Saladang

This Pasadena Thai eatery offers traditional takes on standards such as a green papaya salad prepared with dried shrimp called Papaya Pok Pok ($8) and green curry ($9-12), a thick, piquant sauce rounded out with coconut milk, basil, eggplant and a choice of chicken, pork, beef or mixed vegetables. The industrial-looking eatery, not to be confused with Saladang Garden, its newer sister outpost next door, attracts a mix of local families and date-nighters. Start with delectable plates to share—such as pun klib ($8), garlicky bombs of steamed chicken dumplings—while longingly eyeing your neighbor’s sizzling beef with peanut sauce ($17) as it arrives on a piping-hot skillet piled high with beef atop wilted spinach and sprinkled generously with crunchy cashews. End the meal with a little dining entertainment: The fried banana ($7) wrapped in coconut is dipped in rum honey and set ablaze for a dessert spectacular.