A Thai street market, recreated in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood

For Thawarach P Jaicharoensook (nickname: Ott) and partner Sangduen Auesiriwong, the most rewarding part of Bangrak Market in Belltown – a vibrant feast for all the senses – is when customers report feeling like they are heading to Thailand.

“Sometimes when you check into Bangrak, either on Facebook or Instagram, we see comments from your friends asking if you are in Thailand,” Ott said. “Mission accomplished!!”

Jaicharoensook and Auesiriwong were born in Thailand but have lived in the US for more than 20 years. Even though you’ve been here for a long time, they still miss the essence of real Thai food and its fun culture.

“We dreamed of creating a place that really represented what we were missing in Thailand,” said Ott.

To create a street food ambience that makes guests feel like they are traveling in Southeast Asia, they put together elements that come to mind when they think of their home country.

“Our goal was to create a scene that our customers can experience with as many senses as possible: eat and smell delicious Thai street food while listening to authentic Thai music.”

“We believe Seattle is ready and want an experience like this,” said Ott. “Seattle people are very cosmopolitan and fun; many are adventurous eaters with a healthy appreciation for other cultures. We wanted to repay them by giving them the experience of being transferred to another country around the world.”

The biggest challenge was finding ingredients to make the food authentic. They import many items directly from Thailand and explain: “The shipping costs are insanely high, but we made it!”

Of the many popular dishes, Ott’s personal favorites are the Kao Soi Chiangmai Noodle – steaming egg noodles with a selection of meat and curry sauce – and their Thai papaya salad (“nice and hot, sweet and sour and crispy at the same time”). “These are my two comfort foods that I could eat every day.”

The drinks menu currently includes lilikoi or passion fruit margaritas and the dragon fruit Cosmopolitan, all of which are great additions to the spicy dishes at the restaurant. Another crowd-pleaser: the spicy basil margaritas and the Princess Cu with vodka and Thai melon.

In order to cope with the past pandemic beyond the year, the team adopted a new rotating work plan to keep all employees on the team.

“In the beginning it was difficult because people didn’t know that we were still open.

Fortunately, business has picked up speed. Early on, the restaurant also offered an on-demand delivery service to satisfy the stay-at-home order and the many people being switched to remote work.

“That worked very well for us,” said Ott, “and adding an additional channel for our store to sell food at lunchtime, which used to be slower for us.” As long as the demand persists, they plan to continue their delivery service.

However, the health of employees and customers continues to have top priority.

“As soon as the vaccine was available, we asked all of our employees [get vaccinated]“, Says Ott. “This way we can work together safely and healthily and also look after our customers over the long term. I felt that was the most important aspect that enabled me to make the best decisions for our business. “

“COVID-19 has forced many companies like mine to re-evaluate many things,” said Ott, “from business changes like moving to digital formats to [reaching] new customers. The new normal from this is an additional level of health security and hygiene, hand disinfectant wipes and dispensers, masks for the kitchen staff, etc. many large metropolises in Asia, where they have previously experienced and adapted new practices to pandemics. “

However, the team hopes to put the turmoil and fear associated with the pandemic behind them.

“We are all operating with a new level of paranoia due to the pandemic, and it can lead to unnecessary stressful situations or conflicts,” said Ott. “Trusting science is very important.”

When it comes to the future, the duo dreams of making Seattle’s top lists. After the pandemic, they also hope to be able to sell their delicious food on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant – and also to hold a Thai night market in summer.

“Like people have to stop at the first Starbucks and then next to Bangrak Market. We want Seattle to be proud to have us here. “

“If you’re curious what it’s like to eat at a street market in Thailand, please visit Bangrak Market,” says Ott. “We’ll take you there.”