The former Supatra’s Thai Cuisine on West Seventh didn’t sit vacant for long. The St. Paul spot is now home to a Thai restaurant that opened this week.

Phi Chay Thai Cuisine is now open with menu items similar to what was offered by the previous tenant — things such as egg rolls, chicken wings and satays on the appetizer menu and soups, fried rice, noodles, curries and chef specialties under entrees.

However, don’t expect things to taste the same. Chef/owner Chong Ku, who has owned and operated several Chinese and Thai restaurants in Michigan and was the original/former owner of King Thai on University Avenue in St. Paul, said the menu will be his own take on Thai fare and will include Thai-American style dishes, as well.

“I knew (chef) Supatra and have great respect for her cooking. But it won’t be the same because each chef has their own way of cooking things,” Ku said. “I have my own recipes. I have my own sauces.”

Supatra’s Thai Cuisine closed at the end of December after 15 years in business after cookbook author and chef Supatra Johnson decided to retire — at least when it comes to running a bricks-and-mortar spot. She plans to offer cooking classes as well as private chef services.

The space has been given touch-ups, such as new wallpaper and gold and orange accents. Hours can change, but currently Phi Chay Thai Cuisine is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and is closed Sunday.

Phi Chay Thai Cuisine: 967 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-5859; facebook.com/PhiChayThaiCuisine