Exploring Life & Business with Chef Sara Thongchoet of Queen Violet Restaurant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Sara Thongchoet.

Hi Chef Sara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Queen Violet began with Chef Sara Thongchoet’s passion for cooking and sharing food with the people she loves. Back in 2010, she started creating her own recipes in her small apartment, cooking for family and friends. Over time, word spread quickly — friends brought more friends, and the small gatherings around her dining table grew larger and larger. It was during those moments that Sara realized cooking wasn’t just something she loved, it was something she wanted to dedicate her life to.

Years later, that passion became Queen Violet, a modern Thai restaurant in the heart of West Hollywood. The restaurant was created to share comforting Asian flavors while also reflecting the vibrant and diverse energy of Los Angeles. Many of our dishes are inspired by Sara’s personal recipes and the traditional foods she grew up with, while others are playful interpretations that blend cultures and flavors.

The name “Queen Violet” also carries meaning for us. We like to imagine our guests as “queen bees” returning to their hive — our restaurant — a place where people can gather, relax, and feel at home. The color violet was chosen intentionally as well. In Thailand, violet is often associated with the LGBTQ community, and we wanted the name to reflect our support for inclusivity and diversity, especially here in West Hollywood.

Today, Queen Violet is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where culture, food, and community come together, and where we hope every guest feels welcomed like family.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a women-owned restaurant, the journey has not always been smooth. Running a restaurant is never a completely smooth road, especially in Los Angeles where the industry is very competitive and the costs are constantly rising. Like many small restaurant owners, we’ve faced challenges such as increasing food prices, higher labor costs, and the pressure of keeping a small business running in a city where things change very quickly.

There were also moments when the restaurant industry as a whole became difficult. Customer traffic can fluctuate, and small independent restaurants often have to work twice as hard to stay visible and continue growing. Some days are very rewarding, and other days require a lot of patience and resilience.

However, these challenges have also taught us a lot. They pushed us to be more creative, adapt quickly, and focus on what matters most — good food, great hospitality, and building a strong relationship with our community. In the end, the support from our guests and our team is what keeps us motivated to keep moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Queen Violet Restaurant?
We are proud to be a women-owned business and part of the diverse community in West Hollywood. The name “Queen Violet” reflects both our playful spirit and our support for inclusivity. For us, the restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s a place where culture, food, and community connect.

Queen Violet is a modern Thai restaurant located in the heart of West Hollywood. The restaurant was created by Chef Sara Thongchoet and our team with the goal of sharing comforting Asian flavors while creating a welcoming space for the local community.

Many of the dishes are inspired by Chef Sara’s personal recipes that she began developing years ago while cooking for family and friends. Those early experiences shaped the heart of Queen Violet — food that feels authentic, comforting, and made with care. Our menu combines traditional Thai and Chinese flavors with modern touches that reflect the diversity and creativity of Los Angeles.

What sets Queen Violet apart is the experience we try to create for our guests. We want the restaurant to feel like a place where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home. From brunch with friends to dinner celebrations, we focus on warm hospitality and flavorful dishes that bring people together.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
A lot of the credit really goes to our team and our customers. Running a restaurant is never a one-person effort, and Queen Violet would not be what it is today without the hardworking people who show up every day and give their best to create a welcoming experience for our guests.

Our team works incredibly hard behind the scenes — from the kitchen to the front of house — and their dedication is what allows the restaurant to run smoothly day after day.

We are also deeply grateful to our customers and the West Hollywood community. Many of our guests have supported us from the very beginning and continue to come back again and again. Their encouragement, loyalty, and word of mouth have helped our small restaurant grow, and we truly wouldn’t be here without them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.queenvioletweho.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenvioletweho?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
LA UNSCRIPTED & Gift Thidarin