Khun Kay Thai Café celebrates 30th anniversary

Kay Soodjai, seen here, is the chef and co-owner of Kun Kay Thai Cafe, and the secret behind many of its popular recipes.

It was 1982 when Thailand natives Supatra Yooto and Kay Soodjai opened their famous Golden Room Restaurant in an old building on Montrose Boulveard near Allen Parkway.

The old building was constructed in the early 1900s, and the restaurant advertised “Chinese” food because, at the time, no one in Houston understood Thai fare.

This year, the two “Golden Girls” are celebrating their 30th anniversary with Khun Kay Thai Café, the restaurant that replaced the original when the old building became too expensive to repair. The two women built a structure on the same spot as the old Golden Room.

Address:  1209 Montrose Blvd. just south of West Dallas, Houston 77019
Hours: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; Noon - 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Takeout with limited free delivery is available.
Phone:  713-524-9614
Website:  www.khunkaythaicafe.com
What you’ll find: A fast-casual concept where diners order at the counter, then sit at tables in a sunny dining room where their order is brought to them. Kay (the chef) is always working to create seasonal, fun Thai dishes listed on a chalkboard near the counter. Guests will find items such as a diet dish called Jeans-too-Thait, or the seasonal It Takes Two to Mango. While both owners were born and raised in Thailand, most of the dishes at Khun Kay are more authentic Kay than just authentic Thai.
What they're saying: “We have been loyal customers of Kay's since the 1990s. We have to eat there every couple of weeks, because it's just that good!” Oliver Calestranda