New Fast-Casual Thai Restaurant to Feature Modern, Customizable Dishes

Tom Yum District, a new fast casual Thai restaurant, will open in Rosslyn in June.

The restaurant, at 1515 Wilson Blvd., about three blocks from the Rosslyn Metro Station, will feature "customizable, made-to-order rice and noodle bowls rooted in authentic and traditional Thai flavors that are served in a modern way," according to a news release.

The bowls will cost between $6.75 and $7.95.

Patrons will be able to choose from four bases (white or brown jasmine rice, pad Thai rice noodles or Asian mixed salad), four types of grilled protein (beef, chicken, shrimp or tofu), five sauces and 10 toppings that can be mixed and matched.

Thirsty? Try roasted coconut juice, toasted rice-flavored green tea, bottled Thai tea or beer or regular fountain drinks.

An exact opening date was not immediately available.

The restaurant features an open design to guests can see their meals being cooked.

It's designed to "immerse" diners in Thai culture, the news release states.

That includes the use of dark and light colored woods, exposed drop lighting, and concrete and metal accented by magenta and yellow. A mural of black-and-white photographs depict iconic Thai imagery and various architectural elements were influenced by popular Thai carvings, fostering an "East meets West" feel, the release states.

“Tom Yum District is the continuation of our dream to bring Thai cuisine to the Washington area in innovative yet approachable ways,” Chef Aulie Bunyaratapan said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring fresh and authentic Thai flavors to a more casual dining experience that allows guests an easy and quick way to enjoy Thai food.”

Bunyaratapan and restaurateur Mel Oursinsiri are a husband-and-wife team that already run two other area Thai restaurants — Bangkok Joe’s in Georgetown and T.H.A.I. in Shirlington Village.

Oursinsiri told Patch in April that the fast-casual dining style was becoming more popular with younger people and likened the experience to that of Chipotle. The Rosslyn location was chosen in part due to the heavy foot traffic in the area.

Bunyaratapan is a member of a women's culinary leadership organization and has served as a culinary advisor to the Royal Thai Embassy.

The restaurant will seat 49 people and will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit www.tomyumdistrict.com or call 703-528–8424.