COMO local and foodie Wanwipar Thanasothorn (Dao) is bringing the flavours of Thailand to Perth.
The 35 year old has opened her first restaurant BAAN BAAN in the heart of Northbridge.
“I grew up in Bangkok, surrounded by food – the street I lived in was a heaven for street foods from all different cultures – Thai, Malay and Chinese,’’ she said.
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READ NOW“From a very young age I knew that all I wanted to do was share the fresh, authentic flavours of Thai home foods with family, friends and loved ones in a comfortable setting.”
Dao graduated from Curtin University with a degree in Graphic Design but abandoned her career to pursue her true passion – food.
In 2014, Dao along with five Uni buddies launched Bangkok Jump Street, a catering company specialising in gourmet Thai street food.
“Our Spicy Pork Crackling Salad, Chargrilled Coconut Pork Skewers and Five Spices Roasted Pork Egg Noodles became popular quickly, and we saw ourselves not being able to keep up with the demands at markets, event catering requests and ready to eat meal orders for local IGAs and gourmet supermarkets,’’ Dao said.
The success of Bangkok Jump Street, then fuelled Dao’s desire to launch her own venture.
BAAN BAAN is an explosion of flavour and takes traditional Thai cuisine to the next level.
“Forget about what is stereotypically considered Thai food – spring rolls, samosas, pineapple fried rice, chilli basil stir fry – because you won’t find it in our menu,’’ she said.
“Instead, I am excited to share local Thai favourites from across four regions of Thailand, which include Deep Fried Turmeric Snapper, Betel Leaf Wrap with Mackerel, Crab Meat Rolls, Northern Style Beef Curry and Sticky Pork Jewel.”
Designed by local artists, the dining space at BAAN BAAN reflects Dao’s childhood memories.