New Downtown Restaurant Opens

One month after the former Bodhai Thai Bistro closed its doors on Feb. 1, the 5 Thai Bistro is now open for business in the same Pleasant Street location.

Co-owners Nuttaya Nicholas and Mithila Nopparut were thrilled when they had a chance to purchase the former Bodhai Thai Bistro. Nicholas said they are from Portland, Maine and they have always wanted to open a restaurant in Portsmouth, which is regarded far and wide as a premier dining destination.

"I like the area and I heard she wanted to sell the business so I just took it over," said Nicholas of the former Bodhai Thai Bistro's owner.

They officially opened their new restaurant at 11 a.m. on Tuesday just in time for the downtown lunch crowd and they were pleasantly surprised to see so many patrons.

"Very good," is how Nicholas rated the first day. "More than I expected."

Nicholas said 5 Thai Bistro patrons will notice some subtle differences from her menu and the former Bodhai Thai Bistro's menu in terms of the flavor.

"I think the food tastes different," she said.

Patrons will see many of the same Thai dishes on the new eatery's menu that were offered by the former restaurant. Some of the entrees patrons can enjoy include spicy crispy duck, seafood pad sha, and deluxe pad Thai. There are also several types of curry to choose from, as well as many typical Thai appetizers, salads and soups.

Nicholas said the 5 Thai Bistro will soon have a new website and Facebook page. Its hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m.