OPAL THAI
Come for the food, stay for the experience
What started as a food truck, and then as a restaurant on the North Shore (where Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filmed a segment about Opal Thai’s famous hot wings), has become a contemporary culinary staple in downtown Honolulu.
Garlicky chicken wings with fried basil
Opal Thai, a family-run establishment led by the charismatic chef, Sanith “Opel” Sirichandhra and his son Lio, promises a Thai culinary journey unlike any other.
Opal Thai seats has table seating as well as an L-shaped counter facing the open kitchen
The magic of Opal Thai is not just in its dishes, but in the personalized touch chef Opel brings to each table. Though a menu was offered, I soon discovered that the chef would decide my meal, transforming dinner into a delightful dining theater. The chef inquired about my familiarity with Thai cuisine, my preferred ingredients, proteins, and spice levels. His humor and genuine passion for his craft shone through, making it clear that I was in the hands of a true culinary master.
Basil tofu
Refreshing papaya salad and Thai sausages
As the evening unfolded, each dish that arrived at the table was a testament to Opel's skill and intuition. The flavors and textures were impeccably balanced, the freshness of each ingredient shining through. It felt like an intimate omakase experience, with the added thrill of Opel's engaging personality. The starters were excellent, my favorite included a stir-fried rice noodle, gentle and soft, extremely flavorful! His famed basil chicken wings were also delectable, sweet and sassy, topped with fried aromatic basil, making us all “oooh” and “ahhh” with each bite.
Noodle soups at Opal Thai
Opal Thai is more than a restaurant; it's a journey led by a master conductor, orchestrating a symphony of flavors that cater to each diner's palate. The key to fully embracing this adventure is to arrive with an open mind and an empty stomach, ready to be guided by chef Opel's expertise. For our main course, we delighted in three distinct noodle dishes: a tangy Tom Yum soup, a rich curry, and a dish reminiscent of Pad Thai. Each offering was simply superb.
Spicy tom yum soup
In a world where customer satisfaction is paramount, it's rare to find someone who knows best, but at Opal Thai, chef Opel is undeniably in charge. And the result? An unforgettable, extraordinary Thai culinary experience in Hawaii. One small warning before you visit - the dishes can pack quite a heat punch! When you let the chef know your spice tolerance, be prepared for a sizzling challenge; he's not one to back down from putting your palate to the test!