As a native of Thailand, Chalanda Schleinz knows exactly the flavors of her home country, and she has always wanted to provide authentic Thai cuisine to others. The current Derby resident experienced flavors from all around her home country growing up, and it is reflected in her cooking. After starting the Thai Riffic food truck in 2018, she is making the move to a more stationary location in Derby, which is set to open in late July.
The restaurant, located at 141 E. Kay St. (just off Highway K-15), is starting to take shape for another chapter in the business’s history. Growing up, Schleinz lived in three different areas of Thailand, where she experienced the flavors of each part of the region. She met her husband, John, who was in the Air Force in Thailand, and she later moved with him to California and Germany before coming to Kansas.
After moving to the U.S. in 2008, Schleinz was always looking for the taste of home, but it just wasn’t quite the same. Growing up with relatives in the food industry, Schleinz grew accustomed to the flavors of her homeland and what she liked to eat. She struggled to find the right flavors and get the chance to perfect her own skills in the kitchen. While traveling the world, Schleinz got to take Thai cuisine classes in Luxembourg. Eventually, Schleinz decided that she would get into the food business to share a more authentic flavor.
“I wanted to offer people the authentic taste of Thailand. When you are a native, you get used to the taste of that flavor, and when you go out to eat looking for Thai food, it is totally different,” Schleinz said. “The food did not satisfy the taste, so I decided that I wanted to offer the authentic taste; the food that I like to eat and what tastes like home.”
Schleinz started making homestyle food out of her driveway and began to gain a following. A loyal customer encouraged her to start a food truck and even helped Schleinz tow the food truck where they needed to park. It was a family affair for Schleinz, as her kids helped her out in the food truck. She even got to teach some classes with the Derby Recreation Center.
“I look at it as being a more personal chef to my customer,” Schleinz said. “I recognize the little details of my customers. I remember what my loyal customers like, and I like helping introduce them to new flavors based on what they like.”
The food truck started to generate a following, but the menu options available were limited. As her kids grew up and went to college, Schleinz wanted to open a brick-and-mortar location where she could expand the menu and give customers an authentic and expanded taste of her homeland. The new menu will feature mainstays like Pad Thai, fried rice and egg rolls, as well as other Thai dishes.
The restaurant is nearing completion and is scheduled to open on July 25. Schleinz said that she is grateful for the Derby community for its support of her restaurant, and she loves to reciprocate by sharing her passion. She is hoping to offer more opportunities for people to learn about Thailand: The Land of Smiles, which might include nights at the restaurant that highlight the culture of her native country.
“I put my heart into cooking the food, and my customers are like family; they know we care for them,” Schleinz said. “I offer homestyle food. It is right out of my kitchen. We will take care of you. Yes, it is a business, but cooking is my passion. I love the community here, especially in Derby. People know and support each other, and we are just grateful for what we have. I just wanted to offer the best of my food. Thailand is the Land of Smiles, and it is a land of freedom when it comes to food. I want to help introduce people to the culture.”
