Thai Market in Chino Hills — Review by RainaisCrazy
Chino Hills, United States — Thai
A hidden gem Thai market in Chino Hills open only on Sundays features authentic Thai dishes made by local monks and community members, including exceptional boat noodles, jerky, sausage, and curry at incredibly affordable prices. The reviewer was impressed by the authentic flavors that rival those found in Thailand itself, offering great value and supporting a local temple.
What was great: Authentic Thai boat noodles made by a monk named Sam, flavorful pork jerky with good texture, tangy sausage with fermented pickle notes, chicken curry with lemongrass flavor, coconut rice, mango sticky rice, excellent prices for California, supports local temple business
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the visit was the Thai boat noodle, a traditional dish with fascinating history - these noodles were historically cooked on boats in Thai rivers. Made by a monk named Sam, this particular boat noodle featured rice noodles in a savory broth containing pork blood, vegetables, and authentic spicing that delivered both heat and complexity. The reviewer described it as particularly special, possibly enhanced by Sam's spiritual blessing as a monk.
Beyond the noodles, the market offered impressive charcuterie items including pork jerky that defied expectations - despite appearing dry, it remained soft and sweet with a good balance of lean meat and fat, pairing wonderfully with rice. The sausage stood out for its unique tangy, fermented pickle flavor, quite different from Chinese sausage which tends toward sweetness. Chicken was infused with lemongrass notes that brought freshness and aromatic quality.
The curry rice dish featured chicken and potatoes in a coconut-based sauce with legit, authentic flavors. What made this dish particularly special was the coconut rice base, which added an extra layer of flavor beyond standard white rice. Dessert came in the form of mango sticky rice with rich coconut milk, providing a traditional sweet finish.
The Experience
This Thai market operates only on Sundays from 9 AM to 3 PM in Chino Hills, making it a special weekend destination. The atmosphere appears casual and community-focused, with various makers and monks preparing dishes. The experience is intimate and authentic, with the reviewer noting that the food quality matches what you would find in Thailand itself. It's also a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and the temple community.
Value and Pricing
The pricing is exceptional, particularly impressive considering California's typical food costs. Individual dishes like the mango sticky rice cost only $10, while a complete meal including boat noodles, multiple proteins, chicken curry, rice, and dessert totaled approximately $40-50. The reviewer emphasized multiple times that the prices are insane in the best way possible, offering tremendous value for authentic, quality Thai cuisine.
Notable Moments
The prices here are insane. All this $40. Oh, $50.
This is only $10, by the way. The mango sticky rice.
I will say that it's just as good as Thailand.
The Verdict
This Thai market is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Thai cuisine at exceptional prices while supporting a local temple and community. It's perfect for adventurous eaters who appreciate traditional Thai flavors and don't mind the limited Sunday hours. The quality rivals Thailand itself, making it a unique gem in Southern California that shouldn't be missed.