It’s not really a secret anymore that Bellevue boasts a great restaurant scene, with many local places being recognized not only as the best in the community but the whole Omaha Metro. Over the last ten years, eighteen different Bellevue restaurants and bakeries have been voted Best of Omaha! That’s not too bad for a city that, not too long ago, used to have a seemingly endless list of short-lived restaurants.
Today, the Bellevue Times is publishing the first in a series of interviews to highlight Bellevue’s outstanding local restaurants.
Siam Cuisine by Jaruwan
- Owners: John & Jaruwan Collins
- Opened: Originally 1999, The Collins Family purchased in 2023.
- Location: 11796 S 25th Street
- Website/Menu: siamcuisinebyja.com
- Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 12pm-8pm
Bellevue Times: How did you get into the restaurant business?
Siam Cuisine by Jaruwan: I have always loved cooking with my mom and aunt back in Thailand. Now I want to share some of those recipes with everyone. I’ve always been in a kitchen ever since I was young, I was inspired by my aunt to go to culinary school. I was a part of an internship program that gave me the chance to come to America. I was employed at Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs. It’s also where I met my husband, John.
BT: How did you choose the name of your restaurant?
SCBJ: I’m not sure. The original owner chose the name Siam Cuisine. My husband, John, suggested that we add “by Jaruwan” to allow people to know it’s under new ownership.
BT: What sets your restaurant apart from others in the area?
SCBJ: Our homemade recipes. We even make our own crispy chicken, like in our sesame chicken. John and I come up with new and unique entrees, like our massaman ribs, green curry lomein, pickled cabbage and pork soup, etc. We also feature a lunch buffet!
BT: What has been your proudest moment as a restaurant owner?
SCBJ: Our new and repeat guests.
BT: Have you hosted any events, partnerships, or initiatives with other local businesses?
SCBJ: No, well, not yet. We are planning to create a catering menu to help businesses with events.
We would like more information on any partnerships or initiatives. In a way we kind of are working with other Thai restaurants mostly because we are so close to them as friends.
BT: What advice would you give someone looking to open their own restaurant?
SCBJ: Be sure that they are committed to being in a restaurant. With so much competition, it will require a lot of your time and energy. We, on average, work about 130 hours a week while taking care of our 3yr old son. It is not easy but if you dedicate yourself, strive to be better than you were yesterday, work for your goal, and understand that you will have to charge everyone fairly, even friends and family, it is a business after all and it should be treated as such.
BT: Where do you see your business ten years from now?
SCBJ: With another location. Hopefully with a bigger buffet and or a drive thru. But we will still be operating our restaurant.
BT: What is your favorite menu item?
SCBJ: Drunken noodles with pork. (Spice 5/10)
BT: What is your most popular menu item?
SCBJ: It’s a tie: Pad Thai & Yellow curry.
BT: What is an item on your menu that you think is fantastic, but doesn’t sell much for whatever reason?
SCBJ: PHO. Everyone goes to the Vietnamese restaurants for it, but ours is amazing. Some guests are surprised that we even serve it.
BT: Name a couple of your favorite Bellevue restaurants.
SCBJ: Kayio Sushi and Tsao Cha
| All pictures provided by Siam Cuisine by Jaruwan |
