Before Thailand was known as such,it went by a different name for most of the country’s history: Siam. While the kingdom of Siam exists no longer, its prior name is still referenced in several places. One place in particular lies gulfside, in concealed existence within a nondescript, and often overlooked, stripmall on Tuttle Avenue. Siam Gulf is one of those coveted, hidden gems that you almost hope won’t blow up in mass popularity. A certain undercover charm lies in its humble, underrated existence. But Phenkhae (Kathy) and Varut Hansapiromchok, the husband and wife restaurateurs from Northeastern Thailand who put their heart and soul into Siam Gulf, deserve all the recognition this town can bring. 

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

PHOTO BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

During their last Thailand visit, Kathy and Varut were sure to bring back the art and culture and expose them to Sarasota. So pardon us while we spill the beans about the charming interior, enveloped in Southeast Asian vibes. Siam Gulf’s exotically rustic setting features an intricate red and gold painted mural, so detailed that it is the type of art usually only found in Thai temples. “The mural painting is the one that we’re so proud to present,” she says. “The artist is from Bangkok, working for the United Nations. It was our luck to know that he was in NYC last year for the UN, so we contacted him and offered him to come finish our project. It was his last mural painting in the USA.” Meanwhile, amber light fixtures hang and giant orchids greet guests before walking up to handwritten chalkboards to read the menu. Diners simply order and pay at the counter’s wood-stained window, and meals are brought to the table within minutes. “Some come in and appear confused—they see the board and realize they’re meant to come up to order their meal themselves as opposed to sit down at a table and wait for a server,” mentions Kathy, “but then they are pleased when they see how easy it is.” The couple notes the restaurant’s setup and style is what differentiates them from other Asian restaurants and sushi bars in the area. And although it has a fast-casual business model, Kathy comes out from behind the window often—making her rounds to provide table service and check in on each patron in a genuine, pleasant manner. “We want you to come in and share a genuine experience with your friends and family,” she says. “You will see that Thailand is closer than you thought.”

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

PHOTO BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

Whether authentic Steam Dumplings, Pad Thai or Papaya Salad, everything on the menu is authentic. “All the recipes are from our grandmothers, our mothers and our aunts,” Kathy says. “Some were written in pencil, or had splashes of food on them. To us, they were buried treasure, and this gave us a way to preserve them for ourselves, our children and future grandchildren.” The Thai Lettuce Wraps come served in chilled lettuce cups and filled with minced chicken, water chestnuts, mushroom, onion and crispy noodles, while the Drunken Noodle dishes up stir-fried flat rice noodles with fresh garlic, black pepper, fresh basil leaves, onions and snow peas. Traditional condiments such as Prik Nam Pla, a salty fish and pepper sauce, and Nam Prik Pao, a Thai chili paste, are bound in beautiful, porcelain Japanese bowls to carry over to your table. And if even more heat is requested, Varut will comply—kicking it up as many notches as one can take with tantalizing Thai chilies, before actual taste buds are burnt to oblivion. 

Enjoy a homemade classic with Siam Gulf’s Shrimp Pad Thai, paired with Thai Tea. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

ENJOY A HOMEMADE CLASSIC WITH SIAM GULF’S SHRIMP PAD THAI, PAIRED WITH THAI TEA. PHOTO BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

Simmer down with some traditional Thai tea or coffee—sweet beverages that immediately dispatch you thousands of miles from here. Watch Varut work his sushi-rolling magic in the exhibition kitchen, masterfully folding seaweed and rice into fresh tuna or tempura shrimp. Wrap up with an Asian custard cream puff, a vanilla roll, mango sticky rice or one of the many ice cream flavors including mochi, lychee and red bean. And after all is said and done—stepping back out into the bright light of the open parking lot—one often questions: how in the world has word not gotten out about this place yet?  We never were good at keeping secrets . . .

Varut and Kathy Hansapiromchak in front of a custom mural by a celebrated Bangkok artist. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

VARUT AND KATHY HANSAPIROMCHAK IN FRONT OF A CUSTOM MURAL BY A CELEBRATED BANGKOK ARTIST. PHOTO BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

Siam Gulf, 1100 North Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, 941-312-4605, siamgulfsarasota.com