Khao Sen Thai & Tea

Khao Sen Thai and Tea brings full-service Thai hospitality to Fuquay-Varina’s Bengal Towne Center, guided by owners Paul and Sara Puenpa and their longtime friend Joy Jirawan. The airy dining room mixes natural wood tables with soft green walls and generous daylight, setting the stage for recipes rooted in the team’s family traditions. Lunch and dinner service runs Monday and Wednesday through Sunday; the team pauses between 3 and 5 p.m. on weekdays to reset before evening seatings and closes each Tuesday.

The kitchen intentionally skips pad thai to spotlight lesser-known dishes from across Thailand. Guests share plates of si-krong pad prik baby back ribs glazed with southern Thai curry paste, refreshing som tam polamai fruit salad, and umami-rich bowls of khao soi layered with crispy chicken thigh, egg noodles, and chili oil. Grilled specialties like coconut milk marinated khao moo yang and rotating seafood entrees round out the table-friendly spread.

To drink, the team pours wine, beer, and sake alongside a playful menu of more than a dozen fruit and milk teas with boba, rainbow jelly, and other add-ons. Reservations are accepted by phone, website, and OpenTable, while a dedicated takeout counter keeps phone and delivery orders moving smoothly. Whether settling in for a leisurely meal or grabbing dinner to go, Khao Sen channels warm Thai hospitality with every visit.