SOI 55 Thai Eatery

Soi 55 Thai Eatery is a modern Thai restaurant embracing the street food culture of Thailand, run by owner & head Chef Goo.

Owners Goo and Sheri are not only life partners, but also business partners, working together to turn their shared vision into reality. Their passion for Thai culture, cuisine, and hospitality is evident in this exceptional eatery, aptly named Soi 55, a tribute to Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, owner and head chef Goo Imthawin grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city, where the aromas of street food filled the air. He began cooking at a young age, learning from elders in the family kitchen. With family roots in Kalasin in northeastern Thailand, his cooking is deeply influenced by the bold, distinctive flavours of Isaan cuisine.

Goo relocated to South Africa with his family in 1999, later returning to Thailand in 2011 to spend six months as a monk. In Thai culture, this is an important rite of passage, symbolising respect for elders and a form of gratitude for the care received during childhood. Inspired by these experiences, Goo set out to bring the essence of Thai street food to Soi 55.

His years of experience in hospitality, including time spent at several prestigious Durban restaurants and running his own establishments, have culminated in the opening of this upscale, contemporary Thai eatery on the bustling KZN North Coast. Notably, his previous venture, Goo’s Asian Fusion, was voted Best Thai Restaurant in KwaZulu-Natal for three consecutive quarters.