CENTRAL, La. (BRPROUD) — People in Central can enjoy authentic Thai food. Sweet Rice has been open for just over a year, and it's growing in popularity. Mike Zengel, owner of Sweet Rice, said when he previously lived in Central, he noticed there wasn't a Thai place. "It was either because people didn't like Thai food or just because nobody had started a restaurant here," Zengel said. Zengel's wife Nana ran a successful restaurant in Covington and Slidell, and he said all credit for Sweet Rice's success goes to her. "My wife is the best Thai cook in Louisiana, so you can expect really good food," Zengel said. New breakfast spot Vicious Biscuit opening in Gonzales. See when, where For those Louisianans who haven't ever tried Thai food, Zengel said to give it a try. "Before I met my wife, I knew nothing about Thai food," Zengel said. "I always thought it would be way too spicy or way too hot. My wife makes it on the mild side." Sweet Rice is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's open for an extra half hour. It's open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Latest News Man dies after being buried under hot asphalt in Mississippi Taste of the Town: Check out Sweet Rice for authentic Thai food in Central Election 2024: Who’s running for office in West Baton Rouge Parish? Know what's on the ballot Pennsylvania judge refuses to block Musk's $1M giveaways Tropical Storm Rafael could impact Louisiana late this week