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‘A very special place in our hearts’: What King & I meant to readers
The Thai restaurant in Beacon Hill closed after four decades in business.
King & I, a Thai restaurant that served Beacon Hill workers, residents, and visitors for more than four decades, shuttered this month after its longtime owner died in July.
Kent Nandhavan opened the restaurant in 1983 after working in Boston hospitality for several years. His children, Jesse and Darrin Nandhavan, told Boston.com that they made the difficult decision to close the business when their father died.
“With his passing, it made sense to shut down the restaurant,” Jesse said. “That was his vision and his legacy.”
The restaurant, which claims to be one of the first Thai restaurants in Boston, was visited by many coming for heaping plates of Thai staples: hospital staff at MGM, author Elin Hilderbrand, the late Anthony Bourdain, lawmakers, and the neighborhood’s residents.
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We asked Boston.com readers what they would miss about the Beacon Hill staple — one of the few affordable options in one of Boston’s most expensive neighborhoods.
Readers share memories of King & I
My husband and I frequently went to King & I when we had just moved in together into a tiny apartment next to the State House. The staff always recognized us then, but what stands out is that they always still recognized us many years later when we periodically returned for lunch or dinner with our children (college age now). It felt so good to go back and find the same staff, being as friendly as ever. Our favorite dishes were the vegetarian ones, like Chef’s Tofu or Jungle Curry. We are very sorry for their loss, and we will never forget all the good times and good food we enjoyed at the restaurant. Our sincerest thanks to the whole family and staff. – Michaela N. of Quincy
I loved taking medical students and residents from MGH to King & I for lunch at the end of their rotations. It was always a treat for all. – Helen R. of Back Bay
This was the first place my husband took me on our first date. He passed five years ago, but reading this article brought me back to that night and many after that. Happy memories — thank you. – Carol H. of Winthrop
I lived directly above the restaurant for three to four years and had enjoyed so much of their food. Fondly remember winter of 2014 when the snow was higher than the windows. They were open for business pumping out warm soup, pineapple fried rice, and crab rangoon. Also, Kent was always extremely patient and friendly to us, even when our bathroom unknowingly flooded into theirs. Sorry again! I will certainly miss King & I, best wishes to the family. – Dan W. of Beacon Hill
Every time I would come in or call for take out and gave them my name Ángel, they would recognize me quickly. [It] was my first choice to go to, [and] I became over the years a part of the family of the King & I, as well many of my musician friends. [I] will miss the family I made there for many years. – Ángel L. of Malden
My husband and I ate at the King & I the night we got engaged (close to 20 years ago). My mother-in-law (living in Western Mass) read that this was a romantic restaurant on Beacon Hill, and suggested that we try it (*hint, hint*). Little did I know what would happen post-dinner. This restaurant will always have a very special place in our hearts. Thank you. – Nicole C. of Watertown
King & I was my favorite Thai restaurant from its opening until I moved to London in 1989. Not a week went by without at least one meal from them. And certainly the best Thai restaurant in the US; every other paled by comparison. Also [I] went back on every visit to Boston since then. – Elizabeth B., formerly of Beacon Hill
Great Thai food at an affordable price. Love the fact that it was family-owned and operated. Afraid it will be taken over by one of the expensive places nobody enjoys. Wish it [would remain] Thai or Vietnamese. – Philip W. of Boston
My husband and I had our first date at King & I back in 2017 when we both lived in the West End. We will miss their food and warm service. King & I will always be a special place for us. – Hitomi A. of Brookline
The bellringers of the Church of the Advent went to King & I every Wednesday night after practice, until the pandemic when the restaurant began closing earlier in the evenings. Our party of eight was always welcomed, even if it was very close to closing. They remembered our usual orders, even the takeout-for-medical-resident-spouse part, and never minded if one of our party wasn’t actually hungry at 9:30. I know they will be missed because we have already been missing them. Thank you, Mr. Nandhavan. Rest in peace. Thank you to the rest of the wonderful people at King & I. – Cally P. of Foxborough
My dad, Jose Carlos Mendoza … worked there since 1989. I first visited King & I in 1997. Let’s just say I ate food from there every night until I moved out of my parents’ home in 2005. Great memories. – Yoni I. of Chelsea
The hospitality — [They] always knew us and were so pleasant to us. The food was always fresh, big servings, and definitely affordable. Everyone at MGH knew the King & I. Good memories from this place. – Mari B. of Boston
That was a second home for me and my mother. She worked at MGH for years [and] used to take me there when I visited her at work. She was devastated when she found out the owner passed away. That place will be sorely missed. – Ana and Sheila G. of Randolph
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