Ayara Thai: a 2020-2025 Michelin Guide Family Legacy of Flavor in Los Angeles

Nestled in the heart of Westchester, Los Angeles, Ayara Thai is more than just a restaurant, it's a culinary Michelin Guided love letter to generations of family tradition, bold flavors, and the vibrant spirit of Thailand. Since opening its doors in 2004, Ayara Thai has been delighting Angelenos with home-cooked meals crafted for those dining out, earning its rightful place in the prestigious Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand recipient. But this isn’t just a story about accolades; it’s a story about family, heritage, and the art of cooking with heart.

A Tale of Two Chefs and a Shared Vision

The roots of Ayara Thai run deep, tracing back to the bustling Samsen District of Bangkok, where Chef Andy Asapahu grew up surrounded by the rich aromas of royal cuisine and the spice trade. His culinary journey began in his family’s kitchen, where he learned the art of cooking from his mother, blending the elegance of palace-inspired dishes with the bold, vibrant flavors of the streets.

Meanwhile, Anna, Andy’s wife and Ayara’s culinary matriarch, brought her own unique flair to the table. Hailing from Lampang in northern Thailand, Anna grew up in a family that celebrated the bounty of their land, cooking with homegrown fruits and vegetables. Her commitment to sustainability and fresh, seasonal ingredients has been a cornerstone of Ayara Thai’s philosophy since day one.

Today, the next generation of the Asapahu family carries the torch with pride. Vanda, the Head Chef and Managing Owner, spent four years immersing herself in Thailand’s culinary landscape, rediscovering family recipes and uncovering new inspirations. Her sister Cathy, a pastry chef with a penchant for blending French techniques with Thai flavors, adds a sweet touch to the family’s legacy. Together, they honor their heritage while infusing a distinctly SoCal twist, creating a menu that’s as innovative as it is authentic.

A Menu That Tells a Story

At Ayara Thai, every dish is a celebration of tradition and creativity, prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Here are just a few highlights from their menu that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

• Lobster Pad Thai A luxurious twist on a classic favorite, this dish features a 7-ounce wild-caught lobster tail, tender crab meat, and a surprising hint of thinly sliced green apples. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that’s as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

• Ayara’s Toast These adorable elephant-shaped toasts are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Topped with a seasoned ground pork and shrimp spread and served with a refreshing cucumber sauce, they’re the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off your meal.

• Papaya Salad A quintessential Thai dish, this salad combines shredded green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, and long beans, all mixed in a wooden mortar and pestle for that authentic touch. Topped with peanuts and dried shrimp, it’s a refreshing and zesty explosion of flavor.

• Spicy Eggplant A bold and flavorful dish featuring tender Chinese eggplant stir-fried with shrimp and ground chicken in a spicy onion and basil sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that will leave you craving more.

• Khao Soi A standout on the menu, this northern Thai specialty is a family favorite. Antibiotic-free, free-range chicken drumsticks are braised in a rich, aromatic curry broth and served over egg noodles, accompanied by shallots and mustard greens. This award-winning recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Thai comfort food.

• Spicy Basil Pork Belly A fiery favorite featuring Thai basil, chili, garlic, carrots, and long beans. Insiders rave about it with crispy pork belly or ground chicken for the ultimate flavor-packed experience.

• Thai Tea Flan Save room for dessert, because this soft Thai tea custard is a showstopper. With its rich, bitter caramel and a garnish of fresh berries, it’s the perfect sweet ending to your Ayara Thai experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Ayara Thai’s commitment to quality and innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. From being named one of LA Times Restaurant Critic Bill Addison’s “15 Best Thai Restaurants” in 2025 to earning a spot in the Michelin Guide every year since 2019, the accolades keep rolling in. Chef Vanda’s culinary prowess has also been recognized with honors like the Rising Star Thai Chef Competition and a James Beard Foundation WEL Program graduation. And let’s not forget Cathy’s certification from Alain Ducasse’s ENSP Pastry School, which adds a touch of French sophistication to Ayara’s dessert offerings.

Visit Ayara Thai

Whether you’re craving a comforting plate of Pad Thai or looking to explore the bold, innovative flavors of their seasonal specials, Ayara Thai is ready to welcome you with open arms and a warm smile.

Address: 6245 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Hours:

• Takeout: 11am–10pm

• Indoor Dining: 5pm–9pm

• Closed: Tuesdays

• Phone: (310) 410-8848

• Email: info@ayarathai.com

At Ayara Thai, every meal is a journey—a delicious blend of past and present, tradition and innovation, family and community. So, the next time you’re in Los Angeles, make sure to stop by and savor the flavors of this Michelin-recognized gem. Your taste buds will thank you!

This is not just great food in Los Angeles, its some of the best food in Los Angeles and you MUST try it!

Matthew Tropp | Food Journal Magazine