Sunisa Chesterfield Thai Restaurant has reopened in Chesterfield with new menu, name and owners

Sunisa Chesterfield Thai Restaurant, formerly Sunisa’s Thai Restaurant, officially reopened at 17535 Chesterfield Airport Road in Chesterfield on Tuesday, Jan. 11, under new ownership and with a new name and new menu.

The revamped menu adds specialty Thai items, such as khao soi, a dish containing egg noodles, chicken and fried shallots in coconut curry broth; and nam tok, a dish served with sticky rice, grilled beef and red onion topped with a spicy sour sauce. Other menu highlights include familiar favorites such as pad thai, egg rolls and a variety of curry dishes.

Now owned and operated by longtime St. Louis chef Silpakorn "Jeff" Tabtiang and his wife, chef Gunsinee “Nhong” Khotraweera, the couple brings years of experience in Asian cuisine to their newest endeavor as co-owners and head chefs of Sunisa Chesterfield Thai Restaurant. 

“We’ve been chefs for a long time. My wife started her career at her family’s Thai restaurant in Thailand before coming to the U.S. many years ago,” Tabtiang said. As for himself? “I’ve been a chef at various Japanese and sushi restaurants [around St. Louis] for over 30 years now,” he added.

Despite their lengthy tenure in the food industry, reopening the restaurant during the pandemic has proved challenging. 

“It was a tough move, but we’re excited to be open now,” Tabtiang said. That excitement is palpable in the restaurant’s heartwarming Facebook posts, which proudly display its first carryout and dine-in customers beaming next to restaurant staff. 

“It was worth the wait. Our doors are open and we’re ready for business,” said Tabtiang.

Sunisa Chesterfield Thai Restaurant is open for dine-in, carryout and delivery from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The space can seat about 30 dine-in guests at a time.

Sunisa’s Thai Restaurant was previously owned by Sunisa Payne. It was the second location of her original restaurant in St. Peters of the same name.

For more menu photos, restaurant information and updates, check out Sunisa Chesterfield Thai Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram.