Following the closure of the original Kalaya Thai Kitchen in Bella Vista, chef and owner Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon will be moving toward opening its new establishment in Fishtown.
Set to be located at 4 W. Palmer Street, the announcement comes as Suntaranon holds various send-off gatherings, including a special farewell dinner, for the original location on 9th Street near the Italian Market that has become one of the more popular restaurants in the city.
“Thank you so much for everything, Philadelphia,” Suntaranon said on Instagram. “Thank you for going on this journey with me. It is far from over, and I am excited for the next chapter of Kalaya – one which I know will only get better each and every day.”
The new Fishtown location is part of a partnership with Defined Hospitality, which helps run other popular eateries such as Pizzeria Beddia, Suraya and Condensa. The space will be able to seat over 140 people, nearly five times the number of the original restaurant.
Since opening in April 2019, Kalaya has become well-regarded for its traditional Thai cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. It earned the top spot of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants list in 2020, while Suntaranon was named a James Beard finalist for best chef in its Mid-Atlantic category this year.
While an official opening date has yet to be announced, Suntaranon said that the new location will likely be opening its doors sometime in late October.
“We will take some time between the closing of Bella Vista and the opening of Fishtown to reflect, to take care of ourselves, and to make sure our new location is as ready as it can be when we first welcome in customers, new and old,” Suntaranon said.
