10
Bennett FungGoogle Maps
Recently
A small family restaurant with very good food for a low price. The restaurant only has 4 tables. Small but clean and comfortable. The food came out fresh and hot. Potion is also fairly large. Great for sharing the food family style. Street parking. Located right across zippy's. Great personalized service because we came during of hours and go one else was in the restaurant.
LydiaGoogle Maps
Recently
An outstanding dinner!! The Lao speciality noodle soup was pure comfort food and made with all fresh ingredients, including handmade noodles. The panang curry was the perfect flavor. Small but cozy interior with friendly service :) 10/10 would recommend!
David GintherGoogle Maps
Recently
A hidden gem! I had the veggie Pad See Ew and it was so good I wanted to get a second plate. Super friendly service, food came out hot and fresh!
R LGoogle Maps
Recently
Our current fav Thai spot on the island! This is the place if you want authentic, fresh, reasonably priced Thai food that tastes homemade. Portions are also v generous, as you can see from the pics
NenGoogle Maps
Recently
My Laotian friend invited me to this restaurant. The food is authentic and delicious and very reasonably priced compared to a lot of other local restaurants. The chef is amazing and the service was great too. Will def be back.
Brian DoteGoogle Maps
Recently
Our boxing crew visited Thai Grindz & Laos Cuisine for lunch on a Sunday. They were excellent at handling our large party and the food was amazing. I don’t normally eat spicy food but we just had to try the Laotian cuisine. The spicy stuff was super tasty with a rich blend of flavors and textures. The spice hit me a few seconds after each bite like a punch to the jaw and I loved it! Pineapple fried rice is my fave dish, and the one from Thai Grindz is now at the top of my list. The best I’ve had. From the appetizers, to the entrees we shared family style, everything was tasty. As a pescatarian, the menu had tons of great choices. The location is easy to find with street parking out front and parking in back. Highly recommended. It’s by far my new favorite Thai/Laotian restaurant. We’re so lucky to have a place like this to dine and enjoy.
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