As someone whose job it is to seek out locally owned businesses and highlight the best of the best, there are a few business owners I’ve gotten to know as they continue to expand their footprint in the Fresno/Clovis area—opening great new spots for us all to enjoy. And then, there are a select few whose involvement immediately makes me think, Oh, this is going to be good. David Rasavong is one of those names.
My husband and I first met David when he and his business partner opened The Lincoln Pub in the Tower District. He was incredibly personable and welcoming, taking the time to share how they developed the concept, designed the penny bar, crafted the menu, and even sourced their giant, crystal-clear ice cubes. Then, about four years later, David and his wife, Anna Le Nguyen, co-opened Banzai Japanese Bar & Kitchen just a few doors down from The Lincoln. Both places featured tasty, modern dishes—beautifully plated, fairly priced, fresh, and just downright delicious.
David’s parents, immigrants from Laos who moved to the U.S. with nothing in search of a better life for their family, were the inspiration behind the family’s Thai restaurant, Tasty Thai. While Tasty Thai ultimately closed due to circumstances beyond their control, the family made a triumphant return with Love & Thai, a beautiful new Thai restaurant in southeast Fresno near Fresno Pacific University, continuing their legacy. (Read about that journey here.)
Everything I’ve ever eaten or drank that David Rasavong has had a hand in has been absolutely fantastic—always served with the warmth and hospitality of family, too. So, imagine my delight when my husband and I took a chance on a “Hot & New” Thai restaurant I found on Yelp, only to walk in and see David.
Satay Thai Kitchen is a brand-new Thai and Asian fusion restaurant in northeast Fresno, located at the southwest corner of Chestnut and Shepherd. It’s still in its soft-opening phase but is already racking up five-star reviews on Yelp daily—and once you visit, you’ll see why.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by stunning woven chandeliers draped among twisting greenery, creating a beautiful focal point in the dining room. To your left, you’ll find the softly lit bar with arched shelves, plush green velvet stools, and elegant glassware. (Note: At the time of writing, the restaurant isn’t serving alcohol yet, but it will be in time for their grand opening.)
Though we hadn’t chatted in years, David remembered me by name—and even remembered that my husband’s go-to drink is an Old Fashioned. He’s not just a great entrepreneur; he’s a true people-person who takes a genuine interest in his customers. He explained that Satay is a modern take on Thai cuisine, designed to offer an elevated dining experience.
My husband and I tend to stick to our favorite Thai dishes, but we decided to branch out at Satay. For appetizers, we tried the chicken satay with peanut sauce, served alongside a sweet and spicy quick-pickled cucumber slaw that my husband absolutely loved. He couldn’t stop talking about it! The chicken was tender and juicy, the marinade rich and flavorful, and the peanut sauce perfectly balanced—sweet but not overpowering.
We also tried the Nam Kao lettuce wraps, a new dish to us, featuring crispy coconut rice, cured pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, and crispy chilies. They were fantastic—complex in both flavor and texture. My husband even calculated the distance from his office to Satay so he could stop by for them regularly. (The restaurant is currently open for dinner only, so he’ll have to swing by after work! 😉)
For our main course, we ordered the Pad See Ew with chicken, and instead of our usual yellow curry with sticky rice, we went with David’s favorite—green curry with chicken. It was served with roti triangles, and we also requested sticky rice, which arrived as a beautiful, naturally blue-violet-hued Butterfly Pea rice.
It was almost too pretty to eat (but of course, I did, and it was perfect). The curry was incredible—gingery, garlicky, bright from lemongrass, and just the right level of spice. The vegetables were tender-crisp (not mushy!), and the chicken was thinly sliced and tender. The Pad See Ew was everything you’d want—savory, rich, and served in a generous portion.
I also tried a mocktail—the Lychee Blossom—a gorgeous purple drink with fresh lychee and lemon.
My husband couldn’t resist the Banana Brûlée with Coconut Ice Cream for dessert. While I’m not a huge fan of bananas, the coconut ice cream was out-of-this-world creamy, with real coconut pieces. The brûléed bananas had a crisp, caramelized sugar topping, and my husband devoured and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Once again, David Rasavong and his team have delivered an incredible restaurant experience. While we’ve had the pleasure of chatting with David the most, he credits much of Satay’s genesis to his wife, Anna, business partner and cousin, Tito Thepkaysone and his wife Sophorn So, who played major roles in bringing the vision to life. My husband and I were lucky enough to meet all four of them before heading out for the evening, and we truly hope they continue to thrive—because their success is well deserved.
Satay Thai Kitchen is a fantastic addition to the Fresno restaurant scene, and we can’t wait to return. Make plans to visit soon—you won’t be disappointed!
For updates on the grand opening and operating hours, follow Satay Thai Kitchen on Instagram or give them a call at (559) 207-1741. The restaurant is currently open Sunday–Thursday from 4:30–9:00 PM and Friday–Saturday from 4:30–9:30 PM.
- Fresno Datebook: Local Ideas for Fun Nights Out - June 13, 2025
- Where to Swim & Splash in Fresno, 2025 Edition - June 5, 2025
- Need a Teacher Gift? Here Are Thoughtful, Specific Picks That Won’t Go to Waste - May 29, 2025
Leave a Reply