Why Locals Love Lum-Ka-Naad
Located in the heart of Northridge, Lum-Ka-Naad is a delightful Thai and Southeast Asian restaurant that truly elevates the dining experience beyond expectations. Specializing in authentic dishes bursting with vibrant flavors, this gem masterfully balances traditional Thai cuisine with a seafood-forward menu that seafood lovers will adore.
Among the standouts on their diverse menu, the Grilled Kung Shae Nam Pla (Naked Mermaid) is a must-try. Succulent fresh shrimp marinated in a zesty house sauce of garlic, chili, cilantro, and lime juice is served atop a crisp cabbage and tomato garnish—each bite a perfect harmony of tangy, spicy, and fresh elements. Equally irresistible is the Raw Kung Shae Nam Pla, offering an adventurous twist on the same vibrant marinade with fresh shrimp that ignites your palate with nuanced Southeast Asian flavors.
If you prefer something richer, Lum-Ka-Naad’s array of coconut-based curries are nothing short of spectacular. The Green Curry features a creamy, fragrant coconut blend with bamboo shoots, bell peppers, eggplant, and basil that delivers a well-rounded earthy spice. For those seeking a slightly sweeter yet bold profile, the Panang and Pineapple Curries offer delightful layers of coconut richness and fresh, garden ingredients. Each curry dish is served piping hot and prepared with fresh ingredients that preserve authentic flavors without overwhelming heat.
To round out the meal, the Classic Fried Banana dessert offers a comforting conclusion—a golden, slightly crispy exterior encasing warm, sweet bananas that melt in your mouth, perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note.
The ambiance at Lum-Ka-Naad strikes a cozy, inviting balance perfect for casual dinners, date nights, or relaxed family outings. Reviewers have noted the welcoming, attentive service that respects your dining pace without rushing, enhancing the overall experience. The intimate setting, combined with surprisingly generous portions and affordable prices, makes it a culinary treasure in a “hole-in-the-wall” setting.
What truly makes Lum-Ka-Naad special is its ability to consistently deliver flavorful, fresh, and well-balanced dishes that resonate with both Thai cuisine newcomers and seasoned food enthusiasts. From Walter’s praise of its superior flavor to Ursula’s nod to the friendly, knowledgeable staff, this restaurant promises a taste journey that sparks excitement with every visit.
Whether you’re craving classic chicken pad thai, bold fish prik king, or unique dishes like pork belly in red curry sauce, Lum-Ka-Naad offers a vibrant menu that invites you to explore the best of Thai and Southeast Asian gastronomy without leaving Northridge. Fast, friendly service and a down-to-earth vibe make every meal here feel like a welcome return to a favorite spot.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Apr 8, 2026
I wasn’t expecting much when we walked in, but the food here honestly surprised me. Better than Krua Thai — the food is way tastier. Every dish had real flavor, not the watered-down stuff you get at a lot of places. The spices were balanced, the portions were solid, and everything came out fresh. Service was quick but not rushed, and the staff actually checked in without hovering. For the price and the quality, this place is an easy repeat.
- Feb 20, 2026
Great food, well seasoned. You could definately taste the flavor of every dish. Love the seafood soup. Chowmein was on the sweet side. Yes, they serve Thai and Chinese food here. First time I went the wait was kinda long which I think is always a good sign so I didn't mind waiting at all. My second trip I made a reservation and was seated right away. Overall great experience.
- Feb 18, 2026
One of the best Thai food restaurants in the valley! We had the yellow curry and chicken pad thai, both were flavorful and portions sizes are enough to share. The waiters are friendly and the service is quick. The waitress makes great recommendations and if you're new to Thai cuisine you can ask any questions without hesitation. The ambiance is cozy and great for a date night. We went on a mid Sunday afternoon so it wasn't busy but it was quickly getting busy after we arrived. Seems like it could get very busy for dinner since seating is limited but they do have outdoor seating. Parking is in the back but limited as well.
- Feb 8, 2026
This place is a treasure. A hole-in-the wall type of place with incredible food and service. I come at off hours between 4 and 6 and get right in and find parking in the back. After 6, the place fills up and I see people waiting to sit down. The problem is the menu has so many selections and everything we order is so great. I want to keep ordering and ordering. So I'll just keep coming and ordering new things. This is a good problem to have.
- Jan 31, 2026
My new favorite Thai spot!! We had the chicken pad thai, fish prik king, orange chicken, pineapple fried rice and pork belly in red curry sauce. All the food was DELICIOUS! The service was incredibly fast and the servers were friendly and attentive. We didn't have to wait long for the food, which is great when you have hungry kids. I cannot wait to go back and try more dishes. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
- Jan 8, 2026
Good Thai restaurant in the Valley. We ordered the appetizer sampler which I thought was just ok (the breading was a bit on the thick side) but the rest of the dishes were pretty decent. Our table shared a fried fish, red curry, boat noodles, and pad see ew. The dishes were all well flavored but the mild red curry was basically not spicy at all.
- Dec 22, 2025
We’ve tried a few Thai spots around the Valley, but Lum-Ka-Naad really stood out. The food was flavorful and authentic, with dishes cooked just right and served quickly. Service was attentive without being rushed, and the cozy vibe makes it a comfortable spot for dinner. A great little restaurant we’ll definitely return to whenever we’re craving Thai food.
- Dec 19, 2025
As far as Thai Food goes, this is one of the best places I've ever been to. Everything we ordered was good, but the Honey Ribs specifically were sublime - Flavorful and melt off the bone soft. Our waiter was very friendly, and the food was served impressively quickly. The place is also designed quite traditionally and has a very quaint ambiance. It's definitely a great place if you're in the area and even worth a drive. I'll definitely be coming back to try their other dishes.
