New Bradenton restaurant Charm Thai offers authentic cuisine in family setting

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

At Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., the motto is “a bowl of happiness.”

To that motto, owner Ying Chotikanik might add, it’s a bowl of authentic Thai cuisine, served with gracious hospitality.

The restaurant is the realization of a long-time dream by Ying, who worked as a waitress for 15 years.

But the dream actually goes back much further to her mother’s Bangkok, Thailand, noodle house, which she operated for more than 25 years.

Three months ago, the family opened Charm Thai, after the owners of Thai Cafe, which opened at the same location in 2019, sold their business.

Ying is the face that guests see in the front of the house, while her mother, Nittaya Chotikanik, works as a chef, assisted in the kitchen by family friend Sam Don.

Satay is offered in skewers of pork or chicken marinated in coconut milk, herbs and curry powder at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Satay is offered in skewers of pork or chicken marinated in coconut milk, herbs and curry powder at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

“I grew up helping her in the kitchen,” Ying says of the noodle shop in Thailand.

“We are a small, cozy place offering authentic Thai cuisine,” Ying said.

Among the most popular menu items are Pad Thai (thin rice noodles, stir-fried with bean sprouts, scallions and eggs, served in a tamarind sauce with ground peanuts), Massaman curry (Massaman curry paste in coconut milk with potatoes, onions and peanuts) and green curry (green curry paste, basil, bamboo shoots and bell peppers).

At Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, the motto is “A bowl of happiness.”
At Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, the motto is “A bowl of happiness.”

The menu includes a variety of appetizers, including skewers of satay (pork or chicken marinated in coconut milk, herbs and curry powder), spring rolls, fried wonton, steamed dumplings and more.

Also on the menu are a variety of salads (think papaya to Yum (spicy) Beef), soups, fried rice, stir-fried noodles and stir fry (Thai basil, cashew nut, mixed vegetables and more).

Dinner entrees start at $13.95.

Ying Chotikavanik says its been her long-time dream to have her own restaurant. The family owned Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, represents the fulfillment of that dream.
Ying Chotikavanik says its been her long-time dream to have her own restaurant. The family owned Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, represents the fulfillment of that dream.

Desserts include mango sticky rice and fried bananas.

“My mother wants to invite guests to enjoy her food. She puts her love and care into everything she makes,” Ying said.

Dine-in and take-out service are available at Charm Thai. Parking is limited in front of the restaurant, but more parking is available behind the shopping center.

Pad Thai features thin rice noodles, stir-fried with bean sprouts, scallions and eggs. It’s one of the most popular offerings at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Pad Thai features thin rice noodles, stir-fried with bean sprouts, scallions and eggs. It’s one of the most popular offerings at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Typical of the reviews: “So good! Service was awesome and food was delicious.”

Business hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

For more information, call 941-900-1592 or visit the Charm Thai Facebook page.

The staff at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, includes, from left, Sam Don, Nittaya Chotikanik and Nittaya’s daughter, Ying Chotikanik.
The staff at Charm Thai, 4511 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, includes, from left, Sam Don, Nittaya Chotikanik and Nittaya’s daughter, Ying Chotikanik.