Mama Mu’s Bistro

Mama Mu’s Bistro is a casual spot in the Outer Sunset that serves tongue-curling noodles, curries, and salads from all around Thailand. Despite the laid-back ambiance, it can get a bit bustling, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table on the weekend. Most plates here are massive umami bombs full of slow-building spice, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They've got Thai classics like pad kee mao with chewy noodles or a tum thai that hits that perfect sweat-inducing burn, but there’s also a list of regional bowls with a few harder-to-find items. We especially like the Phuket bowl of pepper-laden ka nom jeen nam ya yellow curry. The only thing we would avoid is the khao soi—sure, it’s a solid noodle dish, but it just doesn’t have that signature citrusy, pickle-y khao soi taste. No matter what you order, every meal must finish with the mango sticky rice.