What do a celebrity chef and a monastic Thai blessing ceremony have in common? They recently combined to welcome Pakpao Thai’s third location to West Plano Village. The restaurant has already found success in Dallas with its first two locations, and chose Plano for the third because of the bustling suburb scene.
“I am honored to continue bringing my passion for Thai cuisine to Texas,” said Executive Chef Jet Tila. Chef Jet is known for his appearances on “Iron Chef America,” “Cutthroat Kitchen,” “Chopped” and Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations.” He holds six culinary Guinness World Records and was appointed as the inaugural Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine by the Royal Thai Consulate.
Jet learned the ancient traditions of Asian cuisine as a child from his Cantonese grandmother, while also working at his family’s Bangkok Market and Royal Thai Restaurant. His renowned modern Asian cuisine comes from many years of experience, tradition and old family recipes. The Los Angeles native was on scene for Pakpao Thai’s opening in Plano to welcome diners as he partners with Apheleia Restaurant Group for this modern Thai-inspired concept.
The menu at Pakpao is rich with authentic Thai favorites. Inspired by the streets of Bangkok, Chef Jet’s dishes demonstrate influence from all over Thailand. Local favorites include the Pad Thai, Short Rib with Massaman Curry, Thai Grilled Chicken Salad and a Beef Jerky Flight that comes paired with three local brews.
For an outside-the-box brunch option, choose Pakpao’s Thai Tea French Toast or Thai Fried Chicken Benedict. Wash it all down with the signature Chula-Rita: a margarita made with lemongrass-infused premium tequila plus a prickly pear puree swirl.
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