A Family Dream Served Fresh: How Raan Thai Became a Local Favorite
At Raan Thai, every dish tells a story — of family, passion, and a commitment to authenticity. Owner Nan shares how she and her brother built a beloved destination for fresh, vibrant Thai cuisine.
Following a Dream — and a Love for Thai Food
When Nan first arrived in the United States as a college nursing student, her dream was simple: to help people and make them smile. Her brother, who soon followed her from Thailand, had a different passion — cooking. Together, they saw an opportunity to blend their talents into something special.
“I told my brother, ‘You’re going to serve food that you would eat yourself,’” Nan shared. “If you bring it out and you don’t want to eat it, then we’re not serving it.” Every dish on Raan Thai’s menu has been carefully tasted and perfected by the family before ever reaching a customer’s table.
The restaurant opened three years ago in Fairview Park, Ohio, with a simple goal: to serve authentic Thai food with the same care and attention they would offer at home. “We love to eat,” Nan laughed. “And we love to share.”
A Family Operation, Built on Love
From the very beginning, Raan Thai has been a family business in the truest sense. Nan’s brother leads the kitchen as head chef, while cousins, siblings, and close friends help run the front and back of the house. “They’re not just staff — they’re family,” Nan emphasized. “We couldn’t do this without them.”
That tight-knit spirit extends to their customers, many of whom have become regulars and even friends over the years. “When we see our customers smile and come back with their family and friends, that’s the best feeling,” she said.
And despite challenges like rising ingredient costs, the team’s focus remains the same: to offer high-quality food at reasonable prices. “We don’t want to raise prices if we don’t have to,” Nan said. “Our priority is keeping things affordable for our community.”
Dishes That Keep Customers Coming Back
At Raan Thai, the menu is filled with standout dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Thailand. Every item is cooked to order, making it easy for guests to customize their meals to fit allergies or dietary needs — a priority for Nan, who brings her healthcare background into the kitchen with a focus on safety and care.
Among the crowd favorites are the Thai Garlic Wings, crispy and packed with flavor, and the Crab Rangoon, a creamy, indulgent starter. Chicken Satay skewers are also a must-try, served with a rich peanut sauce that’s made in-house.
For salad lovers, Nan recommends the Papaya Salad, featuring shredded green papaya that’s crunchy, fresh, and just the right amount of tangy. “It’s different from a regular salad — it’s refreshing and full of flavor,” she said.
On the noodle side, Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) and the classic Pad Thai are always in high demand. In the colder months, the Thai Beef Noodle Soup — reminiscent of Vietnamese pho but with a deeper, more concentrated broth — becomes a top seller.
And for dessert? “Our Fried Banana with Ice Cream is a hit — especially with our homemade coconut ice cream,” Nan said proudly.
A Commitment to Community and Care
Part of what makes Raan Thai so special is the warmth and generosity that Nan extends beyond the food. She frequently organizes team outings — like a recent field trip to Washington, DC — to show her appreciation for her staff. “They work so hard. I want them to have fun and feel like family,” she said.
Inside the restaurant, the same welcoming spirit shines through. With 55 seats indoors and an additional 20 on the patio in warmer months, the atmosphere feels cozy yet lively. And although the restaurant stays busy — especially at dinner — Nan and her team make it a point to greet guests personally whenever they can.
“We can’t please everybody, but I’d say 99% of our customers leave happy,” Nan reflected. “Seeing them come back again and again means everything to us.”
Looking Ahead
While Nan is often asked about expanding or opening a second location, she’s content focusing on doing one thing really well. “I just want to make this one restaurant the best it can be,” she said. “I want to be here, with my team, with my customers.”
With a strong foundation of family, passion, and authentic cooking, Raan Thai looks poised to continue delighting diners for years to come.