Kao Thai Cuisine
One of the best things about traveling is going off the beaten path and finding a bit of the unexpected. Kao Thai offers much of that and more through its eclectic menu that drives eaters through streets and across borders. Flaky naan dipped in a fragrant yellow curry, spicy lemongrass sausage with glass noodles and green papaya salads are just a few of the many vibrant dishes that help separate the restaurant from its peers.
“I grew up in the restaurant business,” says Sunshine Cobb. “My mom, too, really. She moved here in her 20s and worked every position in the restaurant. Owned restaurants in Greenville. She moved to Asheville my freshman year of college and opened the Tamarind.”
Cobb and her mom, Gai Wilson, decided to open Kao Thai—kao meaning “rice”—together in 2019. Cobb wanted to help bring something new to the city that she had grown to love over many years.
“I went to college not to get into the family business, but here I sit,” Cobb says.
The menu at Kao Thai is playful, featuring both familiar classics like pad thai and fried rice along with creative spins on dishes we thought we knew, like the duck curry with globes of syrupy lychee fruit or the Malaysian spiced chicken wings with sweet chili dipping sauce. There are even some unexpected dishes that flip the script. The crispy Brussels sprouts, for instance, features spicy, salty, sweet and tart notes thanks to a blend of togarashi salt, fried garlic, molasses soy and fresh lime that invigorates the dish. Between that and their custom house cocktails, which also infuse elements of Thai cuisine like lemongrass and Thai tea, there is a lot to explore within the walls of the restaurant that keeps things constantly fresh and exciting with every visit.
Located in the historic Columbia Central Fire Station, which served as the city’s fire department headquarters for more than 44 years, Kao Thai has helped play a major part in the revitalization of the Vista. While they’ve had much success in the few years there, their continued growth has led them to a big move this spring to Main Street.
“Our regular customer base continues to grow as customers, new and old, discover new flavors and come back for their new favorite dish or cocktail,” Cobb says. “We’ve enjoyed being a part of the Vista, but are so excited for Main Street. Bringing life back to the historic building that was the Columbia firehouse has been a privilege and honor. We have most enjoyed being a part of people’s memories for everyday get-togethers, anniversaries, birthdays, first dates and even proposals. We’re excited to create new memories in our new Main Street space.”
Kao Thai Cuisine
1001 Senate St. #300, Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Hours:
11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–9pm, Monday–Thursday
11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–9pm, Friday–Saturday
