For more than three decades, Thai food has been a familiar staple inside Viceroy Plaza at 14 Mile Road near Dequindre. But in recent years, the space has found new life. What was once Sala Thai is now Hug Baan Thai—a restaurant that regulars say captures the true flavors and spirit of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Jeff, the owner, and his wife, Susie, took over the restaurant in 2023, seamlessly continuing service while gradually reshaping the menu and atmosphere. Their vision was to bring what Jeff calls a “more authentic Thailand” to Sterling Heights.
“Susie’s from the Isan region of Thailand—they use different herbs and spices,” Jeff said. “One of the best compliments we get is people telling us this is the most authentic Thai food they’ve had in the area.”
Beyond the kitchen, the couple reimagined the interior of Hug Baan Thai, adding decorative walls of lush greenery, ceiling lanterns, soft lighting and cozy booths piled with pillows. The goal is to create an inviting space where customers can linger—not just grab a takeout box.
“A lot of Thai places are mostly takeout,” Jeff said. “We wanted to give customers an outlet to sit down, have a nice meal and not feel rushed.”
“I love decoration,” Susie added. “‘Baan’ means ‘house’ in Thai—we want to make it comfortable, like a house. We want people to feel warm and welcome.”
Customer feedback has been central to Hug Baan’s success, especially from diners with Thai roots who appreciate the couple’s commitment to authenticity.
“People have told us a lot of Thai places are Americanized and appreciate us sticking to the roots,” Jeff said. “Those kinds of comments are the best badge of honor that we wear.”
Every morning, Susie visits local Asian markets to collect fresh ingredients for the day, from Thai chiles and makrut lime leaves to galangal and lemongrass. The result is food that bursts with color and flavor—plated beautifully and made with care. Dishes range from regional specialties like tom yum soup to customer favorites like pad Thai.
“Every dish, we use fresh, authentic Thai ingredients,” Susie said. “Customers can always taste the difference.”
Though customers often ask about expansion, Jeff and Susie want Hug Baan Thai to grow organically within the community.
“The word is getting out there about us. We have room for growth here,” Jeff said. “We just want to show our appreciation to our customers. They really helped us get where we are. The sky’s the limit.”
Hug Baan Thai is located at 2751 E. 14 Mile Road, near Dequindre Road. The restaurant is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Wednesdays.
