Chef Sandra Vega never expected that a single trip would change the course of her life. Born and raised in a family of passionate home cooks, she grew up in a kitchen filled with the rich aromas of slow-simmered stews and freshly baked bread. But despite her love for food, she had never explored Thai cuisine—until a spontaneous two-week trip to Thailand opened her eyes to an entirely new world of flavors.

It was in the vibrant streets of Bangkok that Sandra had her first taste of mango sticky rice. The delicate balance of sweet coconut-infused rice, perfectly ripe mango, and a touch of salt left her mesmerized. She spent the rest of her trip venturing through bustling night markets, hidden alleyway eateries, and countryside kitchens, tasting every dish she could and learning from local cooks who had spent their lives perfecting their craft. From fragrant green curry in Chiang Mai to spicy papaya salad in Phuket, each meal deepened her appreciation for Thailand’s culinary traditions.

When she returned to the States, Sandra couldn’t shake the feeling that she had found something truly special. She threw herself into learning Thai cooking, spending years perfecting her recipes, studying traditional techniques, and sourcing the freshest ingredients. She wasn’t just trying to recreate dishes—she wanted to honor the culture and the people who had inspired her along the way.

That passion led to Sweet Rice, a restaurant dedicated to sharing the warmth, balance, and depth of Thai cuisine with a wider audience. Every dish on the menu is crafted with care, from the slow-cooked curries bursting with aromatic herbs to the perfectly charred street-style noodles. And of course, at the heart of it all is the dish that started Sandra’s journey: a simple yet unforgettable plate of sweet coconut rice and mango.

At Sweet Rice, we believe that food tells a story—one of tradition, discovery, and love. And we can’t wait to share that story with you, one bite at a time.