Sticky Rice Thai-style tapas opens in Lewes

Sawanya Conway said opening Sticky Rice has fulfilled a longtime dream.

She and husband Mickey Conway opened the Thai restaurant in Lewes July 1 to lines of customers eager to sample the tapas-style menu after COVID-19 delayed the original opening date.

“I love this town. Everyone has helped me out,” she said, noting an architect friend even created a complimentary floor plan for her.

Sawanya moved to America from Thailand in 2000, settling first in Virginia before heading to Rehoboth in 2002 to help a family friend open the former Seaside Thai restaurant. She’s worked in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years, mostly at Tokyo Steakhouse, where she worked as a server before being promoted to manager.

Mickey trained in food service at the University of Hawaii. “I like to go back once a year. I teach her about American food, and she teaches me about Thai food,” he smiled.

For now, Sticky Rice is serving takeout only; the dining room will open once the air conditioner is updated, Sawanya said. Five small tables line a side wall, while a small, window-front bar awaits diners when restrictions on bar seating are lifted; beer and wine will be served.

Sawanya urges customers to call in their orders early; each meal is made fresh from scratch.

“It takes time to make,” she said. “It has to be done properly. I have high standards.”

The small, a la carte menu boasts popular items such as stir-fry sauce and curry dishes, each of which can be ordered with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, vegetables or tofu.

One of the most popular dishes so far, Sawanya said, is Pad Kee Mao, spicy fried drunken noodles. Other noodle dishes include sweet and tangy Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, all of which can be ordered with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, vegetables or tofu.

Appetizers include spring and summer rolls and fried tofu, as well as pork, beef and chicken satay skewers. Stir-fried rice with added protein, steamed rice, steamed vegetable rice and sticky rice, a filling, glutinous rice, are also available, plus several soups and salads.

Dessert is sticky rice with mango or Sangkaya, an egg custard, washed down with sweet Thai tea.

Sticky Rice is located at 1604 Savannah Road, Lewes Plaza. The menu is available on the restaurant’s Facebook page. Call 302-703-2673 to order.