Get ready to taste dishes you can’t find anywhere else in St. Louis. 

From the owners of Zen Thai and Japanese Cuisine — located at 403 Watson Plaza — a new venture, Zen Me, is expected to open on Nov. 6. 

“My mom… she can’t stop working. She’s like, ‘I’m still healthy, I can do it,’” manager Pun Pisutvong, and one of the children of owners Paul Pisutewongse and Packy Pisutvong, said. Packy, Pun’s mom, had heart surgery a couple of years ago, leading the couple’s other daughter, Kanita Pisutewongse, to manage Zen Thai’s operations. The restaurant then moved locations from its former home at 9250 Watson Road to its current site, though the family retained the lease on its original location. After rehabbing the building, it is now ready to host its new venture, though unlike its predecessor, Zen Me will feature a much more condensed, casual menu featuring seven noodle dishes, four appetizers and five crepes. 

“(My mom) has a passion for Thai crepes. She’s been thinking about it for years, but she was afraid of whether St. Louis people would be open to Thai crepes, because they’re different from soft crepes. Thai crepes are a lot crispier,” Pun explained. “My dad, he really loves making noodles, he loves making soup. We all love his cooking. When he cooks, it makes him happy. He enjoys people eating this food. So that’s how (the idea of Zen Me) started.”

As is typical with family-owned endeavors, the creation of Zen Me required help from each member. Kanita, now a seasoned restaurant owner, helped with paperwork, while Pann, Pun and Kanita’s brother, assisted with various aspects of design.

As for top bites at the new fast-casual, self-service restaurant, Pun shared that her dad’s barbecue pork noodles, as well as her mom’s Hakka-style noodles, are must-tries.

“He perfected his barbecue pork,” Pun said. “My mom, noodle-wise, she is the one who came up with the Hakka-style noodle. This fish ball, she makes herself, and the stuffed tofu. I don’t think you can find it anywhere (else) in St. Louis.”

Above everything, Pun and her family emphasized their appreciation for the community’s loyal patronage all these years.

“I just want to appreciate how many customers have been supporting our family. It’s more than just customer and business, make money and go. It’s not like that. I want to get to know you,” Pun said. “I really appreciate the support of our business.”

Zen Me will hold a soft opening exclusively for family and friends on Nov. 1, with its main opening date scheduled for  Nov. 6.