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About Krua Lime
“Krua” means “Kitchen” in Thai, and “Lime” refers to the two-restaurant group set up by Chef Kittiya Fuangfoo and her husband Andrew in 2009, and which was sold in late April 2011.
Back in 2008, Kittiya and Andrew found it quite difficult to find restaurants in Hong Kong which offered the authentic "Street food" style of Thai food that they both liked (at a sensible price), and therefore started planning their own small Thai restaurant which they would open if they ever had the money. Andrew had already been running bars and restaurants in Hong Kong for some time, and Kittiya had been consulting for friends' restaurants, both in menu planning and Chef training, whilst teaching Thai and Cantonese to private clients - all the time coming up with new, home-cooked dishes which she tried out on Andrew.
After shopping around the concept to various potential investors for a year, a perfect partner was found, and the first "Lime" Thai Restaurant opened in Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town in July of 2009, quickly building up a large and loyal following comprising frequent visitors to Thailand, along with people who sought authentic, spicy food in an unpretentious (if not colourful) environment.
The above photos are taken, from left to right, in July 2009, March 2010 and July 2010.
Lime specialised in previously unseen and untasted Thai food dishes in Hong Kong, both selected from the popular Thai “Street food” found in Thailand, and Thai Fusion dishes created by Chef Kittiya.
WoM Guide (Word of Mouth Guide) described Lime's food in the most complementary way: “...My dinner at Thai restaurant Lime was one of the best I have had for a while and I am tempted to say that it is the most authentic Thai food I have eaten in Hong Kong...” And that was just the first line! The rest of the review can be found here: http://www.womguide.com/hot-features/restaurant-highlights/lime1
“Time Out” Magazine voted Lime as runner-up in the South-East Asian category of their dining awards in 2010 (http://www.timeout.com.hk/feature-stories/features/37902/dining-awards-2010-southeast-asian.html#panel-2 “Almost Famous”), which was the icing on what had been a growing cake created over 18 months in number 14, Hau Wo Street.
Before long, following these and many other rave reviews from the press, Kennedy Town became too small, and “Lime @ Soho 38” was born in October of 2010.
Generating even more press than during its time in Kennedy Town, Lime @ Soho 38 was an instant hit, from the minute it opened its doors; generating phrases such as “...There's a substantial Thai population in Hong Kong, and this is one of the best Thai restaurants...” (Simonseeks.com); and “...We knew we were in for a good meal at our first bite...” (SCMP Going Out 14th April 2011); alongside numerous declarations of love from the Chinese press, albeit warning their readers against the spicy nature of “Hong Kong's most authentic Thai Restaurant”.
However, in late April of 2011, when an offer to buy the business was made by an existing Thai restaurant group who were wishing to expand, the directors accepted the offer, and Lime @ Soho 38 was successfully sold.
Should you wish to contact her to discuss consultancy, please send an email enquiry to info@krualime.com
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(c) Copyright Thai Lime (HK) Limited t/a Krua Lime 2011-2012 |
