Somsri Ketne and husband Vanlop Ketne opened Bai Cha in August.
[Kary McCafferty photo]

HAMPTON — Bai Cha, the Thai restaurant gaining popularity downtown, was chef/owner Somsri Ketne's way of branching out.

Ketne spent six years working for Andaman Thai in Newburyport, Mass., a restaurant owned by her sister. Ketne decided she wanted to start her own venture, and in August she opened Bai Cha on Lafayette Road at location formerly occupied by Caffe Fresco.

Pad Thai is the most popular dish on the menu thus far, with curry dishes also getting very positive feedback, according to Ketne, who said customers have been very pleased with the food and service.

The restaurant space has four top tables and a lounge area in one corner with black leather couches.

For Halloween, festive cobwebs and black cats were strewn about. Bai Cha aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere, Ketne said.

Delivery service began Nov. 1 and will run 5-9 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 30 with a $25 minimum order. Customers who spend more than $40 receive a free order of Siam rolls.

Menu items offer an abundance of salads, appetizers, seafood, noodles, dessert and fried rice dishes, including mango, shrimp scampi, beef lemongrass and wild boar basil.

Ketne promised her food has an authentic Thai taste.

Bai Cha is open seven days a week. Monday through Friday, lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner 5-9:30 p.m. Hours are noon-10 p.m. on weekends.

Take-out is available. Reservations and walk-ins are both accepted.

AT A GLANCE

Bai Cha Thai Restaurant

Address: 440-442 Lafayette Road, Hampton

Owner: Somsri Ketne

Phone: 929-1110

Web: Bai Cha Thai Restaurant on Facebook