mmm-yoso!!!, a blog 'o food, is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is enjoying the three day weekend with His Missus.
There are many malls in the Mission Valley area, the one which now is anchored by Living Spaces (used to be a K-Mart) has a series of restaurants opposite their frontage, sharing the same parking lot. Ka Prao Thai Cuisine has been here since June 2015.
The menu behind the cash register, as well as a few wall posters and a chalkboard out front have menu items. Most are pretty standard.
The wok Stir fry ($11) of pork with mixed vegetables was wonderful! Cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green beans, Chinese and American broccoli, garlic and house made soy sauce was a wonderful combination. The four piece chicken wing appetizer ($6.50) was tasty (they're marinated in fresh garlic, fish sauce, lemongrass and cilantro) but this photographed serving was a few seconds over-fried. Still moist and meaty, flavorful.
Fried tofu ($6.50 six pieces), served with a sweet and sour sauce. It's always good.
The papaya salad ($10) is great. Green papaya, tomato, carrot shreds, green beans, large cooked shrimp and peanuts mixed with a spicy lime dressing-great, great flavors; so fresh. 
The Ka Prao Kai Dao (namesake) ($11.50) was another great meal. Minced pork, sautéed with basil and garlic chili sauce, topped with a fried egg and served with jasmine rice. Wonderful! 
This is a photo of one of the wall menus. (I was here with cc and we shared).
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken ($14). It's marinated overnight in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, turmeric, curry powder, coconut milk, soy sauce. Grilled then served with sticky rice and a side salad (with a ginger soy dressing). This is a meal so enjoyable-the multitude of flavors are not overwhelming but complimentary; distinct. Plus, sticky rice. 
Can't talk about Thai food without curry. This one is a peanut curry…pretty much a yellow curry with peanuts added. Carrot, potato and onion with chicken ($11)-nicely flavored. 
Also must try Larb ($11) when seen on a menu. This version is made with minced pork, mint, lemongrass, onion, chili, roasted rice, cilantro and lime juice. A great version.
Heat level choices here are 1-10. Two is almost 'too safe', but allows enjoyment of all of the flavors.
Ka Prao Thai Cuisine 8590 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 105 San Diego 92108 Open: Mon-Fri:10:30-3, 4:30-9 Sat-Sun 11-9 Website