News Summary
After 37 years at the helm, Chiengthong Kongkham is passing the daily operations of her famed restaurant Thai Taste to her son Roger. Known for its authentic Thai cuisine, the restaurant has been a beloved spot in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood since 1988. As Roger brings his innovative ideas to the restaurant, customers can expect a mix of traditional dishes and new, imaginative cocktails inspired by Thai flavors, ensuring the legacy of Thai Taste continues with the Kongkham family.
Charlotte is set to experience a significant change this summer as Chiengthong Kongkham prepares to pass on day-to-day operations of her beloved restaurant, Thai Taste, after 37 years. Known for its authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Taste has become a staple in the Dilworth neighborhood since its opening in 1988.
Chiengthong’s 37-year-old son, Roger, will take over the daily management of the restaurant while she retains ownership. The transition marks a notable shift for Chiengthong, who has been a constant presence in the restaurant, affectionately dubbed “Wonder Woman” by loyal customers due to her tireless work ethic and engagement. This change will be the first time in over three decades that Chiengthong will step back from her rigorous involvement in daily operations.
As she prepares to step back, Chiengthong looks forward to spending time traveling, drawing, and potentially teaching a class at Johnson & Wales University, where students frequently seek her cherished recipes. Known for preparing dishes from scratch using fresh herbs like lemongrass and curry leaves, Thai Taste is celebrated for its signature menu items, including dumplings, spring rolls, pad thai, and traditional mango sticky rice, which hails from Chiengthong’s native Laos. To accommodate a diverse clientele, she has implemented a spice-level system, rating dishes from one to five stars.
Thai Taste distinguishes itself as Charlotte’s first Thai restaurant and has witnessed numerous personal milestones for its patrons, from engagements to reconciliations. Notable local figures such as Luke Kuechly, Ric Flair, and Hugh McColl frequent the establishment, contributing to its longstanding reputation. The restaurant’s décor features notable symbols of Thai culture, with gongs, paintings from Thai flea markets, and ruby-colored umbrellas overhead, further enhancing the dining experience.
Roger’s vision for the restaurant involves maintaining its core identity while bringing in his own flair, particularly through an inventive cocktail program inspired by Thai flavors. His background in mixology, shaped by experiences at various well-known establishments, will introduce unique drinks that include tantalizing ingredients like tamarind, tea, and lemongrass, employing modern molecular bartending techniques.
The Kongkham family’s journey began in Laos, where Chiengthong fled after the communist regime took over. She and her family endured a perilous escape, swimming across the Mekong River to Thailand and spending years in refugee camps. In 1980, they received U.S. immigration sponsorship due to her father’s military service, allowing them to relocate. Chiengthong faced the challenges of life in a new country with determination, learning English through diligent study with dictionaries during Sunday school sessions.
After arriving in Charlotte in 1983, she opened Thai Taste with a business partner who would later become her husband. The restaurant has not only served as a business but also as a cherished hub for the Kongkham family, where Roger grew up surrounded by the culinary world. Since childhood, he has been involved with the restaurant, from helping in the kitchen to currently managing the bar and developing cocktail offerings.
Throughout its history, Thai Taste has thrived without traditional advertising, relying solely on word-of-mouth recommendations, a testament to the quality and authenticity of its offerings. As Chiengthong reflects on her journey and the rich history imbued in the restaurant, she acknowledges the many wonderful memories that the establishment holds, using the phrase “a lot of crazy” to describe its vibrant atmosphere.
As she hands over the reins to her son, Chiengthong’s legacy will undoubtedly continue at Thai Taste, a testament to resilience, family, and culinary dedication.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Magazine: Inside the Many Lives of Charlotte’s First Thai Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Thai cuisine
- Axios: Best Thai Restaurants in Charlotte
- Google Search: Thai Taste Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: Thai Taste Delivers Cuisine with Heart
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Eater: Best Classic Charlotte Restaurants
- Google News: Thai Taste Charlotte
- Charlotte Magazine: Best of the Best in Charlotte
- Axios: Thai Taste in Dilworth
