With roots planted deep in their homeland of Thailand, Anan and Roong Tavornsak are proud of their beautiful Red Lotus blooming on the Nebraska prairie.
Red Lotus Thai Express, serving many of the original recipes Roong carried from Thailand in her notebook, brings an exquisite oriental flavor to the corner of 72nd St and Highway 370.
Located at 1449 Papillion Dr, Suite 103, Roong’s menu features its original Crispy Garlic Chicken, the ever-popular Pad Thai, Peanut Butter Chicken, and much more. Roong said their dishes are not like everyone else’s.
“Ours is just a little different. It’s a special secret ingredient,” she said.
Roong said that their special touch, along with years of experience, culminated in the Best Restaurant award from Sarpy County Tourism.
“We’ve been in the United States for 20 years now,” Anan said. “We spent 12 years working in restaurants in Las Vegas, one year in Montana learning how to run a commercial kitchen, and now seven years in Nebraska.”
Red Lotus Thai Express is mainly take-out, and Roong is proud that nearly all of the ingredients are locally sourced and that each order is individually made fresh and seasoned with love.
“For several years, we owned Sweet Rice Thai Food Truck, and now we’re happy to open Red Lotus Thai Express in the wonderful community of Papillion,” Roong said.
“I love to cook and I’m a good cook,” Roong said. “I opened that notebook, and it’s like a dream come true. Here we are, our Red Lotus in Papillion,” Roong said.