Port People: Khone Sanasy of Thai Lily Kitchen

With over 20 years in the Thai food business, Thai Lily Kitchen owner Khone Sanasy brings a collection of family recipes steeped in memories to one of Newburyport’s newest restaurants, located on Pleasant Street. Not only is the food selection healthy and fresh, the service is impeccable, and the staff is friendly and full of heart.

In an effort to get to know Khone and her business, we asked her a series of questions to share with our readers.

Q: Why did you choose Newburyport to open your restaurant?

A: Newburyport is a nice town with nice people, so we wanted to share our recipes and Thai food here.

Q:  Have you always loved to cook? Where did you learn? What is your favorite dish, food or flavor ingredient?

A: Yes, I cook everyday, seven days a week for our employees, our family and our customers. I learned from the Thailand generation down to me. My favorite food is the Larb Salad with lettuce and cabbage.

Q: What is unique about your Thai restaurant that is different than any others? Any specialty dish that readers have to try?

A: My great grandmother taught me an old-fashioned recipe for the Pad Thai with Crispy Duck dish that is on our menu today.

Q: What do you love to do in your free time in Newburyport?

A: I love taking walks by the river in Newburyport and eating at different restaurants to experience food from other cultures.

Q: What advice would you give to a young aspiring restaurateur?

A: Take care of yourself and others by making and eating healthy food.

Q: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

A: Giving members of my family the opportunity to work in the Thai food business.

Q:  What are your goals for the future?

A: To teach the younger generation how to select the right ingredients for healthy food.