Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Thai Issan Cuisine Ii

4.5(25 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Thai Issan Cuisine Ii, offering the best Thai experience in Moiliili / McCully. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Northeast Thailand in Honolulu

Stepping into Thai Issan Cuisine II offers an immediate escape from the tropical humidity of Honolulu into a space defined by the bold, punchy aromatics of Northeastern Thai cooking. While the exterior might blend into the busy Keeaumoku district corridor, the kitchen prioritizes the fiery, herbaceous complexity characteristic of the Issan region.

The Issan Culinary Signature

The menu focuses heavily on the authentic preparation of Som Tum—shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar and pestle with lime, chilies, and fish sauce. Whether you order it 'Thai style' with peanuts or the traditional 'Issan style' with pungent fermented crab and extra heat, the crunch remains consistent. Their Larb, a zesty minced meat salad tossed with toasted rice powder and fresh mint, captures the bright, acidic profile that defines this style of street food. Expect the heat levels to be uncompromised; if you ask for medium, they mean it.

Atmosphere and Local Nuances

The interior is utilitarian and brightly lit, favoring function over flair, making it an ideal spot for a quick, high-impact lunch or a casual dinner with friends who prioritize food quality over white-tablecloth service. Be prepared for a modest dining room that can get quite loud during peak hours, and keep in mind that parking in this part of town requires a bit of patience—the narrow stalls are a known local challenge. It is the kind of place where the sound of the mortar hitting the pestle serves as the heartbeat of the room, ensuring that every plate of sticky rice arrives perfectly steamed and ready to accompany your meal.

Photos

Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Thai Issan Cuisine Ii - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

2334 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 25 community reviews
K

Kayli SefoGoogle Maps

Recently

Amazing food and friendly staff. Delicious and tasty dishes, we had the pad thai, yellow tofu curry, larb and combination platter. It was amazing! Staff was very accommodating and fast. Highly recommend this place.

A

Anthony LouiGoogle Maps

Recently

Very good food. I had the Thai yellow curry vegetarian, chow fun pad Thai tofu and a side of sticky rice. I am a meat eater but no worries it has plenty of flavor. The curry was the star of the show for me. Enough sweetness to be good but not over powering. The chow fun pad Thai was something different. For the me the chow fun definitely seemed to spread the flavor out better per bite. The pad Thai came out first and it was hard to stop eating that to try the curry. But the curry edged out the pad Thai for me in flavor. Both. Both are good! For the parking the two separate signs are a little confusing. The lady in the restaurant says no need to pay the parking if you’re eating there. So it isn’t a sign up with a code for the first hour free kind of thing. I didn’t see any parking QR codes inside the restaurant. So do the usual scam check of scratching the edge of the QR code on the sign to make sure no one stuck a fake QR code on top of the real one.

K

k2 -----Google Maps

Recently

Small place, very fresh food. It is the real deal, highly recommended. One hour of free parking provided.

M

Mei Welch-BernasekGoogle Maps

Recently

Have been on the hunt for take out pad Thai that wasn’t lacking flavor and dry, Thai issan ii exceeded my expectations. Even with take out everything was delicious and flavorful. Would highly recommend!

M

Mark RiceGoogle Maps

Recently

We are visiting from the Tennessee and found this place on google. The chicken pad thai was absolutely amazing. The portions were well worth the money. We said it was far better than where we normally go in our hometown. So much flavor. Served hot and so fresh. Im still talking about it. I will go back before we leave the island!

T

Tuyen NguyenGoogle Maps

Recently

I like Thai-Lao dishes. Thai Issan and Issan 2 have not disappoint me yet. I been going to them for Lao-Thai cuisines….

B

Big Fish Dive ClubGoogle Maps

Recently

Thai Issan has recently opened a second restaurant at the place that Thai Village was operating from. The dishes were very traditional with fresh ingredients. I tried its Larb with pork and that was really good. We also got the drunken noodles with chicken and it was decent, not overly sweet.

J

J BGoogle Maps

Recently

Spent $100 on takeout, everything is bland. How do you mess up papaya salad? It’s so spicy but the flavors aren’t balanced. Whoever left those five star reviews must be friends of owners bc they are lying. Also, I have never seen so much water in my curry?

E

Enzo LauGoogle Maps

Recently

I usually don’t eat pad Thai because it’s too sweet for me. Decided to try it this time as dish pad Thai is their #1.The noodles were soaked in Tamarind sauce which made it a bit sour. Not my favorite flavor, but it’s absolutely well made: sticky & flavorful. If You like pad Thai that’s a bit sweet and sour, you would love it! The service is also great

A

Apirada ThongsingGoogle Maps

Recently

My favorite place for Thai/Laos food! Oh so yummy, I'm always so happy to eat here. The staff are friendly. Foods/service is quick. Plenty of parking. You won't be disappointed! It's good food.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Thai Issan Cuisine Ii

Common questions from diners about Thai Issan Cuisine Ii in Honolulu.

They are open for lunch and dinner.

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