Thirty years ago, Nittaya Parawong arrived in the United States from her homeland of Thailand in pursuit of a life where opportunities were boundless. She lived with her aunt in Satellite Beach, Florida, attending school and working nights at a local Thai restaurant to make ends meet. It was a start for which she was thankful, but Nittaya knew there was more out there for her.
“It was a small, sleepy town: quiet, peaceful, but not full of opportunities, especially for someone like me trying to find my place and build a future,” she said. “I wanted more, especially the chance to continue my education, maybe attend college, and find work that matched my ambitions.”
That place ended up being Las Vegas after connecting with a long-time friend who had recently made the move and her decision to take a chance on a job opening in the area a year later. Relocating proved to be life-changing for Nittaya.
Fast forward to today, Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen (nittayassecretkitchen.com) on West Lake Mead Boulevard is thriving, fitting right in with the city’s lively, fast-paced, and diverse culture. The contemporary eatery was founded on Nittaya’s passion for cooking and the beloved Thai meals she grew up on and enjoyed in the family restaurant.
“The kitchen was more than just a place to prepare meals,” Nittaya explained. “It was where memories were made, stories were shared, and traditions were passed down.” This simple but meaningful concept is now the foundation of her own restaurant. “In our kitchen, we cook with love and intention, hoping each guest can feel the warmth and care in every bite.”
Her deep commitment to her Thai heritage and loyalty to authentic, family-inspired dishes are only half of what makes Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen a special dining experience for guests of all backgrounds. With an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, Nittaya also gets innovative with her culinary background, serving up spins on classic dishes that invite guests to taste the vibrant flavors of Thailand right here in Vegas. “I’ve reimagined some of these traditional dishes in a small plate or tapas-style format,” she added. “It brings me happiness to see people having fun exploring Thai food this way–one small, delicious plate at a time.”
Sourcing the finest ingredients for each dish is a duty Nittaya takes seriously with no shortcuts. “We work closely with a trusted vendor from California who delivers fresh vegetables and produce to us every other day.” The difference is in the details, and she and her staff work hard to ensure quality control is maintained to the highest standard, including the handcrafted selection of top-grade meats and premium seafood.
In many ways, Nittaya has come a long way from her early days in Satellite Beach. She has found a place she belongs, bursting with opportunity and excitement, and a career that fulfills her love of heritage and connection, making her grateful her path led to Las Vegas where she can share her culture and story with a city who has welcomed it with open arms.
“[The journey] has been a dream come,” she said. “More than that, it has allowed us to create jobs and support our amazing team across four locations.” Nittaya credits the support from guests, her staff, and the community as equally vital players in the restaurant’s success.
A visit to Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen is not just another visit to any Thai restaurant. “Every Thai restaurant has its own unique recipes and cooking styles–passed down through generations or created from personal experience,” Nittaya stressed. “One version isn’t more ‘authentic’ than another; they each tell a different story. What truly matters is the heart we put into every dish.”
Nittaya ultimately hopes that her restaurant extends the same welcome to guests as Las Vegas has to her, thankful for the chance to share her culture in a city that embraced her and opens doors to a world of new adventures. As she said, “It’s not just about food–it’s about sharing culture, memory, and connection.”