Tucked away in a grocery-anchored shopping strip in southeast Aurora, Pearl of Siam has provided the community with a cozy gathering spot for authentic Thai food for more than 20 years. The restaurant began as a dream of two sisters, Sarin and Sandy, who grew up in Bangkok, watching their family prepare traditional Thai dishes. They hoped one day to open a restaurant together and name it Pearl of Siam, after the one-of-a-kind treasure found in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Sandy—the older sister—eventually married a gifted Thai chef named Peter, who possessed an infectious love of cooking. The couple relocated from Chicago to the metro area and decided to stay and open a restaurant in Aurora. The dishes served at Pearl of Siam encapsulate the unique personality and flavors of the Thai people, with fresh and healthy ingredients. But the experience at Pearl of Siam isn’t just about the food. The staff welcomes its customers with open arms. And even during the height of the pandemic, Pearl of Siam continued to offer food to go while working to protect staff and customers. The restaurant is one of the city’s dining mainstays, exemplifying the best of Aurora’s international cuisine.