Chai-Yo Thai Restaurant is a family-run Asian fusion eatery at 274 Queen Street, Richmond, in the Nelson Tasman region. The name "Chai-Yo" is a Thai expression associated with happiness and celebration, and the kitchen draws on both Thai and Chinese traditions, adapting long-held family recipes for the local palate.
The restaurant is owned by Bu-nga Krataitong and Nuttavut Rodsienglum, who began as a husband-and-wife team with a single café and have since grown into the wider Simply Asia Food Group. Related venues in the group include The Lemongrass in Richmond, SAMKO Café and Miracle Restaurant in Nelson, and Bamboo Garden, The Lemongrass and Chai-Yo Café in Blenheim. The business emphasises a family atmosphere and food that is fresh, affordable and adaptable across spice levels.
### MICE and group considerations
Chai-Yo is oriented towards casual dining, family meals and group bookings rather than formal conferencing. It offers dine-in, takeaway and online ordering, along with table bookings and gift cards through its online systems, making it a practical option for informal team lunches, delegate dinners or small group gatherings visiting the Richmond and Nelson area.
Lunch is served Monday to Sunday (11.30am–2.15pm), with dinner from 4.30pm; closing times vary by day. Prospective organisers should confirm current hours, capacity and group arrangements directly with the restaurant.
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