Moving to a new city, town or state always means leaving some of your favorite restaurants, as well as the excitement of trying new places. When it comes to franchise vs. independent/family-owned restaurants, I opt for the latter. And, while I love different cuisines, and classic American fare, for a unique dining experience my heart (and palate) are always won by cultural varieties. In my travels to Chiang Mai and around Northern Thailand, I’ve experienced the “to-die-for” authentic Thai food. With that in mind I have been on a hunt!
Since moving to Eastern Washington I have been searching out quality dining (dining is the favored entertainment for the gourmand in me). What a gift to be referred to Sirinya’s Thai Restaurant & Lounge. I love to support women-owned restaurants and was pleased to meet Sirinya, a single mother, and learned that she and her mama are from Chaiyaphum, located in Central/Northeastern Thailand. Having opened in January 2021, they are still yet to be discovered by many.
What does it take to create beautiful, quality made-to-order meals? Well, for this family run establishment, it means seeking out quality local and seasonally appropriate fresh ingredients, as well as early morning daily preparation. Together, Sirinya and her mama, Benjanas, create the meals, mostly using just two woks in the clean well-organized kitchen. Denny, our server, was helpful, attentive and welcoming.
The Restaurant
Like many restaurants that opened in 2021, to-go is available and offers the same quality dishes as served inside. Choose your spice level to be cooked into the meal, or add your own.
Suggested favorites to try this winter will likely be one of the eight curries offered, or one of their classic Thai soups. Choose from a small or large portion of the popular #8 Tom Kha, which has coconut milk in it, #9 Tom Yum (clear broth), or #10 Noodle Soup all with your choice of beef, chicken, pork, mixed veggies or Tofu.
For the noodle lovers, try their Pad Thai, Pad Se-ew or Drunken Noodle. I enjoyed the Rad Na with chicken for a wide noodle with more of a gravy sauce. They have several dishes served over rice, the Thai Orange Chicken has great flavor and veggies and a great dish to try if you are new to Thai food. If you’ve never had a Thai Iced Coffee or Thai Iced Tea this is the place to give it a try.
The Lounge
Sirinya’s Lounge has a full bar is a great place for appetizers and cocktails. Stop in before or after dinner. Join them for Karaoke and drink specials on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm-1am. Looking for a gathering place? Request the party room and enjoy great food and drinks with your group.
See more delicious dishes and the menu on their website at
www.sirinyasthairestaurantandloung.com
Pattie’s Overall Review: 4.5 Stars (out of 5)
Customer Service: 3.5
Atmosphere: 3.5
Presentation: 5 (every dish looks delicious, and it is!)
Tasty Factor: 5
Notable: Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays.
HEADS UP FAIRCHILD AFB AND VETERANS RECEIVE A 10% MILITARY DISCOUNT
Seeking employment? Speak to Sirinya, the owner, if you are an experienced and reliable server looking for new employment in Airway Heights area, there may be a home for you where you can be proud to serve this wonderful Thai food.
In conclusion, Sirinya’s offers authentic Thai food, and in this gastronome’s opinion, is the best Asian/Thai I’ve had in Airway Heights/West Plains & Spokane area.
Patricia “Pattie” Elwing, moved to Washington State in August 2020. A West Coast woman, her love for travel and discovering new places leads her around the world and now, around the Columbia Basin. Watch for “Pattie Discovers the PNW” articles in the Huckleberry Press where she will offer fresh reviews and information about places she visits. If she sparked the travel bug in you, or you try a recommended location, leave her a comment below!
