A new Thai restaurant named Chinta is underway in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood.
According to an agenda for Community Board 1’s SLA review meeting, Chinta has applied for a liquor license to serve liquor, wine, beer and cider at the restaurant at 157 Franklin Street.
A six-person team of partners is behind Chinta. Sasiwimon Thongchai, Arunrat Thanadinopat and Thippawan Phromsiri will lead the restaurant’s operations. Interior design for Chinta is spearheaded by Kunakron Khamyod. Joseph Caraballo and Pim Tongchai will focus on Chinta’s business strategy, finances and marketing.
Tongchai connected with What Now NY over the phone for an interview.
“At this point, we know the standard for the food any restaurant puts out has to be delicious,” said Tongchai. “Thai food is a rapidly growing segment of the restaurant industry, so our goal with Chinta is to create a bridge between American and Thai cuisine.”
A post on Chinta’s Instagram page offers some insights on the culinary direction of the new restaurant. It reads: “Inspired by a passion for Thai cuisine, our restaurant promises a blend of comfort and creativity. Our menu celebrates Thailand’s culinary diversity with traditional recipes and creative twists.”
Chinta’s chefs are Weeraphol Chairat and Treerawat Rachakeaw.
Tongchai explained that the Thai word ‘Chinta’ means ‘familiarity’, something the partners are hoping to build between Chinta and Greenpoint.
“Greenpoint is a great neighborhood, and I think Chinta will resonate with the community there,” Tongchai said. “A lot of times people think that they have to go to Manhattan if they want good cuisine and a nice ambiance. We want to bring that kind of experience to a smaller neighborhood and tailor it to them. I want this restaurant to be the restaurant that locals bring their families to when they visit.”
Eater NY reported that Chinta will be taking over the space previously occupied by Shanghai Lee. While Shanghai Lee’s loyal customers were sad to see the Chinese takeout restaurant go, Chinta is positioning itself to keep the community-oriented atmosphere of the space alive.
“Our first focus is the neighborhood, and we want Chinta to be a cohesive addition to the Greenpoint community,” said Tongchai.
She anticipates Chinta will have a soft opening around June 15th with some discounts for guests. Tongchai and the other partners at Chinta are developing plans for a grand opening celebration later in the year.
