GRAND RAPIDS, MI – From wok-inspired dishes to Mochi donuts, Rák Thai has “something for everyone.” Rák Thai, (Rák is pronounced like “rock”) has been a staple Grand Rapids Downtown Market since the market opened a decade ago in 2013 at 435 Ionia Ave. SW. Established in 2009, Blon and Christine Hang opened Rák Thai in two previous Grand Rapids dine-in locations before switching to their current carry-out restaurant model at the Downtown Market.
“We keep things fun,” Blon Hang told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. “(We) keep things interesting, always throwing new twists, new things, into the menu.” Hang describes Rák Thai as “Americanized culture but with the authentic (Thai) flavor.” A new twist and customer favorite is Crab Cheese Nachos, made with crispy wonton chips, cream cheese queso, shredded imitation crabmeat, scallions and sweet Thai chili sauce drizzles for $14.
Customers can see their wok orders being cooked over flames in the kitchen with produce that comes in fresh every other day from their suppliers. Nothing is canned and the market veggies change based on seasonal availability. Noodle bowls include the customer favorite Pad Thai (rice noodles, egg, onions in tamarind fish sauce, cilantro and crushed peanuts) for $12; Drunken Noodles (wide rice noodles, egg, basil, market veggies in garlic wine soy with a vegan option available) for $13 and Curry Noodles (rice noodles, egg, peas, carrots, scallions in red curry and cilantro) for $13.
The noodle bowls, with gluten free and vegan options, are topped with bean sprouts, carrots and a citrus wedge. Rice bowls include Rák fried rice (onion, peas, carrots and egg wok fried in garlic soy, topped with shredded carrots) for $12; Curry fried rice (scallions, peas, carrots and egg wok fried in red curry sauce, topped with shredded carrots) for $13; and Kimchi fried rice (kimchi, egg and onion wok fried in garlic soy, topped with sesame seeds, bean sprouts and citrus wedge) for $13.
There are also gluten free and vegan options with the rice bowls. Customers select a dish and a protein such as chicken, shrimp or beef for an extra $2. Veggies ($1), steamed tofu ($1) and fried tofu ($2) can also be added. Other meals include Bangkok Bulgogi (thin sliced beef, onions, scallions tossed in sesame soy, served with steamed rice, kimchi and sesame seeds) for $15; Orange chicken (breaded chicken in sweet orange glaze, served with steamed rice and sesame seeds) for $15; and Peanut Curry (market veggies wok-tossed in peanut curry, served with steamed rice) for $13.
Mochi donuts sell one for $3.50, six for $19.50 or 12 for $36. Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, (Jasmine tea infused with milk tea or fruit tea flavors and served over tapioca pearls) is $5.50 for a 16-ounce cup or $7.50 for 24 ounces. “We’ve always had the bobas,” said Blon Hang. “(Bubble tea) didn’t really take off until the last few years, and you’ve got all these big franchise name brands coming into town, but we’ve been doing it for over 10 years now.”
Caffeine free “Rákfreshers” (butterfly pea tea, lemonade and your choice of flavor served over tapioca pearls) is $5.50 for 16 ounces or $7.50 for 24 ounces. Thai iced tea is $6 for 16 ounces or $7 for 24 ounces. The beverages can be modified. So popular, Rák has already expanded to additional space inside the Downtown Market and is currently looking to open a satellite location. Hang said his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Thailand, making him a first-generation American.
A family of restaurant entrepreneurs, Hang’s parents were restaurant owners and Hang’s brother recently opened Kin Thai, at 325 Riverfront Dr. in Lansing. The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is open seven days a week, offering multiple dine-in options and carry-out options.“The Downtown Market is a blast,” Hang said. “You can’t complain, there’s everything that you want here. I have picky kids. One kid might want sushi, one kid might want some tacos, one kid might want pizza. We have that all here.” Rak Thai is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For carryout or pickup, call 616-724-4866 or check out the restaurant’s website here.
Source: M live