President Thai

The inspiration

President Thai opened in 1994 with a mission to bring authentic Thai food, culture and atmosphere to the community¹ . After the original small building was razed, it was rebuilt in 2005 as a larger traditional Thai-style house, fitted with ornate Thai woodwork, art and traditional music, so diners feel transported to old Thailand^1,2,3 .

Who's behind it

The restaurant has been cared for by Suthep Tieotrakunwathana, who also designed its Thai house decor, down to dishware brought over from Thailand³ .

What to order

• Spicy soft shell crab with holy basil: a specialty highlighted by LA TACO and on the restaurant's own highlights .⁴
• Garlic Prawns: another favorite the restaurant itself recommends .¹

What people are saying

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune notes the barbecue chicken in particular and describes the restaurant as one of the most efficiently run in town⁵ . The Infatuation points to the sheer size of the menu, which ranges from noodle soups to fried rice to whole soft shell crab⁶ . Eater Los Angeles lists it among essential Pasadena restaurants .

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby, it is an easy, roomy place for a family dinner or a night out, with the Thai Select Award of Excellence backing up the kitchen's authenticity¹ .