Tom Yum Restaurant expands menu

From left, server Apornphan Rodjaruu, server Jamnoen Jampangoen, chef Khankaew “Lyn” Baothiang, co-owner Natalia Guan, chef “Ning” Christianson and Sayan “Nun” Munmai, Not in photo is co-owner Phannee U. Regen. (Photos by Bea Cabrera)

Five months after opening, Tom Yum Restaurant located on Middle Road has expanded its menu to cater to a wider audience of foodies. Aside from Thai food, they now feature a large selection of dishes that captures true American, Mexican, and Italian tastes.

According to owner Natalia Guan, the new menu was made possible because of the three chefs that recently came on board. “We are excited as three chefs joined us that allowed us to have a variety of dishes to offer to our new and loyal customers. These chefs have many years of experience cooking different kinds of dishes that prompted us to shift from just Thai food to other international dishes,” she said.

“Since Saipan is so diverse, people from different backgrounds can come to Tom Yum and expect to see their favorite dishes like hamburgers, grilled salmon, steaks, pasta, burritos, quesadilla, loco moco, sandwiches, and of course, authentic Thai dishes. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and all dishes are available all throughout the day,” she added.

The three chefs that recently joined Tom Yum are Khankaew “Lyn” Baothiang, Ehoticha “Ning” Christianson, and Sayan “Nun” Munmai—all of Thai descent and have been on island for a long time, cooking their way to people’s hearts.

“I started working on Saipan during the garment factory days and when that industry was over, I shifted to another passion which is cooking. My expertise on many dishes has been honed over the years working in different restaurants and a couple of them are popular ones,” Boathiang said.

Tom Yum’s island-style loco moco—white rice topped with hamburger patty, egg, and delicious brown gravy is unforgettable.

Christianson said that she is looking forward to cooking for Tom Yum Restaurant with longtime friends Baothiang and Munmai. “It is always fun working with these women. I know them inside and outside work. We have a good system when we are in the kitchen and we pour our hearts into every dish,” she said.

Munmai, whose expertise is making bread and pastry, said that their customers can expect fresh bread all the time and this was echoed by Guan. “Our customers can expect fresh bread and pancakes for breakfast everyday here at Tom Yum. It may take time because everything is hand-made and not from the grocery,” she said.

“Our pha tong go or deep-fried dough bread stick is available upon request. It is hot, fresh, and sprinkled with sugar for that special taste which is perfect with tea or coffee. Aside from bread and pancakes, our hash browns are also hand-made because people deserve the best taste,” she added.

Tom Yum’s spicy burger with fries and garnish will surely fill your burger cravings.

Tom Yum Restaurant opened its doors in August last year and has always been thinking of how to better serve their customers. “We always think how to inject something new and exciting. With the new year and our new menu, we feel that the timing is right. Families and friends can now gather and eat here anytime of the day whether for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and we hope that whatever dish they crave for, we have it,” Guan said.

Tom Yum Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Paradise Hotel on Middle Road. They are open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm and happy hour starts from 5pm to 10pm. For more information, call (670) 488-2963 or look them up on Facebook and type Tom Yum Restaurant.