Chef Kris Boonruang was born in the city of Surin in northeastern Thailand. His family raised elephants in the rural area, and though he did not see electricity or ice until he was ten years old, he learned the fundamentals of homestyle Thai cooking that is a trademark of his restaurants.

Chef Kris went on to study Political Science and International Relations, receiving his B.A. from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University. While at university, Kris worked at the world-famous Mandarin Oriental and Regent Hotels, learning from their kitchens and their exceptional service. He perfected his cooking skills at weekly dinners that started with just a few friends and roommates, but quickly grew to over a hundred.

He moved to the United States where he briefly lived in New York City before moving to the Midwest, where he attended the University of Michigan, receiving an M.A. in International Relations.

Chef Kris’ real passion is painting, with works exhibited around the world and at Atlanta’s own High Museum of Art. Several breathtaking pieces have found a home at his restaurants.

With his wife, Aimee, also a painter, he moved to Atlanta and now lives on a six-acre home in Alpharetta where his organically grown vegetables are featured on the menu. Chef Kris also grows the broadest collection of Thai and Southeast Asian herbs in the South, all grown amongst his own flock of chickens and a herd of goats.

Chef Kris returned to the kitchen to bring his vision of “Thai Home Cooking” to Roswell. In November of 2001, they opened Rice, Thai Cuisine in historic Roswell. It quickly became a local favorite. Next he tackled a partnership and renovation… Mrs. Le and her beloved Cha Gio Vietnamese Restaurant. He is currently at work on a new location, located near the Perimeter Mall called, Rice Thai Market, an Asian deli serving Thai cuisine and sandwiches.

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