Thai Food in Portland: One Less Restaurant on Division as Sen Yai is Closing

There is one less Thai restaurant on SE Division.

Andy Ricker, who also owns Pok Pok, has closed Sen Yai, according to Portand Monthly.

"As much as I love Sen Yai, it never made any money," he told the magazine.

It's last day will be May 8.

He told the magazine that the restaurant was facing a losing battle against the stereotypes of "ethnic food" being "cheap food" despite the high quality of ingredients and labor intensive cooking techniques.

And, with soaring rents, the situation is not going to get better.

Ricker tells Portland Monthly several of the dishes will be included in the menu of Sen Yai's sister restaurant across the street, Whiskey Soda Lounge.

As for what will take over Sen Yai's space?

Portland Monthly says it will be a Honky Tonk Taco being developed by Nate Tilden of Castagna, Clyde Common, Spirit of 77, and Olympia Provisions fame.