Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine: Mandy’s Journey to Bringing Authentic Thai Flavors to Culver City
Explore Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine in Culver City, where owner Mandy serves authentic and innovative Thai dishes like Ginger Duck and Cry Baby Drunken Noodles, crafted with passion and quality ingredients.
When Mandy opened Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine on Sepulveda Boulevard nearly two years ago, her vision was clear: to offer a slice of Thailand that Los Angeles diners had never experienced before. With over a decade of experience working in Thai restaurants, Mandy’s love for food and culture inspired her to take a bold leap and start her own restaurant.
"I love Thai food," Mandy shares. "When I came to the U.S., I missed the authentic flavors from back home. It was hard to find places that made Thai food like in Thailand, so I started practicing at home, sharing my dishes with friends. That’s how it all began."
At Hidden Garden, the menu is a testament to Mandy’s dedication to authenticity and innovation. Every dish tells a story—some inspired by Thailand’s regional specialties, others reimagined from modern influences.
Must-Try Dishes: A Blend of Tradition and Creativity
One standout is the Fresh Ginger Duck, a dish that’s as unique as it is flavorful. "This is a family recipe I’ve perfected over the years," Mandy explains. "We marinate the duck in a special broth for 20 minutes, ensuring it’s tender and juicy, before pairing it with our signature ginger sauce. Everything is made from scratch."
Another favorite, the HG Noodle (Crybaby Noodles), is a creative dish inspired by the Netflix movie Hunger. Made with broad flat rice noodles, sweet Chinese sausage, crispy tofu, baby shrimp, and egg, it’s a bold and flavorful tribute to Thai street food with a modern twist.
For adventurous diners, the Spaghetti Tom Yum Kroong is a fusion of Italian and Thai cuisine, blending the bold, tangy flavors of tom yum soup with pasta. It’s a dish that reflects Mandy’s innovative spirit and willingness to push boundaries.
Beyond Pad Thai: Expanding Culinary Horizons
While many associate Thai cuisine with staples like Pad Thai or pineapple fried rice, Mandy strives to showcase the depth and diversity of Thai cooking. "In Thailand, there are so many dishes you won’t find in big cities or tourist spots. I want to introduce people to those recipes," she says.
Her team often travels back to Thailand for inspiration, exploring regional cuisines and learning new techniques. "It’s about bringing something fresh and authentic to our customers while honoring the roots of Thai cooking," Mandy adds.
The Heart Behind the Food
Running a restaurant comes with its challenges, from sourcing high-quality ingredients to working long hours. For Mandy, though, the reward is in the smiles of her customers. "Every time I see someone enjoying my food, it makes all the hard work worth it," she says.
Mandy’s approach to running Hidden Garden is rooted in care—not just for her customers but also for her team. "Your staff isn’t just working for you. You’re working for them, too. When everyone feels connected, it creates a family environment, and that energy is felt by the customers."
Looking Ahead
As Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine continues to grow, Mandy is excited about expanding her menu to include even more regional Thai specialties. "Eventually, I want to serve dishes you can’t find anywhere else in LA. It’s a journey, but we’re committed to getting there."