Thai Orchid serving up traditional family recipes 70 years in the making

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In 1955, Pranee Bhuranathanit opened a restaurant in the center of Bangkok. Now, almost 70 years later, her family is serving up those recipes in West Fargo.

“She said that many people cross the river, why don’t you open small restaurant […] but one day people come to eat, not come to cross the river any more. So she realized she’s good cooker.”

Owners Anne and Name Osa are the fourth generation of restaurateurs in the family. They grew up in restaurants, learning the ropes at their parents’ 200 table restaurant in Thailand.

“At the time I was very young, I didn’t know anything, I just knew that I loved to eat. I saw many people were cooking and everything, so I just grab, grab, grab and eat. ”

However, only one of them was trusted with the family recipes.

“Mom said she will not give the recipe to me, because she said ‘If Anne knows, the world knows.’”

The family came to the U.S. 19 years ago, originally in Washington, D.C. before moving to the Fargo-Moorhead area 10 years ago.

“We love here. And why Fargo? Because my husband was born here […] That is the reason why Fargo, we come to the birthplace of my husband and at least let the kids grow up here.”

And since then they’ve been able to establish themselves as a staple of the community, serving up the authentic recipes that they’ve inherited.

“We hope we can get the occupation, and also be part of the local (community.)”

“Yeah that is the thing that we always say in the family is that one day we can be part of the social.”

And feeling welcomed by the community has been important to them, especially when Anne and Name became American citizens in August.

“I’m still proud of my Thai citizenship, but I’m proud to be here too. I want to be part of you, I’m here.”

They say their customers are like family to them, with returning customers following them in their move from Moorhead to West Fargo.

“The customer is our and my family. We put everything the same and fresh. We try to make everything the best to the recipe. And same as you eat in my home. I’m happy to eat, if the food is good we serve to you. The same.”