Laughing Monk Cafe

Grilled meats, papaya salad, and larb are among the Northeastern Thai Isan specialties at the Allston location. Laughing Monk Cafe brings Thai cuisine and sushi to the Boston area through three locations, each with a distinct focus. The Allston restaurant centers on authentic Isan cooking and bold regional flavors. Its other locations in Mission Hill and Wellesley serve Thai food and sushi, with omakase offered at those locations. The cafe was founded by chef Nick Korboon, whose cooking draws on his experience growing up in Roi Et, Thailand. Laughing Monk Cafe describes its broader approach as combining Japanese technique with Thai cooking traditions. The Allston menu highlights Northeastern Thai cuisine rather than the sushi and omakase focus found at the other locations.