Every day, people are confronted with hundreds of choices that can impact their health. Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurants pave the way for diners to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
Designated in January 2026, Tara Thai at 234 S Pacific Coast Hwy in Redondo Beach, joins our list of close to 100 Blue Zones Project businesses.
For over a decade, this neighborhood favorite has served up authentic Thai cuisine from spicy Pad Thai noodles, refreshing Papaya Salad, tangy Tom Yum Soup and more. From their family to yours, all of the dishes are made with fresh ingredients and love! Now, they are onboarding healthy eating best practices to encourage customers to pick dishes inspired by the diets of the longest-lived people in the world.
Restaurant Ambassador Joyce Costa scouts out new businesses that want to join the Blue Zones Project Restaurants Program and found that Tara Thai was a perfect fit. After reaching out to owner Shawna Roong, the process started right away.
“This has been a dream for her. When she took over the restaurant from her brother, she always wanted a restaurant that offers healthy choices,” Costa continues. “Instead of going someplace else, we want to support her restaurant. The other thing that impresses me is how she’s embraced this whole process. This is the direction she’s been wanting to go, and the timing seems to be perfect.”
Shawna completed the Blue Zones Project Restaurant Pledge, which requires restaurants to meet a minimum number of points through evidence-backed actions that support healthier food environments. To integrate Blue Zones Project into their business model, the BCHD team collaborated with Shawna to optimize their menu for healthy eating, which includes highlighting their Blue Zones Project Approved Dishes and adding descriptive words on their menu items.
If you are in the mood for something comforting, consider sampling their hearty Red Curry with a side of steamed brown rice. You can also try their simmering Tom Kha soup with soft tofu and tender vegetables. In addition, all of their soups can be ordered as a small-sized portion and you can always take the rest of your meal to go!
Joyce loves their great service and food, “It’s a great place to eat for individuals or families. Shawna is very welcoming and warm. If there is a family with children, she remembers that they have kids and as soon as they come in; she caters to whatever their needs are.”
Their new menu includes a kid’s section where each dish has a heaping serving of fresh greens or steamed veggies.
According to NPR, “children in the U.S. obtain nearly 70% of their calories — on average — from ultra-processed foods, which contain ingredients rarely found in your kitchen, such as preservatives, natural or artificial flavors and emulsifiers.”
Now more than ever, it is incredibly important to help kids and adults eat well. If you and your loved ones are looking to grab a healthy bite to eat at a local business, pay a visit to Tara Thai!
