The dining room at Simply Thai in Tukwila, WA

Our Story

The heart behind Simply Thai

Simply Thai was established from resilience, hope, and an unwavering love for cooking. In 2000, Rick and Nittha opened Simply Thai in the heart of Tukwila, building a restaurant that reflected not only their heritage but their journey.

Both founders came to the United States as teenagers after war tore through their homeland of Laos. Rick arrived in the mid 1970s as an orphan, having lost his family and the country he once knew. Nittha followed in the late 1970s, facing her own hardships as she rebuilt her life far from home. Starting over was not easy — but amid the struggle, faith brought them together.

“When you lose everything, you rebuild with heart, honesty, and purpose.”

Together, they dreamed of creating a place where every customer felt like family. A place where trust was earned through consistency, integrity, and the warmth of a home-cooked meal. In 2000, that dream became Simply Thai.

In the beginning, Rick and Nittha worked tirelessly — from perfecting their first recipe to ensuring every dish carried the last drip of flavor and care. Cooking wasn’t just a skill; it was their passion, their way of honoring their past while building a new future.

Their vision was pure and simple: “Food is our passion.” That belief became the foundation of Simply Thai and the inspiration behind its name.

They built the restaurant on five guiding principles that continue to shape every meal and every customer experience.

What We Stand For

Five guiding principles

Passion

Cooking with heart, every day.

Believe

Trusting that honesty and hard work create lasting relationships.

Vision

Staying true to the purpose that started it all.

Bonding

Bringing people together through food, culture, and community.

Communication

Listening, learning, and serving with respect.

Today

More than a restaurant

Today, Simply Thai stands as more than a restaurant. It is a story of survival, love, and dedication — a place where every dish reflects the journey of two people who rebuilt their lives through food, family, and the customers who believed in them.

Booths and dining space at Simply Thai in Tukwila

Taste the story

Every recipe carries the care and flavor of a home-cooked meal. Come see what our family has been serving Tukwila since 2000.

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Come visit

235 Strander Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188. Open daily, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. We’d love to welcome you like family.

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