A Global Table Set in Manistee

Rice & Shine serving up Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisines

On a quiet stretch of Arthur Street in Manistee, a vibrant culinary story is unfolding—one rooted in heritage, resilience, and a deep desire to share culture through food.

Rice & Shine, which opened in September 2025, reflects the journey of owner Sue Somsanith and her husband, Savann. Their story begins far from northern Michigan, rooted in Southeast Asia and shaped by the experience of arriving in the United States as refugees in the 1980s.

Sue, originally from Vietnam, and Savann, from Cambodia, came to the U.S. as teenagers. They built their lives in the Midwest, with Sue eventually completing her education in Wisconsin and pursuing a career in manufacturing. While stable, that career left her searching for something more meaningful.

“I noticed a lack of South Asian cuisine while living in Holland and saw an opportunity to establish something meaningful and bring some of my culture to the community,” Sue says.

That realization led her to open Thai Palace Restaurant in Holland in 2003, followed by a second concept, Savai Laotiane Café, in 2015. Both restaurants became outlets for sharing the flavors and traditions that shaped her upbringing.

Years later, another opportunity presented itself, this time in Manistee.

Finding a Home in Manistee

A visit to the lakeshore community changed everything.

Sue and her husband noticed a town that was growing, evolving, and becoming more open to diverse culinary experiences. They also saw something familiar, a gap that had not yet been filled, and like many who visit, they fell in love with the area and decided to make the move.

Rice & Shine was born from that decision, bringing together Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisines in a single, cohesive menu. It also brought something else to Manistee: another year-round dining opportunity.

“We opened in September and we are so excited,” Sue tells us. “The response from the community has been so amazing. Everyone has been incredibly thankful to have another year-round option for food in the area. We are honored to be so accepted and warmly welcomed!”

That welcome has helped shape the restaurant’s early success, turning first-time visitors into regulars and building a loyal following in just a few short months.

A Menu Built on Tradition

At Rice & Shine, the menu reads like a map of Southeast Asia, with each dish representing a piece of Sue and Savann’s shared heritage.

One of the most popular items is the fried rice, a dish Sue has been refining since 2003. Customers continue to return for its distinctive flavor, driven by a blend of herbs that set it apart from more familiar versions.

Another standout is the Crispy Chicken Drunken Noodles, widely considered the restaurant’s signature dish. Rich, savory, and layered with flavor, it has quickly become a go-to order for many guests.

Pho, the classic Vietnamese soup, follows closely behind in popularity, offering a deeply comforting option that reflects Sue’s roots. Then there is the crab rangoon, a menu item that has taken on a life of its own.

“People cannot get enough and say they have never had anything quite like them,” Sue says.

Beyond the fan favorites, the menu continues to explore a range of regional specialties. Thai-style chicken nuggets and baby egg rolls made with all white meat offer approachable entry points, while dishes like Lao beef jerky with sticky rice and Cambodian Somlar Machu Sachmon soup introduce diners to flavors that may be new to the area.

The same diversity that defines the dine-in menu also extends to Rice & Shine’s catering offerings. The restaurant provides a wide array of dishes for graduations, weddings, and other special events, giving guests the opportunity to share these flavors in a larger, more celebratory setting.

The result is a menu that balances familiarity with discovery, encouraging guests to try something different while still finding comfort in every bite.

A Place for Everyone at the Table

One of the defining features of Rice & Shine is its commitment to inclusivity, particularly when it comes to dietary options. The restaurant offers a full vegan and vegetarian menu, something Sue felt was essential in representing the broader influences behind Southeast Asian cuisine.

Curry dishes, in particular, have become a highlight. Inspired in part by Indian culinary traditions, these dishes celebrate the depth and richness of plant-based cooking.

“The Indian culture really celebrates a vegan lifestyle, which we wanted to honor and showcase,” Sue says.

From vegetable stir-fries to fresh noodle dishes, the plant-based offerings are treated with the same care and intention as every other item on the menu. That approach has helped Rice & Shine appeal to a wide range of diners, from longtime fans of Southeast Asian food to those trying it for the first time.

While the restaurant is still in its first year, Sue and her team are already thinking about how to expand their connection with the community.

For example, the restaurant recently held their Thai, Lao, and Cambodian New Year celebration April 13 through April 15. The multi-day event featured special menus and free desserts that highlighted the distinct culinary traditions of each culture. Sue considers the event as both a celebration and an invitation, giving guests a chance to experience the stories behind the food in a more immersive way.

For Sue, events like this are an extension of what Rice & Shine has always been about. It is not just about serving meals—it is about sharing culture, creating connections, and building something meaningful in a place that has embraced her in return.

Find Rice & Shine at 200 Arthur St. in Manistee. (231) 887-4040; order.toasttab.com/online/rice-and-shine-manistee-200-arthur-street

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