Discover Our Passion For Culinary Excellence

The Flavor of a Dream: Ricky Chai’s Culinary JourneyBehind every great restaurant is a story and Ricky Chai’s is one of heart, hard work, and heritage.For over two decades, Ricky has quietly built a legacy in New Jersey, introducing thousands to the warm, layered flavors of Southeast Asia. But his journey started long before the doors of any restaurant opened. Raised around the traditions of homemade cooking and the joy of sharing food with family, Ricky always knew he wanted to create something meaningful not just a restaurant, but a place that felt like home.In 2004, Ricky met Chef Chai Yo Thongpanich, a culinary veteran who had arrived in the U.S. in 1981 from Southeast Asia, worked in a top-tier Manhattan kitchen for 15 years, and brought with him an incredible depth of flavor and technique. Their partnership wasn’t just built on food it was built on trust, shared values, and a passion for serving the community with excellence.

Together, they nurtured Ricky’s Thai into one of the most respected Southeast Asian restaurants in the region, earning praise from New Jersey Monthly Magazine, Montgomery News, Trenton Times, and Princeton Packet. Over the years, Ricky became more than just a restaurateur he became a fixture in his community, a welcoming host, and someone who took pride in every dish that left the kitchen.

And now, after years of success, memories, and milestones, Ricky is ready for a new chapter not to reinvent himself, but to continue evolving.
With the same values that shaped his past hospitality, authenticity, and connection he’s exploring new flavors and ideas that bring people together in fresh, exciting ways.

Ricky’s story is one of quiet leadership, deep care, and a lifelong devotion to flavor. Whether you’ve dined at his tables once or a hundred times, you’ve felt it.
And while the menu may grow and evolve, one thing never changes:

For Ricky, food has always been about family and every guest is part of his.