Siam Thai of Morgan Hill: A taste of Thai with a community heart
Nestled in the heart of Morgan Hill, Siam Thai offers a unique blend of Thai cuisine and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. A continued town favorite, Siam has not only expanded its menu to cater to a variety of dietary needs but has also focused heavily on enhancing the customer experience.
The owner, Ray Romero, has brought in his several years of accounting experience, leadership, and business skills to build up the beloved restaurant into what it has become today.
A University of Southern California graduate and Certified Public Accountant for several years before owning Siam, Romero has decades of experience running and managing businesses. After years of working in accounting, he saw a lucrative business opportunity and decided to dive into the restaurant industry.
Romero built Siam Thai on what he calls the “four pillars” of an excellent restaurant: customer satisfaction, supplier quality, employee investment, and superior product. These guiding principles have not only helped Siam become a must-visit spot and have also fostered loyalty among both customers and staff.
“How I treat my staff with respect is how they’ll treat me with respect,” Romero explained, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and professional work environment.
Siam Thai is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cornerstone of the Morgan Hill community. Contributing to the community through donations to schools like Britton and Sobrato alongside participating in local events, Siam gives back to Morgan Hill in all ways possible.
“Supporting the community that supports us is the least we can do,” Romero shared.
For him, giving back isn’t just a business decision — it’s a way to strengthen the bonds that have made Siam a success.
Sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients is another cornerstone of Siam’s success. The restaurant receives deliveries multiple times a week to ensure every dish is made with the freshest ingredients.
Photo by Robert Airoldi. Ray Romero and his wife Dao at the entrance to their Siam Thai Restaurant.
“High ingredient turnover is key,” Ray says, noting how it helps maintain Siam’s high standards. The extensive vegetarian menu, featuring 15 to 18 customizable dishes like curries, noodles, and soups, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and variety. Tofu and eggplant basil dishes are standout favorites, alongside appetizers like egg rolls and spring rolls that adapt to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
For Ray, customer experience is paramount.
“Customer experience determines everything!” he insists. Unlike many restaurants focused on high turnover, Siam Thai offers a welcoming, homey atmosphere where guests can fully immerse themselves in Thai culture.
One unique offering is the “feed me” experience, where regular customers forgo menus and let the chefs craft a personalized meal. This dedication to hospitality and quality has diners traveling from as far as San Jose to savor Siam’s dishes.
Beyond the kitchen, Romero is deeply involved in every aspect of Siam Thai, working closely with chefs to ensure that every dish meets his high standards. Among his personal favorites are the basil chicken and eggplant dishes he helped create.
For dessert, the mango sticky rice and Thai pancakes with ice cream and condensed milk have become customer favorites. Specials often align with local events, keeping Siam Thai in tune with the community and offering diners something new to enjoy.
The staff at Siam are trained not only to deliver efficient service but also to provide an authentic cultural experience.
Inspired by Thai hospitality, Romero ensures that every guest interaction — whether it’s a warm greeting or a simple refill of water — is rooted in respect and professionalism.
“When you care for your staff, it reflects in how they care for the customers,” he said, underscoring the values that make Siam Thai stand out.
If you’re in Morgan Hill, Siam Thai isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to connect, to experience Thai culture, and to see firsthand how Ray’s passion for excellence has created a restaurant that’s as much about community as it is about food.
Ishq Kandhra is a junior at Sobrato High School. She wrote this story for Morgan Hill Life.
