Bhan Kanom Thai

Do you ever say “cow” when you pass your first cow on a road trip? After one visit to Bhan Kanom Thai, you’ll probably say “Bhan Kanom” every time you pass the East Hollywood strip mall that houses this Thai bakery and mini-mart. At Banh Kanom, delight is at full throttle. Shelves are lined with imported snacks that are fun to sample. Behind the counter are both savory and sweet treats. For starters, they might make the best mango sticky rice in the city (temperature and texture are always spot on). But they also have fresh coconut pancakes, jellies, puddings, cakes, and dumplings. The must-order here is grilled sticky rice with banana or taro, and the ooey-gooey, bite-sized taro cakes studded with corn kernels.