A Taste of Kindness: Discovering Thai Famous Cuisine, Garden Grove, Ca
Article by Robert Ornelas, Staff Journalist, IPA Magazine Travel
So, as I gear up for a weekend of supporting small businesses – headlining a car show in San
Diego on Saturday and then working with Heaven’s Touch Children’s Foundation in Culver
City on Sunday – I’ll be teaming up with Blinky Rodriguez, the renowned gang advocate and
Muay Thai commentator, along with the talented oldies singer Jimmy Sincerely. Before I head
off to Nashville for The Objective gathering – where I’ll be sharing the stage with the lead
singer of Kutless – and then on to Manchester, England, I want to leave you with a little gem
from North Orange County in the city of Garden Grove: Thai Famous Cuisine. My wife and I
discovered this spot years ago at Euclid and Chapman, thanks to a sign claiming they had the
hottest Thai food in Orange County. After more than a decade of visiting, I can confidently say
they live up to that bold prom…
Insider Tip for Readers
When you visit Thai Famous Cuisine, ask for James and let him know ‘Robert Ornelas’ or the S.O.G crew sent you! You can even mention that he knows my wife Melissa. If you do, you’ll receive a ‘Have One on Me pass.’ On your first visit that pass allows you to bring a guest on your next trip for a free entree and drink with a meal purchase of $13.99 or more. It’s valid for dine-in or pick up, has no expiration date and is limited to one per guest per visit.
EXTRA PERK
Here’s another blessing: When you order your meal, you can enjoy a complimentary ‘Thai iced tea‘ on the house. Order water if you prefer, and they’ll still treat you to that refreshing iced tea as a bonus.
What to Order
The Tom Kha Soup ($18.99) is served in a traditional metal bowl with a chimney-like center. A
flame burns beneath the bowl, keeping the soup hot while you enjoy its coconut, lemongrass,
and seafood flavors. The Pad Thai is another standout – stir-fried noodles with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or tofu, combined with crunchy peanuts, bean sprouts, and tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with lime and herbs. And don’t miss the ‘free fried ice cream’; crispy outside, creamy inside, and a delightful surprise to end your meal.
A Spirit of Kindness
A Spirit of Kindness In 2022, the Fourth District of the Orange County Board of Supervisors honored me with a ‘Kindness Award’ for our decades of community work with The S.O.G. Crew – helping the homeless, visiting senior centers, and offering Bible studies in high schools. In that same spirit of kindness, I want to share this tip: Thai Famous offers free fried ice cream as a gift to their guests. It’s a small but memorable act of generosity that reflects the same values of kindness and community that I’ve worked to live by.
A Note on Family and Faith
Meals are about more than food – they’re about communication, clarity, laughter, prayer, and
connection. Thai Famous provides the perfect setting for families to sit down, catch up, and
create memories. In a world where people are constantly rushing and glued to their phones,
having face-to-face time is priceless.
My First Visit
I originally walked into Thai Famous because of that sign claiming the ‘hottest Thai food’ in
Orange County. When they asked me to choose a spice level from 1 to 10, I confidently said
“6.” Let’s just say their “6” felt more like a “50”! I quickly learned to start at a “2” – and trust me,
even that’s hot.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Thai Famous is about more than just food. It’s about kindness, family, and
community. It’s about the experience – sharing a meal, enjoying fellowship, and making
memories. Whether you’re there for family time or adventure, go easy on the spice level and enjoy every moment.