The Original A Taste of Thai opened on the Fayetteville Square nearly 15 years ago. The restaurant established a solid reputation for consistently well-prepared, generously portioned meals.
That tradition not only continues, but expands, as the family opens a new restaurant.
Thai Express
318 S. Archibald Yell Blvd.
(The “S-Curve” between South School Avenue and North College Avenue)
(479) 856-6662
11 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday
Thai Express is the newest location by the family of A Taste of Thai. Convenient parking, fast service, dine-in and carry out. Menu features favorite Thai dishes plus new curry noodles and noodle soups. Lunch specials starting at $7.95.
Vegetarian and gluten-free available. Beer, wine and sake.
The Sihapanya family has several Thai restaurants in the area – The Original A Taste of Thai on the Fayetteville Downtown Square, Thai Taste on Thompson Street in Springdale, Thai Express on Archibald Yell Boulevard in Fayetteville and Thai House on East Van Buren in Eureka Springs.
At any of the locations, guests can expect to similar experiences, and are likely to be greeted by familiar faces.
Owner of Thai Express, Sandy (pictured right), was accompanied by longtime manager, Debra Rogers, at the newest location.
Thai Taste in Springdale opened this summer and is owned and operated by Kimo and Maryann, along with their daughter, Kimberly.
Stepping in to the role of restaurant manager at A Taste of Thai is Tommy Vichaivattana, who relocated from Thai House in Eureka Springs. The kitchen at A Taste of Thai is still operated by partner and chef, Viengsavanh Phonexayphova.
The family prides itself on consistent service and dishes, at every location.
Thai Express, set on Archibald Yell Boulevard (U.S. 71 Business) just north of Martin Luther King Boulevard, maintains a casual cafe ambiance. The location gained notoriety in Fayetteville as the original location of Greenhouse Grille, which is now located a few hundred feet down the hill.
One of the benefits of the Thai Express location is the accessible and free parking provided by the private lot. Customers can quickly get take-out or enjoy a leisurely dining experience without feeding the meter.
"They can come here and get the same service and food -- whatever is convenient for the customers," owner Sandy Sihapanya said.
She expects the restaurant to be popular during the lunch hour, when parking is sparse around the downtown Square, and during weekend evening hours when the other restaurant is full.
"We are working on getting delivery to our customers also," she said.
Building off of the stature of The Original A Taste of Thai, Thai Express uses similar recipes and serves nearly the same menu. The finished dishes do vary slightly, however, and nuances of the chef's personality may be noticed.
There are a few menu differences between the two Fayetteville locations. The fine-cuisine entrees served at A Taste of Thai, such as the grilled salmon and rack of lamb, are not offered at Thai Express. There are also a few less seafood options than at the original location.
Correspondingly, the Thai Express menu adds a few offerings, including curry noodles and noodle soups.
Thai Express is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed Sunday.
During lunch, approximately 20 of the most popular dishes are offered at a reduced price. Offerings include Pad Thai, Pad Woon Sen, House Fried Rice, Thai Basil, Evil Jungle Prince, Garlic Pepper, Thai Teriyaki Beef, and Thai B-B-Q Chicken. There are also several curry dishes, grilled tilapia and chilled chicken salad.
Dishes with an option of vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef or pork are priced at $7.95. Dishes prepared with shrimp are priced at $8.95. A combination of meats can be chosen for $9.95.
Lunch specials are served with a choice of soup or house salad. White or brown rice accompany the lunch specials, with the exception of the noodle dishes.
Gluten-free preparation is available for most dishes. Beer, wine and sake are also available.
Happy hour is offered 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Thai Express also offers party platters and catering options. Top-selling appetizers include shrimp summer rolls, crab wontons, fried spring rolls, crispy chicken wings, pot stickers, golden shrimp rolls and coconut shrimp.
The full menu is available at thaiexpressnwa.com/menu. More information about catering prices or placing a take-out order is available by calling (479) 856-6662.
NAN Dining Guide Cover on 01/09/2015