If you're looking for great Thai food in Kansas City, you have plenty of options to choose from. But with so many restaurants to consider, how do you know which ones are serving the fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and authentic dishes you're looking for?
As a Thai restaurant that's been part of the Kansas City community since 1997, we've learned a thing or two about what makes a great Thai meal. Here's what we recommend looking for when you're deciding where to eat, along with a few of our favorite scratch-kitchen dishes to try at Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop.
Start with the kitchen
A great star rating is always a good sign, and we’re proud of the ratings and reviews our guests have given us over the years. But we also think the kitchen itself can tell you a lot about what you'll find on your plate.
We recommend looking for restaurants that make their curries and sauces in-house rather than relying on pre-made alternatives. Fresh, thoughtfully prepared ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the quality and flavor of the finished dish.
When you're browsing a menu, look beyond the Pad Thai and see whether there are regional noodle dishes, wok plates, curries, and other specialties that showcase the breadth of Thai cuisine. A well-rounded menu is often a good indication that the kitchen takes its food seriously.
Come visit Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
Of course, we're a little biased, but we think Lulu's is a great place to experience Thai food in Kansas City.
You'll find us at three locations in Kansas City. Our Crossroads location is at 2030 Central Street, just a short walk from the streetcar line and a few minutes from the Power and Light District. Our Overland Park location is at 7921 Santa Fe Drive, right in the heart of Downtown Overland Park and just steps from the Overland Park Farmers' Market and surrounding local shops. And finally, our Westwood location is at 2701 W. 47th Ave., just west of the Missouri-Kansas state line and conveniently located between the Plaza and Mission.
We've been serving Kansas City for over two decades, and our food has deep roots in Thailand. Owner Malisa Monyakula's dishes trace back to her father’s and grandmother's kitchen in Bangkok, bringing those family traditions and authentic Thai flavors to every dish we serve.
What to order from Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
With so many options on our menu, we know it can be tough to decide what to order. If it's your first visit, here are a few of our favorites:
- Khun Ma: Our cabbage-forward variation of the original Pad Thai, and a favorite for diners who enjoy familiar Thai flavors with a little something different.
- Pepper Beef Basil: A flavorful wok dish with plenty of savory, spicy character.
- Crab Fried Rice: A rich and satisfying take on a classic.
- Drunken Noodles: A Thai favorite that's packed with flavor.
- Rainbow Peanut Noodles: A great choice if you're looking for something colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.
- Spicy Beef Juntaboon: A hearty noodle dish for anyone looking for a little more heat and plenty of beef.
And don't forget about our curries. Our Massaman Curry (not vegan) is comforting and rich with peanut flavor, while our Wild Mushroom Red Curry (not vegan) offers something a little different and is a great option for vegetarian and vegan diners. Our Yellow Curry is vegan without substitutions. Our Kaeng Khio Wan Kai can be made vegan upon request.
Eating at Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
Whether you're stopping by for lunch, meeting friends for dinner, or grabbing takeout on the way home, we make it easy to enjoy your favorite Thai dishes. We're open seven days a week, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday, so there's plenty of flexibility to fit Lulu's into your schedule.
Prefer to dine in? Reservations are available online. Taking dinner home? You can order through DoorDash or give us a call. We can’t wait to dine with you.
