Step into Star Leaf in Pasadena, and you’ll instantly be transported into a breathtaking world of exquisite Asian fusion cuisine. With over 43 locations globally, Star Leaf has cultivated a dedicated following of customers thanks to its secret Thai royal-style menu, featuring mouthwatering items like Tom Yum Soup, Royal Crown Fried Rice, and Malay Captain’s Curry Chicken.
The Visionary Behind Star Leaf
Founded in 2011 by restaurateur Ruth Lin, Star Leaf has brought together an expert team of executive chefs who have collectively served over 3.6 million customers every year. As a woman-owned business, Star Leaf has thrived under Ruth Lin’s visionary leadership, inspiring many with her attention to detail and passion for bringing fresh, rich flavors to every diner.
An Award-Winning Restaurant Group
Star Leaf, an award-winning restaurant group known for its exemplary dining experiences across 43 locations in Asia, has made a grand entrance into the United States. Their first U.S. location in the beloved Playhouse Village of Pasadena promises to bring a taste of tropical paradise to Southern California, captivating both locals and tourists with its exquisite cuisine and stunning ambiance.
A Culinary Dream Team
The culinary prowess behind Star Leaf is nothing short of extraordinary. The team, curated by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Chen and the illustrious Max Wu, a celebrated winner of both the World Chef Championship and the Hong Kong Global Knife Master Championship, has crafted a menu that honors traditional Asian flavors while incorporating innovative modern touches. Every dish is a testament to their passion and respect for the rich culinary traditions of Asia.
The Ambiance: A Feast for the Senses
Located on Colorado Boulevard, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant occupies the former Roy’s Hawaiian restaurant and cost over $3.8 million to build. The interior, designed by Weixin Zhou, renowned for his work on the Forbidden City restoration in Beijing, evokes the elegance of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Blue Elephant restaurant in Bangkok. Every detail, from custom-made bricks and tiles to wooden panels and cabinets, was meticulously crafted and shipped from Asia, creating a truly immersive dining experience.
Star Leaf’s spacious design accommodates up to 230 guests, making it perfect for family-style dining.
A Glimpse at the Menu
Star Leaf’s menu is primarily Thai-inspired, with influences from Singapore, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. The dishes are crafted with the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and authenticity.
Starters
Spicy Thai Som Tum Salad
A refreshing blend of green papaya, cherry tomatoes, crushed peanuts, and a fish sauce dressing.
Saigon Summer Rice Paper Rolls
Filled with succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Baked Wild Salmon in Thai Vinaigrette
Salmon baked to perfection and served with a tangy mango, fish sauce, and lime vinaigrette.
Crying Tiger Salad
A spicy and tangy beef salad with fresh herbs and a zesty lime dressing.
Entrees
Thai Royal Curry
A rich, flavorful curry made with pounded herbs, sambal rempah, coconut cream, duck eggs, and mashed potatoes, served with a fresh baguette.
Malay Captain’s Curry
A robust curry with tender chicken, creamy peanut butter notes, and a hint of spice, served over white jasmine rice.
Royal Crown Fried Rice
A fragrant blend of wild Icelandic capelin fish roe, scallops, shrimp, and black and white jasmine rice.
Night Market Sichimi Tofu
Crispy tofu served with a spicy and savory watermelon sauce and sweet chili dip.
Aman’s Shrimp Cake Skewers
Shrimp cakes infused with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and garlic chili dip, grilled to perfection.
Grill
Madame Noi’s Pork Collar
Double lettuce cups with cucumber, grilled green papaya salad, and succulent pork collar.
12-Hour Braised Angus Short Ribs
Tender beef short ribs braised in a rich red curry sauce, served with charred cherry tomatoes.
Japanese Wagyu A5 Fillets
Juicy fillets served with Asian herbs and a green curry coconut sauce.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Perfectly grilled lamb chops with a flavorful cauliflower herb purée and charred cherry tomatoes.
Ikan Bakar
Whole golden pomfret fish grilled and served with a sweet and sour tropical slaw, mango chili dip, and Asian salsa verde.
Desserts
Pink Mekong
A visually stunning dessert made with coconut cream, red dragon fruit, mango, lotus seeds, red beans, and peach gum, served in a gold hot pot-like vessel with dry ice smoke.
Tropical Panna Cotta Coconut Bowl
Creamy panna cotta topped with fresh tropical fruits, served in a coconut bowl.
Mango Sticky Rice
A classic Thai dessert featuring sweet sticky rice and ripe mango slices, drizzled with coconut cream.
A Stunning Interior
Star Leaf’s interior is a visual feast, designed to transport diners to an elegant tropical paradise. The spacious layout, adorned with custom-made bricks, tiles, wooden panels, and cabinets, evokes a sense of luxury and tranquility. The bar area, featuring intricate wooden carvings and a polished countertop, offers a stylish space to enjoy a drink and socialize. Throughout the restaurant, lush greenery and exotic plants add to the tropical ambiance, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Visit Star Leaf Today
Star Leaf in Pasadena is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where culinary excellence meets extraordinary ambiance. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavors or a tourist seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Star Leaf transports you across the Pacific for an authentic tropical flavor. Join in the celebration of culture and innovation at this remarkable new addition to Pasadena’s vibrant dining scene.
For more information or reservations, please visit starleafusa.com.
Address: 641 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Link Index
- Yelp Reviews: Star Leaf Pasadena on Yelp
- Facebook: Star Leaf Pasadena on Facebook
- Seamless: Star Leaf Pasadena on Seamless
- Instagram: Star Leaf Pasadena on Instagram
- ToastTab: Star Leaf Pasadena on ToastTab
