Hey Dripping Springs!
We’ve got some exciting news for all you foodies out there. Rice and Oak just opened its doors in downtown Dripping Springs, and let me tell you… the buzz around town is real. This handcrafted Thai restaurant is exactly the kind of local gem that makes our community so special.
If you’ve been searching for a new spot to grab lunch or enjoy a date night dinner, keep reading. I’ve got all the details on what makes Rice and Oak worth checking out this week!
A Familiar Face Behind a Fresh Concept
Here’s the thing that makes Rice and Oak extra special. The owner, Siwaphan Sampaotong, isn’t new to the area at all. Many of you probably remember the beloved Aroi Thai food truck that served the Belterra community from 2014 until 2025. Yep, same owner!
After more than a decade of building a loyal following from a food truck window, Siwaphan has officially planted roots in downtown Dripping Springs with a brick and mortar location. It’s the perfect spot right in the heart of our growing downtown area.
This is exactly what I love about Dripping Springs. Local entrepreneurs who start small and grow with our community. It’s proof that when you serve great food and treat people right, good things happen.
What’s on the Menu
Let’s talk about the food because that’s really why we’re all here, right?
Rice and Oak focuses on handcrafted Thai cuisine. Every single dish is made by hand using fresh, real ingredients. We’re talking crisp herbs, hand-cut vegetables, and premium cuts of meat. No shortcuts. No compromises.
The menu features woks, curries, rice bowls, shareables, and soups. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Appetizers and Shareables
- Crispy Brussels sprouts
- Sweet corn fritters
- Coconut shrimp
Soups
- Tom Kha Gai (coconut soup with chicken)
Rice Bowls
- Grilled chicken
- Jo’s fried chicken
- Chopped brisket
- Oak-grilled salmon
Wok Dishes
- Smoked brisket fried rice
- Crab fried rice
- Shrimp pad thai
Grilled Specialties
- Tiger Cry steak
- Grilled chicken satay
The smoked brisket fried rice has already become a local favorite. It’s that perfect blend of Thai flavors with a Texas twist. Fire-grilled meats and slow-simmered curries are the stars of the show here. The master chef leading the kitchen is all about flavor and balance in every bite.
Hours and Location
Planning your visit? Here’s what you need to know.
Rice and Oak is open Tuesday through Friday. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, and dinner service is from 4:30 PM to 9 PM. Perfect for a midday work break or an evening out with friends and family.
You’ll find them right in downtown Dripping Springs across highway 290 from HEB. Parking is easy, and the location is super convenient if you’re already out exploring our local shops and businesses.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Every time a new restaurant opens in Dripping Springs, it adds another layer to what makes this place so great to call home. Rice and Oak isn’t just another dining option. It represents the evolution of our downtown area and the growing demand for quality, locally-owned establishments.
For those of you already living in one of the amazing Dripping Springs neighborhoods, this is another reason to love where you live. And for folks considering a move to the area? Well, having access to fantastic local restaurants like Rice and Oak is definitely a perk worth noting.
Our community has grown so much over the past few years. We’ve got incredible schools, beautiful Hill Country views, and now an even better food scene. Whether you’re in Bunker Ranch, Caliterra, Headwaters, or any of the other wonderful neighborhoods around here, you’re just a short drive from some seriously good Thai food.
Support Local First
One of my favorite things about living in Dripping Springs is how much our community supports local businesses. When you choose to eat at Rice and Oak instead of a chain restaurant, you’re putting money directly back into our community. You’re supporting a local family. You’re helping create jobs for your neighbors.
That kind of economic impact matters. It’s what keeps our downtown vibrant and growing. It’s what attracts more great businesses to the area. And honestly? It just feels good knowing your dinner dollars are staying local.
So grab your partner, round up the kids, or text your friends. Make a plan to check out Rice and Oak this week. Try the smoked brisket fried rice. Sample the coconut shrimp. Experience what handcrafted Thai cuisine tastes like when it’s made with care and intention.
Thinking About Moving to Dripping Springs?
If you’re reading this and you’re not a local yet… what are you waiting for? Dripping Springs keeps getting better and better. New restaurants like Rice and Oak. Amazing local events and things to do. Top-rated schools. Gorgeous neighborhoods with Hill Country views.
I’m Ashley Tullis, and I sold more houses than anyone in the Dripping Springs Independent School District in 2025. That means I know this community inside and out. I can tell you which neighborhoods are closest to downtown. Which ones have the best sunset views. Which ones are perfect for families with young kids versus empty nesters looking to downsize.
Whether you’re relocating from Austin, moving from out of state, or just ready for a change of scenery, I’d love to help you find your perfect spot in Dripping Springs. Being one of the top realtors in Dripping Springs TX means I have access to listings before they hit the market and insider knowledge that makes the home buying process so much smoother.
Let’s Connect
Looking for a Dripping Springs real estate agent who actually lives here and loves this community? That’s me! I’m always happy to chat about the market, share neighborhood insights, or just swap recommendations for local spots like Rice and Oak.
You can learn more about me and how I work on my about page. Or check out current homes for sale if you’re ready to start browsing.
In the meantime, go grab some Thai food. Support a local business. And enjoy everything that makes Dripping Springs such a special place to live.
See you around town!
