Looking Local: Hug Baan Thai Creates a Cozy Escape in Sterling Heights
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~ Sterling Heights, MI- For over thirty years, Thai food has been a beloved staple at Viceroy Plaza on 14 Mile Road near Dequindre. However, in recent years, the space has undergone a transformation. What was once known as Sala Thai has now become Hug Baan Thai, a restaurant that regulars say truly captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine.

In 2023, Jeff and his wife Susie took over the restaurant and seamlessly continued its service while gradually revamping the menu and atmosphere. Their goal was to bring a more authentic taste of Thailand to Sterling Heights.

According to Jeff, Susie's roots in the Isan region of Thailand have played a significant role in their vision for Hug Baan Thai. "They use different herbs and spices," he explained. "One of the best compliments we receive is when people tell us that our food is the most authentic they've had in this area."

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Beyond just the food, Jeff and Susie have also reimagined the interior of Hug Baan Thai. The addition of decorative walls adorned with lush greenery, ceiling lanterns, soft lighting, and cozy booths piled with pillows creates an inviting space where customers can relax and enjoy their meal without feeling rushed.

"We noticed that many Thai restaurants are primarily focused on takeout," Jeff said. "We wanted to provide our customers with a place where they can sit down and have a nice meal without feeling rushed."

Susie added that she loves decorating and wanted to make Hug Baan Thai feel like a comfortable house for their customers. "Baan" means "house" in Thai, so it was important for them to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Customer feedback has been crucial to Hug Baan's success, especially from those with Thai roots who appreciate the couple's dedication to authenticity. "We've been told that many other Thai restaurants have become too Americanized, so people appreciate that we stick to our roots," Jeff shared. "Those kinds of comments are the best badge of honor for us."

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Every morning, Susie visits local Asian markets to handpick fresh ingredients for the day's dishes. From Thai chiles and makrut lime leaves to galangal and lemongrass, every dish at Hug Baan Thai bursts with color and flavor. And according to Susie, customers can always taste the difference.

Despite frequent inquiries about expansion, Jeff and Susie want Hug Baan Thai to grow organically within the community. "The word is getting out there about us," Jeff said. "We have room for growth here, but we want to show our appreciation to our customers who have helped us get where we are today. The sky's the limit."

Hug Baan Thai is located at 2751 E. 14 Mile Road near Dequindre Road and is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays and from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed on Wednesdays). With its commitment to authenticity and dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for its customers, Hug Baan Thai is sure to continue delighting diners for years to come.

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