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Authentic Thai Cuisine

Pure and simple. Those two words capture the essence of Bangkok Five’s stunning ambiance and world-renowned cuisine. Publications from The Desert Sun to the New York Post have sung the restaurant’s praises, citing its brilliant use of spices such as tamarind, garlic, cilantro, and chile that provide layers of sensual appreciation to otherwise straightforward meats and vegetables.

While the spices tickle your taste buds, Bangkok Five’s crisp and contemporary décor offers up a clean palette for your other senses. Almost as if by magic, when the sun goes down, Bangkok Five comes alive with diffused ambient lighting gently washing over terracotta pottery perched against crisp white walls. The effect is a quiet sanctuary of serene elegance.

The restaurant’s distinctive architecture and interiors are by noted Los Angeles designer Kerry Joyce, selected for six years running by House Beautiful as a design star. The signature look he created is what Metropolitan Home magazine calls “a juxtaposition of elegance and restraint that still feels inviting and casual.”

Most importantly, Bangkok Five is a family affair. Owners Lucky and Jan Teachanarong are justifiably proud of their legions of wonderful customers who have become friends after frequenting the restaurant since the doors first opened in their original location 17 years ago. The Teachanarong children grew up in the business and are familiar to many long-time patrons as their own children or grandchildren.

The faithful come for consistently authentic Thai recipes cooked to order with fresh aromatics and flavors of lime, coconut, lemongrass, and ginger. But it’s the warm hospitality from the same servers who have been on board since day one that makes this dining experience more than just a gourmet meal. This year, for the fourth time, customers supported Lucky and Jan’s efforts to raise money for a needy public school in Thailand by donating more than $50,000!

The restaurant features a full bar, outdoor atrium, and chic indoor dining spaces. Reservations are suggested. Bangkok Five’s popular catering service brings their kitchen to your kitchen to create Thai masterpieces on site.

“Bangkok Five is one of the most highly recommended restaurants in the desert.”

Text by Gayl Biondi