Paxon Vong opened Thai Kitchen 20 years ago to offer Muncie a diverse fusion of Southeast Asian cuisine. The native of Thailand makes every dish to order, with notes of sweet and sour, salty and spicy flavors paired in soups, stews, noodles and rice dishes.
“I want to keep something in a small town like Muncie,” Vong said. “You order, I cook. It has to be healthy and fresh.”
Michaela Williams said Thai Kitchen “gives Muncie heart.” The 27-year-old grew up a few blocks from the unassuming restaurant and watched it draw customers for the past two decades. Williams now works there, “not for the money” but for the connections she makes with neighbors and regulars.
“Working here has impacted my view of the community. I’ve become close with a lot of the people who eat here,” Williams said. “The food brings people together, and that speaks a lot to the effort and consistency Vong has put into this place.”
Vong said Muncie “has everything he needs” and is “kind of perfect.”
Thai Kitchen, located at 1413 S. Walnut St., is open for dine-in and take-out 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then again from 5-9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 765-288-4786 to place an order.
