Red Elephant Thai Cuisine
Som - Owner
As the owner of Red Elephant Thai Cuisine, I'm often asked how I got into the restaurant business. The truth is, it all started with my father. Ever since I was young, my dad would cook me delicious Thai food that always left me wanting more. He had a passion for cooking and would spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals for our family.
Growing up in Thailand, I was surrounded by a rich and diverse culinary culture. Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, colorful presentation, and use of fresh ingredients. It's no surprise that my father's cooking sparked my interest in the food industry. After moving to the United States, I decided to pursue my passion for cooking by opening my own restaurant. I knew I wanted to share the flavors of Thailand with others and showcase the cuisine that I had grown up with. Choosing the name for my restaurant was easy - I wanted to pay homage to my home country and its national animal. The red elephant is a powerful symbol in Thailand, and the color red is often associated with blood and strength.
At Red Elephant Thai Cuisine, we strive to create a dining experience that is both authentic and memorable. Our menu features classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Green Curry, as well as lesser-known specialties like Larb and Papaya Salad. Each dish is made fresh to order using only the highest quality ingredients. For me, running Red Elephant Thai Cuisine is more than just a business - it's a tribute to my father and his love for cooking. Every time a customer enjoys a meal at our restaurant, I feel like I'm sharing a part of my culture and heritage with them. It's a way to connect with people and create meaningful experiences through food. In conclusion, my father's love for cooking inspired me to open Red Elephant Thai Cuisine. The name of the restaurant is a reflection of my heritage and the powerful symbolism that comes with it. I'm proud to share the flavors of Thailand with our customers and create a welcoming environment that celebrates our culture.
Noon - Restaurant Manager
The inspiration behind my cooking for Changdang restaurant came from my mother. Ever since I was born, I have remembered seeing my mother cooking for everyone in the family and everyone was happy tasting her skillful dishes made from the vegetables and herbs grown in our own backyard. I learned different techniques from my mother and from working at Thai restaurants for many years. Now that I have my own family, I enjoy cooking Thai food for them and they love it every time they taste my dishes. Thai food has a perfect balance of flavors that is hard to find in other cuisines. It is not easy to make every dish flavorful, but we have to learn techniques in seasoning, garnishing, and using fresh herbs or ingredients like seafood, chicken, or pork.
Different dishes such as Tom Yum, soup, curry, stir-fry, or salad have different flavors and seasoning. Some dishes like beef or pork may not taste good when cooked incorrectly. Sticky rice is not only meant to be eaten with dishes but can also be transformed into desserts like mango sticky rice or black sticky rice with taro. Therefore, Thai cuisine is complex and if we do not know how to cook or do not have enough experience, the dishes may not taste good. The true taste of Thai cuisine needs to be preserved by those who understand the techniques and the flavors.