If you are craving some fast, healthy food with a spicy kick and a generous helping that won’t empty your bank account, look no further than Nam Jai Thai. This little food cart is located just off Kuhio Highway in Kilauea, so when you’re driving up north, look for their sign on the right side of the road and take a left on Hookui street to find parking. Nam Jai Thai was formerly known under the name Thai 2 Go, but is still working on repainting the cart and the highway sign. So for now look for a Thai 2 Go sign along the highway.
The term “Nam Jai” literally translates as “water of the heart” and is a central concept in Thai culture. Owner, Bam Maroney described it as “a deep heart-felt generosity.” She says she wants to share this kind of generosity with Kaua‘i’s locals and visitors through her business.
Bam and daughter Biew truly exude “Nam Jai” as they happily serve their healthy meals to eager customers at a fair price.
“People say they like to come here for the healthy and fresh food,” Maroney said.
Their giving spirit also extends to the farmers of Kaua‘i. They buy as many locally-grown fruits and veggies as possible from the farmers markets in Kilauea, Kapa‘a and Hanalei.
Local ingredients including Kalaheo beef, papaya, green beans and many more are used to color their flavorful dishes. Hormone-free chicken is also used along with other organic ingredients to complete the flavorful dishes.
The veggie spring or summer rolls are a great way to start off your meal. They come with a sweet, tangy tamarind with roasted peanut sauce for dipping, as well as fresh mint and lettuce on the side. The popular “Thai Plate” is an excellent choice for the main meal, which includes a big helping of chicken and veggies in a choice of green (hot), panang (medium) or yellow (mild) curry sauce with a side of brown, white or sticky rice and another side of fresh green papaya salad. Many vegetarian and vegan options are available too, including tofu, which may be subbed in place of meat.
Want dessert? Nam Jai Thai uses organic flour to make their deliciously giant mac nut, chocolate chip cookies that are sure to cure any sweet tooth.
Maroney says that they recycle everything they can. They also use biodegradable to-go boxes instead of styrofoam, which is non-biodegradable and contains toxic chemicals. Customers can bring their own re-usable bags to carry away their food, but disposable bags are also available to prevent spills.
Nam Jai Thai is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Call 652-3699 for orders or questions.
Nam Jai Thai is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon -Sat; and 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sun.
Call: 652-3699
Cost: $ (6-11 per person)
Green: 3 out of 4 leaves
(Recycles, biodegradable to-go, local ingredients.)
