A Legacy Honored, A New Chapter
Thai Spice was built on devotion — a father's royal-trained recipes, a daughter's craft, and now a new owner carrying that legacy forward with pride. This is how we got here.
Thai Spice | Our Story
A Cleveland Legend
Paul Wongngamdee ran Lemongrass Thai Restaurant and won "Best Thai Food" for ten consecutive years — beloved by regulars and celebrities alike. That kitchen set the standard for everything that followed.
A Daughter's Calling
When illness forced Paul to step away, his daughter left her corporate career and flew to Bangkok. She trained at the Royal Thai Crafts School for Women and received her certificate from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn herself, then brought that royal training home.
A New Owner Takes the Torch
In 2021, Han took over the kitchen at Eugene's 5th Street Public Market. Vietnamese by heritage and devoted to Thai cooking, Han fell in love with these royal recipes and the community that grew around them, and chose to honor the family's legacy rather than change it.
Every Dish Carries It Forward
Duck Curry with pineapple, Avocado Green Curry, Mango Curry bright with real fruit — each dish still carries the spirit of the kitchen that came before, made with the freshest ingredients and served with genuine pride.
