Interview with Oun

In October we took the plane from Bangkok on the one-hour flight to Chiang Mai. To make our stay, we really wanted to do a cooking class here. After several months of trying the food here, we were interested in how to prepare it ourselves. About a flyer of our hostel and research on the Internet, we decided to take part in the TomYumThai cooking school. Which for us in hindsight one of the best decisions.
We were also allowed to interview the owner Oun after our experience with Thai food. That's why we learned a lot about him and the Thai cuisine. We want to share this with you now:

How did you come to your cooking school? Tell us your story!

My wife and I have been passionate chefs since we first met. We complemented each other perfectly and tried a lot of new things. We traveled together all over Thailand to get to know many dishes of the whole country. As a result, I met many qualified chefs throughout Thailand and improved their skills. As a result, I have come to appreciate the quality of high-quality food and have seen much new. I then wanted to share my knowledge with other people. So my wife and I came up with the idea to start a cooking school at the beginning of 2004. What the best idea we have ever had.

Do you have a trick on how to teach the art of Thai cooking?

I myself love to eat and especially to cook. We have a unique technique that everyone can cook in Thai. Of course we do not forsake this technique. I think that's the special thing about our cooking school.
In addition, my name Oun in Thai means "fat" which brings the whole positive.

What makes your cooking school so special?

We offer people an attractive morning or afternoon program. This gives everyone the opportunity to decide when they want to eat. In addition, each of 16 dishes 6 can choose. Nobody has to eat what he does not like. Vegetarians also welcome us.
In addition, cooking in a friendly and authentic atmosphere - at home with me. Each has its own small cooking station. And a personal highlight is the visit to a local market. Many tourists visit such markets but have no idea how fresh, delicious and cheap the food is there. I am always happy to show this to the visitors.

How does a cooking class work?

I'll pick everyone up with my minivan from the hotel / hostel. This is included in the price. Then we go to a local market. There I explain to the participants the meanings and names of the different fruits and vegetables. This is how foreigners in particular get the full load of Thailand. I try to show as much as possible in the market.
Then it goes to my house. There, my wife has already prepared everything you need to cook. At each dish I explain the preparation and the respective steps that are necessary. Learning by doing is my principle. I almost do not help the participants. So they make their dish completely alone. Afterwards the participants may of course try their dishes. Everything is arranged so that there are appetizers, main dishes and desserts.

"Oun in Thai means fat"

Where did you learn to cook like that?
Due to the fact that I had the opportunity to travel all over Thailand, I have learned a lot of cooks. But that's not enough. I have my basic knowledge and passion from my grandmother. I learned and learned most from her. She showed me how to continue the traditional Thai cuisine. And because of her I probably got that "fat" too.

That sounds like a lot of fun. How to participate in your cooking school?

All information can be found on our homepage or on TripAdvisor. But you can also leave me a message on Facebook. I then try to realize the desired date. But we have daily morning and evening course. Depending on how many participate.

What does the cooking class cost?

The cooking course costs 800 baht. But the transport is included. I do not have to pay anything extra. Also, the drink and a small cookbook from me is included.