35 Year Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate 35 years of serving authentic Thai cuisine to the community. In honor of this incredible milestone, the City of San Diego has officially proclaimed April 27th, 2025, as Sala Thai Anniversary Day—recognizing the restaurant’s cultural and culinary contributions to the city.
Founded by Chiravan “Chira” Svangvitaya, Sala Thai is San Diego’s first Thai-owned and operated family restaurant. Chira was born in Thailand and came to the United States to pursue higher education, where she discovered her true passion for culinary arts. In 1990, she brought her recipes, passion, and heart with her—naming her restaurant Sala Thai after her favorite spot in Bangkok.
For over three decades, Sala Thai has been a cornerstone of the San Diego food scene, known for its authentic, vibrant, and aromatic Thai dishes. Chira’s dedication to preserving traditional flavors while innovating in the kitchen has earned Sala Thai a loyal following among locals, SDSU students, and Thai food lovers across San Diego County.
Throughout economic shifts, cultural changes, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, Sala Thai has remained a resilient, family-run favorite, always delivering Thai excellence in every bite.
In celebration of this remarkable 35-year journey, Chira has unveiled a fresh new look and updated interior, enhancing the guest experience while staying rooted in the warmth and hospitality that Sala Thai is known for.