At A Lot of Thai, we learned how to prepare six different Thai dishes. But if you go, I strongly advise that you spend time with Yui, after the dishes have been prepared, and everyone is enjoying the food made by their own hands. Ask Yui about her past, her family, the people of Thailand, how she learned to cook, how she started and grew her business. You will find that Yui has much to teach, and cooking is only the beginning.
The day begins with Yui, her husband Kwan, and their 2 1/2 year old daughter (so cute!) picking you up from your hotel at around 9:30am in their 1974 VW bus. Such a classic! Our class consisted of five students, which was a nice number. It is small enough that Yui has enough time to visit each of your cooking stations to check on your food and offer advice.
"fire is too high, it should be sizzling, not smoking" or "you need to add oil, your wok should be shiny, not dry. But you should not see a pool of oil at the bottom." She does not just tell you what to do, or even how to do it. She explains why you are doing each step the way that she describes, and why it is in this particular order.
Yui displays a passion for both food and teaching. It is the perfect combination for this business. However, she also displays the passion of an entrepreneur striving to improve her business and the experience for her students.
The foods that we made by our own hands were among the best foods that we ate in Thailand. And this is saying a lot. Seriously, Thailand has some amazing food. The level of cooking experience among our classmates was low to moderate. Yet, everyone completed their dishes to perfection.
We went on a Saturday, so our menu was Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, Green Curry Chicken, Tom Yum Goong, Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, and Sweet Sticky Rice with Mangoes. Everything was excellent, but the sweet sticky rice was to die for! We will definitely be hosting a Thai food dinner party when we return. Our friends will be so impressed!
After the food was cooked, we spent time sitting with Yui, enjoying our creations, and she shared her stories. She has a wealth of experience in so many areas. But it is her passion for her family, her food, her business and her country that will move you.
Do not hesitate to go. If you only had one day left in Chiang Mai, you should spend it with Yui.
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