Owner and neighbor Thanapon "Sue" Kumlue opened the Thong Thai restaurant in Lakewood as a way to share Thai food and culture. Advertised as having the “most authentic” Thai food in the area, Thong Thai has become a local favorite. This past spring, Stroll Lakeside held a Neighbors' Night Out at Thong Thai to celebrate our wonderful Stroll Lakeside community.

Several Thong Thai entrée specialties were served at the gathering, such as the Supreme Cashew Nut dish, which participating neighbor Angie Weedon declared “delicious.” This popular dish combines a choice of protein with flavorful cashews, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and chili paste, which are then stir fried together. It is one of Thong Thai’s central dishes, which are all served with fragrant Jasmine rice. Curries are another fan favorite at any Thai eatery and Thong Thai is no different. At our event, the yellow curry was pronounced “amazing” by multiple attendees, including Steve Hiatt, who added that the entire evening “rocked.”

Sue came to the U.S. when she was 24 years old. She got married in the town of Belfair in 1993 and shortly after, she opened a restaurant. All of the recipes come to us direct from Thailand. “I like to cook,” Sue told us. Those familiar with the Lakewood landmark might have noticed that Sue was gone for a little bit – she had thought it was time to retire. People at Thong Thai had a different idea. They needed Sue’s expert help, so Sue returned. Thong Thai’s vibe and the food owe a lot to Sue as the founding owner and to its dedicated staff who show up day in and day out to provide the neighborhood with good eats.

There’s nothing like good food in a relaxed atmosphere to bring people together. At our Neighbors' Night Out at Thong Thai, participants enjoyed each other’s conversation. News was shared and fellowship renewed. “Our priority is always to serve delicious meals made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes,” says everyone at Thong Thai, and this night was no exception. The setting can be described as “fun” and “relaxed.” Located conveniently on Pacific Highway Southwest, the parking is free, and the food is fresh and delicious. In addition to the dishes already mentioned, Thong Thai offers noodles, wings, soup, and salad. Dessert is more than likely mango with sticky rice, which goes great with their Thai coffee or Thai tea. 

“The Thai spot I've been searching for!” said one satisfied customer. “Great experience! Food was amazing, and the restaurant was very welcoming,” said another. Thong Thai has even caught the attention of passers-by, receiving raves from tourists driving between Oregon and northern Washington, such as a happy traveler who said: “This food was delicious. Super flavorful. Fresh. Super kind and quick service. We stopped on the way between Anacortes and Oregon and I highly recommend it to locals and those passing through. Really good Thai food. We got Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Red Curry. I only wish we lived nearer I’d go back again right now.”

Thong Thai’s cooking and catering skills have made more than one of Neighbors' Nights Out memorable and special. Sue’s dream of sharing Thailand’s flavors with her neighbors has been a resounding success and we look forward to many more years together!

Visit Thong Thai at 12836 Pacific Hwy SW or call in your order to (253) 581-1115.