What you need to know about Sab E Lee
1. Sab E Lee means Delicious
The restaurant name means delicious in Northeast Thailand. It’s also a Lao word for delicious. Northeastern Thailand and Laos share a lot of similarities in language, culture, and food.
2. A true hole-in-the-wall
The restaurant is extremely small. I don’t think it can seat more than 20 people. It’s located in Linda Vista, right next to the Liquor store. No, I don't visit there too. When first visiting Sab E Lee (about 4 years ago), I almost couldn’t find it because the restaurant’s sign was in Thai, and was very small, and very hidden. The only visible sign back then was a poorly written sign said, “Thai Food.” Thanks for me being able to read Thai, I could read their tiny little restaurant sign.
3. Cash Only
4. Isann Food
They’re famous for serving authentic Northeast Thai food and I must say they have been living up to being authentic Thai cuisine for as long as I have been visiting them, which is about four years now. I don't usually come here for the curry or basil dishes which actually are not bad. But, Sab E Lee is just so much better with their Northeast dishes like Som Tum, Nam Tok, and Larb. And the not to be missed dishes here are their Deep Fried Chicken and Wings. OMG, they’re the best!
5. Small Portion
The portions here are so much smaller than what I usually get from most other restaurants in the U.S. It takes me a little while to get used to with the idea that I have to order at least 3 entrees to feed two people. It makes sense why they only charge around $7 for each entree.
6. Spicy Spicy Spicy
When I go other Thai restaurants in San Diego, I usually order my food between number 6 and 8 spicy. Mostly number 8 spicy will get me to sweat, but number 6 is usually just right for me. Here at Sab E Lee, I can only tolerate up to number 6. I ordered number 6 on my last visit and I nearly cried.
Wings at Sab E Lee (so crunchy)
Som Tum
Pepper Garlic Pork
Beef Nam Tok (Another must-try dish)
Original Sab-E-Lee
2405 Ulric St
(between Eastman St & Jewett St)
San Diego, CA 92111
3 comments:
Wow, everything looks delish but it's the chicken wings that are really calling my name. I'd like two orders, please. :-)
Oh man, just looked at this post and also your previous one and we have similar tastes in foods! ;) Actually now that you are writing about, I am wondering if you were the one who recommended Sab E Lee to me last spring? In any case, your photos look mouthwatering and it reminds me I want to go again soon! :)
Thanks ladies! @ The Cilantropist It could be me. I haven't yet find any other Thai places outside LA taste this close to local food (not hotel nor fine dining type of food) in Thailand.
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