Those seeking authentic Thai food turn to Yum Yum Thai Restaurant and Bar on Naperville’s southwest side. Whether for lunch or dinner, takeout or dining in, this family-owned restaurant serves up fresh and delicious food in a contemporary and friendly environment.
“We make everything here fresh and we always leave room for customization,” said chef Akharaphong Wankaew, whose parents own Yum Yum Thai. “It’s our hope that people enjoy the food and leave with a big smile on their face.”
Originally from Thailand, Nong Otts moved to the U.S. in 2007 and opened her first restaurant in Naperville in 2011. In Thai, “yum yum” means “sweet and spicy,” and since Otts wanted to pick a name that was “short and catchy and that people would remember,” Yum Yum Thai was born.
And they do.
“We have so many returning customers,” Wankaew said. “We have built friendships with them over the years. My mom works here every single day and she knows (our customers) personally.”
Here’s the scoop on this local favorite.
What’s on the menu? Authentic Thai cuisine, including a wide variety of noodle, rice and curry dishes along with appetizers, soups and chef’s specialty dishes. Since each dish is made to order, customers get exactly what they want. Vegetarians or meat lovers, those who want it mild or love the heat can all find happiness at Yum Yum.
About the owners: This is the first restaurant for Aurora residents Nong and Greg Otts. Their son and chef Akharaphong Wankaew uses some family recipes (from their uncle’s restaurant in Thailand) and some recipes that they have created on their own.
A mission statement or philosophy? Yum Yum “offers authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary designed establishment.”
What’s the decor like? The decor is elegant and contemporary, with high end finishes, dark woods and bold red accents. A long bar anchors the front of the restaurant and there is a wall of windows that keep the interior bright and welcoming.
Specialties: Mango curry is a big hit as is the chicken paradise, which is deep fried chicken with water chestnuts, peanuts, carrots, pea pods in Thai style black pepper sauce. The catfish and rice is a specialty, which includes Thai herbs, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, basil leaves and vegetables in a curry sauce. Save room for the desserts like coconut ice cream and fried banana or the Thai custard.
We’re different because: “It’s the food; our flavors and homemade sauces that we make here is what makes us different,” Wankaew said.
Extras: They take reservations and can also reserve a portion of the restaurant for large parties. Outdoor dining is available when the weather cooperates.
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Price range: Appetizers range from $6 to $8, entrees from $7 to $13 and desserts are $3 to $4.50.
Logistics: Yum Yum Thai Restaurant and Bar is located at 1995 Springbrook Square Drive (#107) in Naperville (near the corner of Route 59 and 83rd Street). They are open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 630-369-3355 or go to www.yumyumthainaperville.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.