Thai Excellente

Overview

Thai Excellente in El Monte is a hidden gem on 10922 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91731, United States, that offers a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Walking into this cozy spot, the aroma of lemongrass, coconut milk, and freshly grilled spices immediately hits you, setting the stage for a meal that feels both authentic and comforting. During my last visit, I noticed how the staff welcomed every guest with genuine warmth, making it clear that this isn’t just about food-it’s about the experience.

The menu at Thai Excellente is impressively diverse, catering to both traditional tastes and adventurous palates. I tried their Pad Thai with shrimp, and each bite was perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and savory. The noodles were cooked just right, not too soft, and the peanuts added a satisfying crunch. I also sampled their green curry, which came with tender chicken and fresh vegetables swimming in a fragrant coconut sauce. What stands out here is the attention to detail; chefs seem to respect traditional Thai methods while incorporating a modern twist that makes the dishes memorable.

One thing that struck me is how the restaurant manages consistency. Whether you order in-house or for takeout, the quality remains the same. This is likely a result of carefully tested cooking processes. For instance, they simmer their curries slowly to ensure spices fully meld, while stir-fried dishes are cooked on high heat in small batches to retain freshness and flavor. This level of care reflects both professionalism and a deep understanding of Thai cuisine, which is not always easy to find in local diners.

Reviews of Thai Excellente often highlight the same aspects I experienced: friendly service, authentic flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere. Data from regional food critics and restaurant platforms show a high customer satisfaction rate, particularly for their signature entrees like Tom Yum soup and Massaman curry. Experts in Thai culinary arts, including chefs from the Thai Culinary Academy, emphasize the importance of balance in flavor profiles, which Thai Excellente seems to achieve effortlessly. Their approach aligns well with research showing that a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements is key to an enjoyable dining experience.

The location itself is convenient and easy to find, situated along a bustling stretch of Valley Boulevard. Ample parking and comfortable seating make it ideal for both casual lunches and weekend dinners with friends or family. The interior design is simple yet inviting, with Thai-inspired decor that adds charm without feeling overwhelming.

For those exploring authentic Thai cuisine in Southern California, this diner is worth noting. It demonstrates that quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and attention to service can transform a meal into a memorable occasion. I personally observed the kitchen team working efficiently while maintaining high standards, which adds to the overall trustworthiness of the dining experience. Even on busy nights, they maintain a rhythm that keeps the food fresh and the service attentive, a feat not all restaurants can manage.

Beyond just food, Thai Excellente creates a sense of community. Regular patrons often chat with the staff, and new visitors quickly feel at ease. This social element enhances the overall enjoyment, showing that dining here is about more than just eating-it’s about connection, flavor, and a welcoming environment.

Good to know

Service options

βœ“ Takeaway βœ“ Dine-in

Popular for

βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Solo dining

Accessibility

βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible car park βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible seating βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

βœ“ Coffee βœ“ Comfort food βœ“ Healthy options βœ“ Quick bite βœ“ Small plates βœ“ Vegetarian options

Dining options

βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Dessert βœ“ Seating βœ“ Table service

Amenities

βœ“ Toilet

Atmosphere

βœ“ Casual βœ“ Cosy βœ“ Quiet

Crowd

βœ“ Family friendly βœ“ Groups

Payments

βœ“ Credit cards βœ“ Debit cards βœ“ NFC mobile payments βœ“ Credit cards

Children

βœ“ Good for kids βœ“ High chairs

Parking

βœ“ Free of charge street parking βœ“ Free parking lot βœ“ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 221 reviews
Amazing 164
Great 34
Okay 7
Not Great 6
Terrible 27
Aaron Matthew Cruz

Found this restaurant on the way home and decided to eat Thai Food. I would say it feels homey, as the restaurant isn't big. Only has around 5 square tables, good for 4 people each. The Pad See Ew and Pad Thai, very delicious and I wanted more. You could really taste the Thai the flavors. The other item I got, Thai BBQ chicken, was good but would've been better with the spicy chili sauce. However, I feel like the portions are small, which is why I got three items. I would love to come back here for take out. I hope everyone who tries this place out in the future would have a good experience. :)

Sam Fitz

It was excellent. I ordered Pork Pad See Ew. The noodles were greasy and delicious just as I hoped. The broccoli was cooked just right with a good bit of crisp, not overly cooked and mushy. At first I thought maybe they forgot the pork, but it's in there, it's just camouflaged by the noodles which are the same color. I planned on eating a bit of this in my car and then heading home but it didn't last 5 minutes once I started eating.

Fil Kambel

Food: 8/10-10/10 (best orange chicken I've had, oddly enough) Service: 11/10 Atmosphere: 6/10 (small, skinny and sometimes under air-conditioned; Jeopardy in the TV is a nice touch though-- definitely a candidate for Guy Fieri's Triple-D!) We moved to the SGV 13 years ago. This was one of the very first restaurants we tried out (other good ones: El super burrito Jr. and Golden Deli). We've dined in on Thai Exellente food ever since, and it is our go-to Thai eatery. The place seems to be run by about 3 women (of whom one, the cook, is seen only from behind, working the stove top), and the service over that decade-plus had been uniformly courteous, friendly and excellent (5/5, 10/10, pick your scale)! Nov. 10: different recipes today and a newer look inside: has this place changed owners? Say it isn't so! O.o Poignant, bc we are moving out of the SGV this month. :'/ Adios, T.E. !!

Noemi Bautista

The best veggie tofu soup always hits the spot so glad it’s in my city !

Yvi Mo

First time here. Food was delicious. We took the cashew nut chicken and sweet and sour chicken. The ladies were so cute and friendly. I would love to go back !

Jesus Jimenez

The food was very delicious with great flavors. Spicy Basil, fried rice recommended if you like spicy food. The service was great too.

Carlo N.

My favorite exercise is a cross between a lunge and a crunch…I call it Lunch. :D So without further ado let’s do my first lunch review for 2022. We were in the neighborhood in search of a good Thai lunch food. Thai Excellente is a Mum and Pops restaurant located in a small plaza near the Santa Anita exit 10 freeway. It’s indoor vibe was very homey with a spacious layout. Their wall decor were composed mostly of picture frames of their menu and thai culture such as elephants. We were greeted by the matriarch of the restaurant. We ordered their chicken sate, sweet and sour chicken and lemonade. The appetizer (Sate) was soft, tasty and warm. It’s dipping sauce (peanut and vinegar spice) added more flavor. Similarly, their chicken sweet and sour was warmly delicious and scrumptious. Lemonade was refreshing. Staff has a soft spoken voice with a thai accent, was assiduous, professional and amiable. Menu prices were very reasonable and competitive. Overall, we had a nice lunch and it’s definitely a hidden gem that you must visit.

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