From Bangkok to Katy: Bangkok Times Thai Restaurant Brings Authentic Halal Thai Cuisine to Mason Road
A taste of Bangkok has arrived in the heart of Katy, Texas. Bangkok Times Thai Cuisine officially opened its doors on May 1 at 3522 S. Mason Road, in the same shopping center that previously housed Proud Pie’s former storefront. The newly opened restaurant is already generating buzz for its authentic Thai flavors, family-driven mission, and full Halal menu—making it a welcome addition to the diverse culinary scene in the Katy and West Houston area.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Family and Culture
The driving force behind Bangkok Times is owner Amata “Oat” Anantasomboon, who brings more than just recipes to the table—he brings a lifetime of memories and cultural heritage from his hometown of Bangkok, Thailand.
“I was born and raised in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand,” said Anantasomboon. “Growing up, I was always surrounded by strong family values and a close-knit community.”
Anantasomboon’s connection to Houston began in 2002 when he moved to the area to pursue an MBA at the University of Houston-Victoria. There, he met his wife in Sugar Land before the couple returned to Thailand. But in August 2024, the family—including their two young sons—chose to resettle in Katy, driven by one key goal: education.
“We moved here for the education of our children. We would like them to go to school here so we decided to move to Katy,” he shared.
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From Smiles at the Table to a Mission to Serve
The vision for Bangkok Times Thai Cuisine began not with a business plan, but with the simple joy of shared meals.
“I like the smile of a family member at the dining table and I like to create that happiness for the community,” Anantasomboon said.
That love for bringing people together over food shines through in the thoughtfully crafted menu, which is filled with personal favorites. His sons adore the cheese rolls and "Gary"—a kids’ fried rice dish playfully shaped like a crab. His wife’s go-to dishes include spicy papaya salad and shrimp Tom Yum soup, while Anantasomboon himself favors classic Pad Thai and Panang Curry. Each dish reflects not just authenticity but a connection to home, family, and cultural roots.
The restaurant also takes pride in offering a full Halal menu and specialty dishes that can’t be found elsewhere, a feature Anantasomboon believes sets Bangkok Times apart from other Thai restaurants in the region.
Embracing Community Roots on Familiar Ground
Setting up shop just a few doors down from the former Proud Pie space was more than a real estate opportunity—it felt like a perfect fit.
“Feel great with no pressure,” Anantasomboon said of the transition. “It is actually lucky me to have this connection between me and community.”
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Visitors can expect a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with a warm welcome—literally and figuratively. Anantasomboon is often onsite, eager to meet customers and foster a sense of neighborhood togetherness.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community, supporting local activities, and hopefully making some new friends along the way,” he said in a public Facebook post before the opening. “If you ever see me out and about, feel free to wave or say hi—I’d love to connect.”
A Welcome Addition to the Katy Food Scene
With Houston’s ever-growing appetite for global flavors, Bangkok Times Thai Cuisine stands out by merging authentic Thai cooking with Halal offerings—a rare but appreciated combination for local foodies. The menu features rich traditional ingredients, and the kitchen team is committed to preserving Thai culinary traditions while adapting to local tastes through real-time customer feedback.
The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner, extending to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
As Katy continues to grow in cultural and culinary diversity, Bangkok Times Thai Cuisine brings with it more than just delicious food. It brings a warm-hearted family’s dream, a commitment to authentic Thai dining, and a new gathering place where community and cuisine meet.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
