Located on the bottom floor of the Compuware parking structure between Randolph and Farmer, Orchid Thai offers a traditional Thai setting with a modern twist.
After operating two Thai restaurants in the suburbs, owner Pheng Vang and wife Li, Detroiters for more than 20 years, decided to open a restaurant in Downtown Detroit.
After seeing the city grow and change drastically over the last five years, the Vangs thought this was a great chance to jump in the game for the city they love. They wanted to be a part of the “new wave” of development that has been occurring in the city.
“We love downtown Detroit,” says Ally Vang. “This was a wonderful opportunity.”
Their menu consists of traditional Thai cuisine with some modified dishes such as the Pad Thai Curry, which adds curry and coconut milk to this Thai classic, and the Apple Salad with their own special seasoning. Additionally, they offer a wide array of bubble teas, which are teas with a drop of tapioca.
You can stop in for a fast-pasted lunch, or sit down for a relaxing dinner. Their music selection features an interesting mix of jazz, alternative, and traditional Thai, adding to their traditional, yet contemporary environment.
“Our setting and menu appeal to all kinds of people,” she says.
Orchid Thai is open on Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, except during Detroit sports and other events. The owners plan to receive a liquor license in the near future.
Source: Ally Vang, owner
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