10 Quick Questions with an Aspiring Thai Food Jedi

by | Jun 27, 2019 | Bangkok, Cooking Classes, Inspiration, Interviews

Most of you know Alina as your favorite Thai cooking teacher who’s greeted you, and taken you to the market in our Bangkok cooking class. In the nearly 3 years she’s worked with us, we’ve seen her transition from shy rice farmer, to a fiery force in the kitchen.

Here are 10 quick questions to help you get to know this ambitious young woman, who we believe is a natural born leader.

Alina loves teaching guests and friends the traditional way to make Thai curry paste.

What’s your favorite dish to eat?

Cheeseburgers and tom yum goong, but it depends on the cheese. I like the fake kind!

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Thai curries I think. Because I like making the curry paste from scratch.

What’s the best part of working at Courageous Kitchen?

Teaching tourists how to cook Thai food. It helps me improve my English, meet new people, and gain cool opportunities.

Alina’s vibrantly colored, homemade penang curry paste.

What has been the highlight of your time here?

I met my idol, Chef Ian Kittichai, and cooked Massaman curry with him. I learned new techniques that I use to make my curry now.

What are you most proud of?

I like discovering new recipes and creating cooking videos to teach kids. I can’t believe I can make my own videos, it’s really hard!

alina and chef ian kittichai
Alina (left) and Panisha pose with Chef Ian Kittichai at a special event in Bangkok.

When you’re not cooking, what do you like to do?

I like to garden, go out to eat, and love going to the movies!

If you could travel anywhere where would it be?

New York City. I’ve always heard about it, and it looks beautiful.

What do you like to teach?

I like to teach cooking. My passion is cooking so it makes me happy every time I share my recipes.

What is your superpower?

Being tough.

Alina beaming with her teammate, after having an opportunity to cook at the US Ambassador’s residence in Bangkok.

What does courage mean to you?

To be beautiful, to have confidence, and to fight for your life.

Lastly, do you think you’re courageous?

Yeah, I am. I have no choice.

Thanks Alina, for letting us pick your brain!

If you haven’t had a chance to meet her, catch her in our new Thai noodle making class, and occasionally hosting our street food tours. Our team feels privileged to watch her grow with any new challenge, and learn to teach others along the way.

Alina proudly hoists her pomelo salad for all to see.

Thanks for reading. If you’ve met Alina, be sure to leave a note of encouragement below!

Christy

Christy is the Thai-Lao co-founder of Courageous Kitchen who grew up in Seattle, Washington. As a child of refugees, she's endlessly curious about SE Asian cuisine, and an advocate for the rights of children. She believes the kitchen is one of the best classrooms!
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