About

Thai food fans, this is for you💖

WELCOME TO Cook Like A Thai

Hi, I'm

Pradichaya Poonyarit

@callmePradichaya

@cooklikeathai

Both times I lived in the U.S.,

I hesitated to tell anyone I was Thai, but that never stopped people from asking—even today. My reason is simple: when they know I'm from Bangkok, Thailand, they often share how much they love dishes like "coconut curry." Then, they proceed to tell me how they cook it. As they run through their list of ingredients, I feel uneasy. Should I correct them, or should I let them continue cooking their "Thai" version of my beloved dish from my homeland?

When I didn't know better,

I would explain which ingredients are correct for the dish. They would respond with, "This isn't Thailand."

Years ago, I would quietly apologize and shy away, understanding that it was difficult for non-Thais to find Thai ingredients locally. I let it go, thinking, "Maipenrai"—never mind.

Today, there's no reason

not to cook "like a Thai." With Asian stores popping up in many places, Thai ingredients are easily accessible. Thai herbs, vegetables, and fruits are now grown in Mexico and imported from Thailand by Thais living in the U.S.

When you want to dive into authentic Thai cooking,

the only thing missing is a mentor: a Thai who truly knows and can show you the way. Cooking Thai food "like a Thai" is not about pulling recipes from social media and cooking them. It's about learning from the source. Even if you go to Thailand, you still need "an in" to access the small groups of Thais who have the knowledge and are willing to share it. Other than that, cooking institutions or five-star hotel cooking courses are commercial. They are protective and will not let you get to the heart of Thai cooking.

That being said, you are not in Thailand.

My love and passion for my native land's food bring indescribable feelings when I spot "Thai" recipes on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. It's not my place to question them "why?" Why, instead of creating their versions of Thai food, don't they provide their viewers with the proper, correct recipes? It's funny how their made-up Thai recipes sometimes require more ingredients and are not easy to make at all!

Again, I walk away. This only makes me...

focus on my goal and mission, which is to help and guide you in the direction of cooking Thai food "like a Thai"—not like a tourist or anything else.

Join me on this flavorful journey. Let's cook with heart, authenticity, and the true spirit of Thailand. Together, we'll transform your kitchen into a Thai culinary haven.

xo

Pradichaya

Start Your Thai Cooking Adventure Today!