Tee Rak Thai, a venture that began as a humble booth at a Tuesday farmers market known for authentic Northern Thai fare, is putting down roots with its first brick-and-mortar location in the Shaw neighborhood.
Founded by Alada Poodtajan, Tee Rak Thai began as an answer to a personal longing for the bold, soulful flavors of her northern Thailand upbringing and a more a stronger representation of Thai food in St. Louis. “When I moved here in 2020 I was disappointed with a lot of local Thai options,” Poodtajan shared. After working in restaurant kitchens and eventually switching to serving, she and her husband dreamed of starting a food truck or restaurant. But a friend from the International Institute suggested a less risky start: a farmers market stand.
In May 2023, the couple debuted Tee Rak Thai at the Tuesday Tower Grove Farmers’ Market. It wasn’t long before their following grew. Today, they serve crowds every Tuesday and Saturday in Tower Grove and Sundays at The Boulevard Farmers’ Market in Brentwood.
Now, after more than a year of searching for the right space, Tee Rak Thai has found its home at 2203 S. 39th St., the former location of SweetArt Bake Shop + Cafe, just blocks from where it all began. “We really wanted to keep close to the park because that’s where we got started and where most of our loyal customers live,” Poodtajan said. When a Facebook post hinted the space would be available, six different friends and customers messaged her about it. “When I went to see the space for the first time, it felt right.”
Poodtajan envisions the new restaurant as a bright, welcoming space that reflects both her personality and heritage. “We plan to have a fun, colorful, lively vibe with a full bar,” she explained. A local artist friend will paint a custom mural in the dining room, while Thai lanterns, elephants, dragons and other traditional design elements will set the tone. The color palette draws from the Tee Rak Thai branding, created by their friends at Daley Design.
Guests can expect all the signature market favorites – crispy pork, Khao Soi and fan-favorite Thai tea ice cream sandwiches – alongside an expanded menu of traditional Northern Thai dishes and new creations made possible by a full kitchen. One standout addition? A Sunday brunch menu, something you won’t find at most Thai restaurants. Expect fun, creative spins on breakfast staples, all with a distinctly Thai flair.
Tee Rak Thai also plans to continue collaborating with local farms and vendors, something that’s become a hallmark of their farmers market specials. From Sugar Creek Piedmontese chicken to pork belly from Robinson Family Farms, their network of local partners will continue to shape the ever-evolving menu.
Tee Rak Thai is aiming to open before the end of summer, with plans for soft opening events to thank their loyal farmers market regulars. “We haven’t worked out all the details yet,” said Poodtajan, “but we’re definitely planning something special for the community that helped us grow.” To stay up to date on the latest on the opening and behind-the-scenes peeks at the restaurant buildout, follow Tee Rak Thai on Instagram and Facebook.
Check out the slideshow below for a look at the space and some of the menu items.
