Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Thai Restaurants in Soquel, California
4.4 (532)
| Category | Thai Restaurants · Chinese Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Address | 5050 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073 |
| Area | Soquel, California |
| Phone | (831) 462-5051 |
| Google rating | 4.4 (532) |
Hours
| Monday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed all day |
| Wednesday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am - 9:30 pm |
About Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine, located at 5050 Soquel Drive in Soquel, California, stands as a beloved culinary landmark in the Santa Cruz area, renowned for its authentic and vibrant Thai flavors. For over two decades, this restaurant has been a beacon of traditional Thai cooking, skillfully blending time-honored recipes with fresh, bold ingredients that capture the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. The story of Sawasdee begins with Bill Hongmanee, who was born in Bangkok and came to the United States in 1974 to study architecture. After settling in California, Bill and his wife Dee, who shared a passion for Thai cuisine and culture, found the perfect location in Soquel to bring their dream of opening a Thai restaurant to life. Bill’s architectural expertise played a crucial role in transforming the building into a warm and inviting space that complements the authentic dining experience they envisioned[1][2][3].
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine has earned a distinguished reputation, having been voted the #1 best Thai restaurant in Santa Cruz for seven consecutive years by The Santa Cruz Good Times. This accolade reflects the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction. The menu is a celebration of traditional Thai dishes, many inspired by Dee’s family recipes, which have been lovingly adapted to suit local tastes while maintaining their original character. Signature dishes such as the papaya salad, fresh spring rolls with peanut dressing, and stir-fried noodles showcase the vibrant flavors and textures that define Thai cooking. The Thai Basil Grapow, a spicy stir-fry, and the housemade curries—including red, green, yellow, and panang varieties—are particularly popular among regular patrons. For dessert, the sweet rice with mango offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, rounding out the meal with a classic Thai treat[1].
The atmosphere at Sawasdee is as inviting as its food. The restaurant’s location in Soquel provides a cozy yet lively setting where guests can enjoy a genuine taste of Thailand without leaving the Santa Cruz area. The owners’ dedication to hospitality ensures that every visit feels personal and memorable, whether for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special occasion. Sawasdee’s phone number, +1 831-462-5051, is readily available for reservations and inquiries, making it easy for locals and visitors alike to plan their dining experience[3].
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine’s consistent recognition in local awards, including a silver medal for Best Thai Cuisine in the 2024 Best of Santa Cruz County Food and Drink awards, further cements its status as a top dining destination. This recognition is a testament to the restaurant’s ability to maintain high standards and innovate within the framework of traditional Thai cooking, ensuring that each dish delights the palate and honors its cultural roots[4].
In summary, Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural experience that brings the authentic tastes of Thailand to the heart of Soquel. With a rich history, a passionate team, and a menu full of flavorful, expertly prepared dishes, Sawasdee continues to be a cherished favorite for those seeking genuine Thai cuisine in Santa Cruz County. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Sawasdee promises a dining experience that is both delicious and deeply satisfying.
Latest Google reviews
The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.
Chris P a month ago
This is the spot! I called in my order. Pretty good sized order and said it would be ready in 15 min. It was. Crab fried rice, combo fried rice, seafood delight curry, chicken pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, beef soup not sure of the name. O and I almost walked out without my fried ice cream but they had me wait 2 min for the order to be fresh. So inviting so friendly. The whole team made me feel welcomed. Even when I ordered 40 min before close. Choose this spot for your dinner today and you won’t be disappointed.
Aarti Mishra 2 months ago
I’m a huge fan of Thai food, so of course I make it a point to try local favorites whenever I travel — and that’s exactly how we ended up at Sawasdee Thai in Soquel, CA. I’m so glad we did because we absolutely loved it! ❤️ Here’s the full rundown: Thai Egg Rolls — Perfectly crisp, not oily, and packed with great filling👍🏻 Tom Kha Soup — Ordered medium spicy and it hit the sweet spot. Rich, flavorful, and comforting 👍🏻 Red Curry with Tofu — We asked for spicy, and it delivered beautifully, I would order it again! Pad Khee Mao (Drunken Noodles) — I love real heat, and when I asked for “very spicy,” the server gave me a friendly warning that their version is truly spicy. That disclaimer alone got me excited — and wow, they delivered! It wasn’t just a dump of chili flakes; it was deep, flavorful heat. Absolutely loved it🔥🌶️ Thai Fried Rice — Kid-approved, which is always a win. 😄 Authentic Spicy Fried Rice — Another favorite. The spice level was exactly what we asked for, and the flavor was spot-on 😍 Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango — A total hit across the table! ❤️ The rice had balanced sweetness (not bland like some places), and the mango was perfectly sweet, not tart. Honestly, this i
Jose R. Rodriguez Edited 4 months ago
I was sent here to get the best Thai food in town so here it goes. Wednesday night, table for one, they treated me like I was a party of 10, that was awesome. I ordered the spring rolls the Tom Kha soup and a Thai tea as starter, BEST spring rolls ever let's just say it, the soup tasty, hot and lots of shrimp and veggies. My drunken noodles with seafood was plentyful hot and delicious, veggies are super fresh and sauces are just perfect, the service was great. Super fast and the place feels really nice to be in. I found my Thai place in town!! Thanks team keep it up, I'll be back!!! Fanny is awesome. UPDATE: Huge craving for the spring rolls so I came back again, on a Thursday, party for one... And I'm just going to add this: if you want to know why this place has been here for 23 years try the Duck, it was an explosion of crackling skin and melting meat on a bed of super fresh veggies with the house "soy vinaigrette"sauce, simply awesome soul food. Of course I had the spring rolls and ended my dinner by trying the mango rice and WAO, it was just right, like a grandma recipe, not too sweet, not too sticky, not a bitter piece of mango, just right! I ate the every veggie, every grain
Clinton Hanson 4 months ago
Super friendly staff, food was amazing. I had the Drunken Noodles with tofu, and fresh spring rolls. Totally impressed!!!
Jessica Smits a year ago
We walked in on a Saturday evening. We were seated right away. Very friendly house staff and service. They turn over tables quickly and are very attentive. We ordered some Thai spring rolls and som tam to start. Spring rolls were yummy. I think the som tam had some sort of Italian dressing on it that I would ask to skip next time. You will need to add some of the Thai spices they bring to your table if you want any sort of spice level. The cashew chicken dish was yummy although it was a bit smokey flavored. The sawasdee curry was a hit. Definitely order that. We got two sides of white rice, but we honestly could have shared. For two people this was too much food for one sitting for sure. Left overs! I was bummed they were out of chang, but enjoyed a singha in a chang glass and pretended ;) Overall nice dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sawasdee Thai Cuisine located?
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is at 5050 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073, in Soquel, California. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.
What kind of business is Sawasdee Thai Cuisine?
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is listed as a thai restaurant and is also tagged on Google as chinese restaurants.
What are the hours of Sawasdee Thai Cuisine?
Published hours are Monday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Tuesday: Closed all day; Wednesday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Friday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Sunday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.
Is Sawasdee Thai Cuisine open on Sunday?
Yes, on Sunday it is open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm.
What is the phone number of Sawasdee Thai Cuisine?
You can call Sawasdee Thai Cuisine at (831) 462-5051.
How is Sawasdee Thai Cuisine rated on Google?
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine has a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 532 reviews.
Does Sawasdee Thai Cuisine have a website?
Yes, the website of Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is sawasdeesoquel.com (linked on this page).
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