Anchalee Thai: Bringing Authentic Thai Street Flavors to Berkeley
An interview with Anchalee, owner of Anchalee Thai.
Since 2007, Anchalee Thai has been a beloved spot in Berkeley for those seeking authentic Thai cuisine with a unique twist. Founded by Anchalee and her husband Chuck, Anchalee Thai serves the flavors of Central Thailand and beyond, introducing locals to lesser-known dishes and traditional street foods—all made from scratch.
A Menu Crafted with Authentic Ingredients
The menu at Anchalee Thai offers more than typical Thai selections, showcasing dishes carefully prepared using homemade sauces, fresh ingredients, and traditional techniques. A standout is the Pumpkin Curry, made with kabocha squash, a Japanese squash that has a subtly sweet flavor and firm texture, ideal for holding up in the rich, aromatic curry sauce. Anchalee Thai’s curry bases are crafted in-house, using a blend of imported spices that preserve the authentic depth of Thai cuisine. The Green Curry, a customer favorite, is made from scratch with traditional Thai herbs, including Grachai a Thai root that adds an earthy, peppery undertone, enhancing the depth of the dish.
Anchalee's favorite dish is Sakoo, a tapioca dumpling typically found in street markets. The dumplings are filled with minced pork and they provide customers with a unique experience and a genuine taste of Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.
Customer Feedback and a Commitment to Quality
Anchalee Thai’s menu continually evolves, with seasonal and regional Thai dishes. At times, the restaurant updates its specials almost every two weeks to keep things fresh for its loyal customer base. Customer feedback plays a significant role in shaping the menu, with Anchalee personally gathering input from guests to identify popular items that may become permanent offerings.
Running Anchalee Thai is both a passion and commitment for Anchalee. She shares that the key to running your own restaurant is sacrifice and passion. Consistency is essential, especially with Thai food’s distinct flavors and textures, which require close attention to detail in timing, temperature, and preparation. Thai cooking is an art, and every step is critical to achieving the flavors that have made Anchalee Thai a Berkeley favorite.
Discover Thai Street Food Without Leaving Berkeley
Anchalee Thai shares a slice of Thailand with the Berkeley community through genuine flavors, fresh ingredients, and a genuine passion from Anchalee and her husband. If you're looking for delicious Thai food near Berkeley, then Anchalee is a must visit.