Ever eaten at a Thai restaurant that doesn’t serve pad thai? You won’t find the well-known stir-fried rice noodle dish on the menu at Khao Sen — and that’s by design.
To understand why, take a look at the people behind the plates.
“Our Thai owners are passionate about sharing the authentic flavors and dishes they grew up eating and still serve to their families at home,” says business partner Blake Zalcberg, a Holly Springs resident. “We also want to provide a community-oriented place that allows people to feel like they are taking a step up without being overwhelmed by the price.”
Owner Paul Puenpa
Fuquay’s newest full-service Asian eatery, Khao Sen is tucked away on the back side of the still-evolving Bengal Towne Centre. Husband-and-wife proprietors Paul and Sara Puenpa and their longtime friend Joy Jirawan named the restaurant after two staple food items from their native homeland: rice (khao) and noodle (sen).
But why no pad thai?
“While pad thai is widely popular, we wanted to showcase lesser-known dishes that reflect the true variety of Thai home cooking,” Zalcberg explains. “By focusing on unique flavors and traditional recipes, we are offering a fresh experience that goes beyond what people might expect, giving them a chance to discover new favorites and explore the rich culinary diversity of Thailand.”
Pro tip: Order a variety of dishes and embrace family-style dining. Make sure to build in plenty of time for savoring.
“This food is ideal for sharing with everyone around the table,” Zalcberg says with a smile. “Whenever we see people come in and order several appetizers and entrees and then put everything in the center of the table, we know they get it.”
Sara Puenpa agrees.
“People should always feel like they are at home and part of the family here,” she says.
For starters, order the si-krong pad prik: baby back ribs with a zesty southern Thai-style curry paste. Also try the refreshing som tam polamai fruit salad comprising grapes, apples, oranges, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, Thai chili, and fish sauce.
“The fruit salad contains all the tastes of spicy, sweet, and sour in one dish,” says Sara.
When it comes to entrees, don’t miss the umami-rich khao soi. This northern-style curry selection arrives at the table in a bowl and features crispy chicken thigh immersed with egg noodles in a savory broth. It’s served with accoutrements on the side including pickled radish, red onion, lime, crispy egg noodles, and chili oil.
Another standout dish worth consideration is the khao moo yang showcasing tender coconut milk–marinated grilled pork, purple rice, and a sweet-and-spicy jaew dipping sauce.
Specialties range from deep-fried softshell crab and crispy catfish to shrimp curry and roasted duck with bok choy.
Pair your meal with wine, beer, sake, or any of the more than a dozen available fruit- or milk-tea offerings. The tea list reads like a cocktail or mocktail menu — lychee, honey lavender, matcha, brown sugar, Thai iced tea, and more — all with popular add-ons available like boba, rainbow jelly, and even Oreo pieces.
Be sure to save some space for dessert. You can’t go wrong with a Thai tea custard, sweet sticky rice, or the vegan-friendly coconut ice cream served atop a sweet bun with sticky rice, jackfruit, and peanuts.
The restaurant’s spacious, open dining room is light, bright, and airy. It features natural wood tables, light green walls, and windows galore.
“We’re excited to bring something new to Fuquay that’s comfortable and welcoming,” Zalcberg says. “We’re also mindful of providing guests an elevated level of food, service, and atmosphere.”
While walk-ins are always welcome, reservations are available by phone, on the restaurant’s website, and through the OpenTable platform. If you prefer getting your food to go, a separate takeout area provides just the right level of convenience. Delivery service is offered via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Khao Sen is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday.
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