After announcing the unfortunate and upcoming closure of SWATDEE THAI CUISINE in Noe Valley, I was able to get owner James Sawatdee to pause for a quick conversation about it (he’s a busy guy!). People, I have to tell you, he is such an inspiration. James came to the U.S. in 1972, after studying to be an engineer in Thailand. In the U.S., he said he started as a dishwasher but worked his way up to becoming a restaurant owner. He has owned Swatdee Thai for 26 years and built up a very loyal clientele. After 41 years of hard work in the restaurant industry with very little time off, he’s looking forward to spending some time back in Thailand and visiting with family. Yeah, that’s some well-earned and long-overdue R&R. Best wishes to you and your family, James! You will be missed. Enjoy your retirement.
James said the restaurant is closing on November 30th, and will then be remodeled for about six weeks or so. Taking Swatdee’s place will be an Indian restaurant (the owners are also behind Little Delhi in the Tenderloin). Indrajit Ghosh, one of the owners, reports that the new location will be very similar to Little Delhi, but will feature a menu inspired by different regional dishes of India. Many of their staples will be on the menu, as well. The name will be new, but it’s still under wraps, so we can’t tell you quite yet. 4166 24th St. at Diamond, 415-824-8070.
The exterior of Swatdee Thai Cuisine. Yelp photo by Melly C.
