Today we’d like to introduce you to Tipa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our story began simply: we were a group of friends who loved spending time together and cooking Thai food at home. One of us, Ornnit, was always the star of every gathering — she cooked the dishes everyone looked forward to. One day, while enjoying her food, we asked ourselves: Why don’t we open a restaurant so everyone can taste this comfort food and authentic Thai cooking?
The recipes come from Ornnit, so we named the restaurant after her. In Thai culture, the word “Mae” means mother, and we often use it to show respect for someone who is truly skilled at something. Calling her Mae Ornnit is our way of honoring her talent and the heart she puts into every dish.
That’s how Mae Ornnit was born — from friendship, shared meals, and a desire to bring real Thai comfort food to our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. We started as friends who loved cooking, so learning the business side — operations, staffing, budgeting — was a big challenge. Keeping our food authentic while running a full restaurant took time and effort. But our passion for sharing real Thai comfort food helped us push through every obstacle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in authentic Thai comfort food made from Ornnit’s original recipes. Customers know us for our home‑style flavors and the care we put into every dish. We’re proud that people say our food tastes like something made in a Thai home. What sets us apart is our story — friends who turned their love of cooking into a place where everyone can enjoy real Thai food.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Our most important lesson has been learning the value of patience and teamwork. Running a restaurant is hard, but staying true to our authentic flavors and supporting each other through every challenge has made all the difference.
Pricing:
- Pad Thai $15.95
- Drunken Noodle $15.95
- Kapow Bomb $20.95
- Crispy Chicken with green curry $18.95
- Chicken Satay $11.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maeornnit.com/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mae-ornnit-thai-kitchen-annandale?osq=Lunch%20Specials&start=50
