24 Nov 21st-Nov 27th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | keepsakes back to metro Phoenix. One piece, a painting near the entrance of Thai E-San, was a gift from a local artist and friend inspired by Jan and her two sisters. Thai E-San’s decor is a reflection of Rodger’s passion for style, with walls lined in wood panels reminiscent of traditional Bangkok. Hand-painted umbrellas, deep- red booths and golden accents, including a metallic-gold Buddha sculpture, add a unique charm to the space. While the restaurant serves mixed drinks and beer, “a staple drink for many diners is Thai E-San’s Thai iced tea,” Jan says. “It’s a refreshing twist on the classic Thai street beverage, served with less sugar than typical Thai and boba shops.” The Pongtratics want their patrons to taste the tea’s robust, earthy flavor without overwhelming sweetness. A few years ago, Jan moved back from California to metro Phoenix, returning not only to raise her children but also to modernize her parents’ business for a new generation of diners. Drawing on her mother’s culinary expertise, she has added her own touch to the 2,400-square-foot restaurant’s operations and manages a team of 12 employees. “Before, we did everything by hand, knowing all our regulars and their orders by heart,” Jan says. “Out of divine timing, I updated the entire point-of-sale system in January 2020.” This helped during the mandatory lock- down with curbside and takeout options. “We have been a word-of-mouth restaurant with a fiercely loyal following since the beginning,” Jan says. “We didn’t start to do the delivery services until about two months ago, and right now, delivery services are about 5% of the business and growing daily.” The new delivery options include DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats. For those ordering delivery, the $17.99 House Pad Thai is a popular choice, featuring stir-fried noodles with shrimp and chicken, bean sprouts, egg and a topping of ground peanuts and green onion. For gatherings, the Thai E-San Special Sampler is a crowd favorite. Priced at $21.99, it includes two chicken satay skewers, two egg rolls, two fish cakes, four Thai toasts and four fried wontons, all served with the signature peanut sauce, cucumber sauce and sweet chili sauce. With a background in corporate fashion, Jan is also refreshing the restau- rant’s marketing by growing their social media presence and partnerships. “The world is changing, and we want to be available for more than just in-house and regular takeout,” Jan says. While Thai E-San has adapted to the times, the heart of the restaurant is its family-driven passion for excellence. The Pongtratic’s dedication to their roots, combined with Jan’s modern influence, has made the restaurant a beloved neigh- borhood spot. Thai E-San 616 W. Indian School Road Family Flavor from p 22 “I remember watching my grandmother make red curry paste with a mortar and pestle,” Pui recalls. (Photo by Mike Madriaga) The Coconut Soup arrives in a stainless steel bowl with a flame underneath to keep the broth warm. (Photo by Mike Madriaga)
