Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen
Elevated Thai Cuisine, Meant to be Shared
Story by Daniela Delgado
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen first opened its doors in 2010 and has been a local favorite ever since. Tucked away off the Las Vegas Strip in Summerlin, this neighborhood gem is often described as a hidden treasure. Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen is known for its bright, vibrant flavors, elevated takes on traditional Thai cuisine, and beautifully executed presentations of fan-favorite dishes. Many offerings are served tapas-style—small, shareable plates designed for sampling multiple flavors in one meal. With its welcoming hospitality, Nittaya’s invites guests of all kinds, whether you’re planning a family dinner, happy hour with friends, a romantic date night, or a leisurely lunch.
About the Chef
The restaurant is owned and operated by Nittaya Parawong, who also serves as head chef. Her carefully crafted menu is inspired by her homeland of Thailand and features cherished family secret recipes—hence the name Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen.
“At Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen, we’re family-owned and operated, and many of our dishes come from recipes passed down through generations,” says Parawong, “We honor those roots with every plate—bold Thai flavor, fresh ingredients, and a dining experience that feels warm, personal, and memorable.” Her passion for cooking is evident in every dish, from flavor to presentation. Nittaya prioritizes fresh, seasonal produce and thoughtfully sourced regional ingredients, ensuring quality and authenticity in every bite.
Stepping Inside
I recently had the privilege of dining at Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen for dinner, and from the moment I arrived, the experience felt both inviting and thoughtfully curated. The dining room carries an energetic yet relaxed ambiance—warm lighting, a lively hum of conversation, and a sense that guests are encouraged to linger. It’s the kind of setting that immediately puts you at ease, signaling that this is a place where food is meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed.
Elevated Thai Cuisine
Tapas
One of the elements that truly sets them apart is its expansive tapas menu. Perfect for sharing family-style or enjoying during happy hour with a group, tapas are meant to be enjoyed collectively, allowing diners to explore a wide variety of flavors in one sitting. The menu features an impressive selection of vegetarian, seafood, chicken, pork, and beef options.
My personal favorite tapa is the beef jerky. This Asian spice-marinated dish is tender and flavorful, served with a vibrant green Thai chili sauce that adds just the right amount of heat. It’s just one example of the many creative and crave-worthy offerings. Other highlights include fried avocado, crying tiger, grilled pork shoulder, and chili-lime squid, to name just a few. With nearly 50 tapas to choose from, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering options to explore.
Main Menu
In addition to the tapas, Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen offers a thoughtful selection of starters, including flavorful soups and fresh salads. The entrée menu is just as extensive and just as bold as the tapas lineup. Standout dishes include the crying tiger steak, a grilled ribeye served with Thai hot sauce; homestyle shrimp Pad Thai with bean sprouts, egg, chives, and crushed peanuts; and garlic-basil lamb chops sautéed with peppers and onions.
Curry lovers will feel right at home, as there’s an entire section dedicated to rich, aromatic curries. Options include red curry, green curry, salmon-avocado curry, and braised short rib curry, among others. For vegan and vegetarian diners, the Secret Garden menu offers flavor-packed dishes such as tofu Pad Thai, tofu Massaman curry, and eggplant Panang.
The rice dishes are equally memorable, but my personal favorite is the F-O-B Rice (Fresh Off the Pineapple Boat). This artful yet elevated dish features chicken, fragrant fried rice, sweet pineapple, and roasted cashews, all served inside a beautifully carved pineapple. Beyond its striking presentation, the dish delivers a thoughtful balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s one of those dishes that perfectly encapsulates Nittaya’s approach to Thai cuisine: visually impressive, comforting, and layered with intention.
Happy Endings
Dessert at Nittaya’s, cleverly referred to as “Happy Endings.” is not to be missed. Signature sweets include Thai donuts served with coconut rum caramel sauce, and mango coconut rice featuring sweet coconut rice paired with ripe yellow mango. My favorite, however, is the family-style coconut ice cream. Served inside a whole young coconut with coconut sticky rice and house-made ice cream, it is yet another beautiful presentation that delivers on flavor.
Sip & Savor
Tea is the perfect complement to any meal, and Nittaya’s offers an impressive selection of premium hot teas. Choices include Japanese sencha, pomegranate oolong, white vanilla grapefruit, mint verbena, Earl Grey Supreme, Tilleul, dragon pearl jasmine, and Darjeeling.
Nittaya’s also features a well-curated wine list available by the glass or bottle. Guests can choose from whites, reds, sparkling wines, rosé, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and dessert wines. The wine bar offers a relaxed setting to sip and savor your favorites.
Visit
What ultimately sets Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen apart is its ability to feel both elevated and effortlessly approachable. Whether you’re gathering with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a memorable meal, it’s a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression and one that invites you to return again and again.
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen is located on West Lake Mead Boulevard in Summerlin and is open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, making it an ideal destination any time of day for an elevated yet welcoming Thai dining experience.
