By Michelle McMahon

If you’ve been looking for a local restaurant to try, there is a hidden gem you may not have noticed on Fairfax Drive in Virginia Square. Thai Treasure opened Feb 2019 with proprietor Piyarat Bumrungsiri (Nui to us) realizing her dream of owning a Thai restaurant—a dream she’d held since immigrating to the US from Bangkok in 1997. 

After weathering the long Covid slog by pivoting to primarily take-out and delivery—including spicy Thai cocktails—Nui is welcoming diners back to indoor and street-side dining (with expanded outdoor seating coming soon). Nowadays, it’s a family affair with Nui (a single mom) and her two college student daughters, Alex and Blaine, typically working at the restaurant.

Thai Treasure offers a variety of menu options from the traditional to the creative. The traditional Pad Thai is, of course, among the most ordered items, but the specialty Thai Treasure Pad Thai offers a twist on the old favorite and includes shrimp, crabmeat, and gouda cheese. Other crowd pleasers include the drunken noodles, stir fried selections, clay pot steak and egg and a variety of curries. And Nui still offers a three-course lunch for under $15. 

Looking ahead, Nui is developing a menu that shares with customers the regional flavors of Thailand. Regional cuisines are influenced by neighbor countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, and even China and India. She’s also building a new signature cocktail menu and wine list to feature in her daily happy hour specials. 

Despite all the challenges running a restaurant, especially during the pandemic, Nui feels fortunate and says, “We have built a strong community with many regular customers who continue to come in and support us.” Next time you’re looking for a new international dining destination, check out Thai Treasure (located at 3811 Fairfax Drive)! 

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