So Saap
About
So Saap is listed on FindALoco in San Diego, CA with address, phone, website, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Thai Restaurant.
So Saap is a beloved Thai restaurant nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of East San Diego, CA, where it has carved out a reputation for serving highly authentic Laotian and Thai cuisine. Located at 4134 University Ave, this family-owned establishment invites diners to explore a menu rich with traditional flavors, all while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that has earned it a strong 4.4-star rating from over 500 reviews. Whether you're a local or just visiting, So Saap offers a genuine taste of Southeast Asia right in the heart of San Diego.
The culinary highlights at So Saap are centered around its signature dishes that showcase the depth of Laotian and Thai cooking. Customers frequently recommend the Laotian plate, which provides a wide variety of meats paired with papaya salad and rice, making it a perfect introduction to the cuisine. Favorites include Raw Shrimp Jel Som, Spicy Lao Pork Sausage, and the flavorful Drunken Noodles. For those seeking bold tastes, the fried fish laab stands out for its robust spices, while calamansi cane juice and fried chicken skin add unique, refreshing touches to any meal. Each dish is crafted with care, emphasizing authenticity and a harmonious blend of ingredients.
The atmosphere at So Saap is best described as a cozy hole-in-the-wall spot, where the focus is on genuine food rather than flashy décor. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff who contribute to a warm, inviting environment, though some note that service can be a bit leisurely—ideal for a relaxed Sunday lunch with friends or a casual date. The restaurant's location in East San Diego, an area celebrated for its authentic eateries, enhances its charm, offering a neighborhood feel that makes every visit feel like a discovery. Free parking is available, but spaces are limited, so planning ahead is advisable during peak times.
So Saap is particularly well-suited for a variety of diners, from adventurous food lovers exploring Laotian and Thai flavors to families and groups seeking a hearty, shared meal. It's a great choice for couples looking for an inexpensive yet memorable dining experience, as highlighted by patrons who describe it as having "5-Star Dishes" in a casual setting. While some dishes, like the green curry or panang curry, may not appeal to everyone due to personal taste preferences, the overall menu diversity ensures there's something for every palate, emphasizing customizable options like the Laotian plate with choices of salad and rice.
In summary, So Saap stands out as a must-visit destination for authentic Thai and Laotian food in San Diego, CA. Its commitment to quality, combined with a friendly vibe and reasonable prices, makes it a neighborhood gem that keeps customers returning. Whether you're craving the tangy zest of raw shrimp or the savory depth of pork sausage, So Saap delivers a culinary experience that is both trustworthy and delightful, inviting you to savor the true flavors of Southeast Asia without leaving San Diego.
Ratings & Reviews
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Sign in to reviewFamily owned Laotian restaurant. Highly authentic. If you’ve never had Laotian food i recommend the Laotian plate - which has a wide variety of meats and your choice of papaya salad, also served with rice. A few of my favorites: Raw Shrimp Jel Som, Spicy Lao Pork Sausage, and the Drunken Noodles (pictured). I always get the sugarcane juice (also pictured), which is sweet and offers a variety of health benefits (hydrating, energizing, supports kidney + liver function, and contains essential minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium). Worth mentioning that i haven’t tried anything here i didn’t love. Service is good and food typically comes out quick. Pricing is fair, portions are large. They also have a generous vegan menu. Photos of the menu taken jan 18th 2026 so all pricing and items up to date.
This restaurant serve good Thai & Lao food, with a very friendly staff. Foods are delicious. The service is a little slow but there is no rush for a Sunday lunch with friends. There is a free parking lot, but places are very limited.
First time here and Im so glad we made the trip. I enjoyed the fried fish laab more than the meat plate. The spices were so flavorful, we couldn't get enough. The calamansi cane juice and the fried chicken skin was a nice addition to our meal. We will be back for sure.
Of course you know when it comes to AUTHENTICITY, East San Diego is the go-to area. So Saab was So Good, great service, quick and inexpensive - A Hole in the Wall Restaurant with 5-Star Dishes. I love this place, my date loved it, and I guarantee you will to. 🔥
My husband and I have been coming here countless of times because we both love how flavorful and tasty the food is. I love most dishes we ordered so far but there are some that I won’t order again: 1. Green curry: too sweet. 2. Panang curry: the broth was too thin. There was not much toppings inside either. 3. The special curry served inside a coconut: it was served basically at room temperature. The flavor wasn’t anything special to remember either. 4. All of the beef/steak salad: the flavor was good but the beef/steak was chewy. They were not enjoyable. 5. Tom kha soup: it was nothing worth ordering again. I’ve had better tom kha soup else where. 6. Boat noodles: wasn’t my favorite. Favorite dishes that I keep ordering several times: pad thai, pad see ew, drunken noodles, papaya salad Laos style, crab fried rice. Saku sai moo: I find this dish very interesting. I love anything that has tapioca chewy texture so these balls checked off that box for me. However, there wasn’t much flavor in them so I ordered jel som to dip them with and oh boy, that sauce really changed how much I enjoyed those glutinous balls more. Other stir fried dishes were pretty decent but I felt like the portion and flavor weren’t good enough for me to order them on repeat. Thai tea here is too sweet for me. Sugar cane drinks aren’t my favorite either. Service can be slow at times when they are slammed and short staffed. They’re very friendly though, much better than at many other Asian restaurants. I’ll try more entrees in the future and will update my review accordingly.
