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Dining Out with Henry and Chai Eang
by Lynn Lamousin
Charleston Review, March 2008

Brothers Henry and Chai Eang learned at an early age how to adapt to new people, places and situations. When the boys were still in elementary school, they emigrated to the U.S. from turbulent 1970’s Cambodia.  Neither spoke a word of English, but through a lot of hard work, and the support of caring individuals, the boys managed to thrive in their new environment. 

The lessons learned from dealing with such an extreme change in their personal lives have proved invaluable as they establish themselves as two of Charleston’s hottest restaurateurs, owning the popular Upper King eateries Basil Thai Restaurant and Chai’s Lounge and Tapas.

Going from children in communist Cambodia to successful restaurateurs in Charleston isn’t that far of leap when Henry explains that their family owned a noodle house in their homeland.  So, working in restaurants became a familiar way for the siblings to earn money in America as they were growing up.

However, when it came time for older brother Henry to enroll in college he selected accounting as his major.  After graduation, Henry moved to Atlanta and worked as an accountant.  But, he soon realized that dealing with the financial transactions of someone else’s business was not his passion — he wanted to own his own restaurant.  While Henry was contemplating how to make his dream happen, younger brother Chai finished high school and then enlisted in the military before finally taking up residence in Charleston.

As adults, the brothers often talked about how ethnic restaurants were popular in larger cities, and they discussed opening an authentic Thai restaurant in Charleston.  Finally deciding that it was time to act, in 2001, Henry joined his brother Chai in Charleston and in August of the following year, Basil Thai Restaurant opened at 460 King Street. 

At first, Henry thought they should focus on attracting tourists, but Chai, who was more familiar with the area and residents, convinced Henry there would be plenty of local support.  His advice proved to be solid, and most of Basil’s clientele comes from business professionals looking for an upscale lunch spot and area residents desiring a vibrant dinner experience.

However, a time when Basil does attract a bit more tourists is during the annual Family Circle Cup women’s tennis championship.  The Thai menu is popular with visiting tournament players and four-time champion Martina Navratilova and 2004 winner Venus Williams have both frequented the restaurant during the tournament.

One thing that has kept the brothers successful in the restaurant business is their ability to be flexible.  When Basil first opened, the original plan was to put Chai in charge of the kitchen while Henry managed the dining room.  But, they quickly discovered they worked better if these roles were switched.  Now Henry says, “I find great comfort being in the kitchen.”  He adds with a laugh, “However, now I don’t cook so much at home — except for holidays.”

Basil, which seats about 70, is so popular that the restaurant often has more diners than available tables.  So, when the space next door became available, the brothers immediately saw it as an opportunity to not only cater to Basil’s overflow crowd, but to also create a concept completely different from their existing restaurant.

Again looking to trends in larger cities, Henry decided that serving tapas (smaller portions, made to be combined and shared) would be a fun addition to the area.  In February 2005, Chai’s Lounge and Tapas opened.  Henry named the upscale lounge after Chai because his brother embodied the social spirit of the establishment.  As Henry explains, “Chai is so sociable and he enjoys hanging out with the crowd. It’s amazing how he interacts with the customers.” 

Whereas Basil’s menu is entirely Thai cuisine, Chai’s offers a fusion of flavors, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, plus a little Lowcountry.  As Henry describes it, “Whatever we think is a good dish, we put on the menu.”

Always open to new challenges, the brothers recently revamped Chai’s outdoor space to match the eclectic and fun atmosphere inside.  Now, a large upscale patio offers Chai’s patrons a place to socialize al fresco.  Part open air, and part canopied, the patio is open year round and can be reserved for private events.

Basil Thai Restaurant and Chai’s Lounge and Tapas, are located at 460 and 462 King St.  Menus and additional information are available online at www.basilthairestaurant.com.

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