When I was younger, I often puzzled over my mother's approach to teaching me how to cook. She never simply told me what to do or handed me a recipe. In fact, I never saw her with a recipe at all.

When I inquired about my great-grandmother's recipes, she would say, "I don't have them," and frown when I suggested, "Perhaps your sisters have them?"

You see, my mother was not my great-grandmother's favored grandchild and wasn't invited to learn the art of Thai cuisine directly from her, even though my great-grandmother was once a chef at the Royal Court of Siam.

While my aunts stood by, grumpily jotting down notes, my mother was perched on a mango tree branch, swatting away fire ants, watching and listening keenly to my great-grandmother's culinary wisdom.

"Why don't you ask them?" she would say. "But if you get any recipes from them, don't come asking me to teach you again!"

That was enough to stop me from pressing further. Yet, I couldn't help but feel frustrated by her unconventional teaching style. She insisted I "put all your senses to work," making me guess the ingredients and purchase them while she enjoyed iced coffee and noodles in the bustling market.

She never demonstrated her cooking for me. Instead, she watched as I cooked, always with a snack in front of her.

Whenever I asked questions, she would respond with questions of her own.

Only with time did I come to appreciate her methods. Without her guidance—or lack thereof—I wouldn't have developed a true understanding of Thai cooking. I wouldn't cook with the depth and authenticity of a true Thai.

You see, while you may know your 'why' and seek the 'how,' there’s a crucial element missing. Without it, many find themselves cooking Thai like tourists.

When you cook with me, you will gain the understanding that I have. And no, I won't make you guess ingredients or send you on blind shopping trips.

Instead, I’ll share the invaluable lessons I learned from my mother, my experience cooking authentic Thai cuisine in America, and my deep desire to help you cook 'like a Thai.' I will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and family secrets that have made many of us great cooks and chefs.

This way, you can bring the most delicious, authentic Thai meals into your home, sharing and savoring them with your loved ones, just like a true Thai.