Today we’d like to introduce you to Tuntaya Johnson.
Hi Tuntaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Thailand, where my father was a chef, so I grew up surrounded by food and cooking from a young age. I moved to America 12 years ago and eventually made Texas my home.
I’ve always had a strong passion and inspiration to share my food with others—especially the recipes from my home. I come from the southern part of Thailand, where the flavors are bold, spicy, and very distinctive compared to other regions.
That passion led me to open Black Thai Restaurant almost two years ago. With sincerity, dedication, and a commitment to authentic Thai flavors, the restaurant has received incredible support from the community and has gradually become well known.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Opening my first restaurant in the U.S., I had to learn about permits and regulations from scratch. Another challenge was sourcing authentic southern Thai ingredients—many weren’t available locally, so I ended up importing key items, like curry pastes, directly from Thailand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Black Thai Authentic Cuisine is a restaurant focused on bringing true southern Thai flavors to Texas. We specialize in bold, spicy, and authentic dishes that reflect the way we cook and eat at home in Thailand.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity. Many of our ingredients, especially our curry pastes, are sourced directly from Thailand to ensure the flavors remain true to their origin. Every dish is made with care, using family recipes and traditional techniques.
I’m most proud of how our brand represents real Thai food—not adjusted too much, but shared honestly. We want our guests to experience the depth, spice, and uniqueness of southern Thai cuisine, and feel like they are tasting something truly special and genuine.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is being able to open and build this restaurant while seeing our customers truly enjoy the food and experience. Their happiness and support mean so much to me.
I also do this for my 10-year-old son, who is Thai-American. One of my biggest dreams is for him to continue this restaurant in the future and stay connected to his Thai roots and culture through food.
Pricing:
- Most dishes range from $12–$20
- Signature southern Thai dishes may vary based on ingredients
- We use high-quality and imported ingredients from Thailand
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackthaicarrollton.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackthaiauthenticcuisine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Thai-Authentic-Cuisine/61564181240287/#
