Sabai Talk Podcast

In this episode, Chef Pailin and Chef Hong take you on a journey to Northern Thailand, chef Hong’s home region. It is a land of misty mountains, ancient Lanna heritage, and bold, earthy flavors. From Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย) and Sai Oua (ไส้อั่ว) to the beloved Nam Ngiaw (น้ำเงี้ยว), they explore how geography, history, and culture have shaped this unique cuisine. Along the way, they share personal memories and the warmth of the Khantoke (ขันโตก) tradition that brings people together through food and community.

About the Hosts

Hong Thaimee

Chef, entrepreneur, and storyteller behi...

In this episode, Chef Pailin and Chef Hong take you on a journey to Northern Thailand, chef Hong’s home region. It is a land of misty mountains, ancient Lanna heritage, and bold, earthy flavors. From Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย) and Sai Oua (ไส้อั่ว) to the beloved Nam Ngiaw (น้ำเงี้ยว), they explore how geography, history, and culture have shaped this unique cuisine. Along the way, they share personal memories and the warmth of the Khantoke (ขันโตก) tradition that brings people together through food and community.

About the Hosts

Hong Thaimee

Chef, entrepreneur, and storyteller behi...

In this episode, Chef Hong and Chef Pailin unpack what “spicy” really means — from chilies to spices, heat to flavor. They share stories from their own kitchens and careers, plus listener anecdotes, to explore how restaurants manage spice levels, why chefs may (or may not) adjust heat for different diners, and whether Thai food has to be spicy to be “authentic.”

Along the way, they bust the myth of “Thai spicy,” talk about balance over bravado, and offer practical tips for enjoying chili heat without losing flavor. A lively, flavorful conversation that proves spice is about joy and c...

Join Chef Hong and Chef Pailin for the sixth episode of SabaiTalk Season 2 as they dig into The White Lotus Season 3 through a Thai cultural lens. In this insightful conversation, our hosts explore:

Cultural hits and misses — Where the show’s representation of Thai traditions, etiquette, language, food, spirituality, and social dynamics is authentic or falls short.

Spotlight on hospitality & power — How The White Lotus portrays Thai hospitality, hotel culture, and the subtle interplay of class and privilege.

Food as culture — Real Thai dishes vs. their fictionalized versions, and what the show gets right a...

Join Chef Hong and Chef Pailin for the sixth episode of SabaiTalk Season 2 as they dig into The White Lotus Season 3 through a Thai cultural lens. In this insightful conversation, our hosts explore:

Cultural hits and misses — Where the show’s representation of Thai traditions, etiquette, language, food, spirituality, and social dynamics is authentic or falls short.

Spotlight on hospitality & power — How The White Lotus portrays Thai hospitality, hotel culture, and the subtle interplay of class and privilege.

Food as culture — Real Thai dishes vs. their fictionalized versions, and what the show gets right a...

In this episode, chef Hong and chef Pailin are diving into into the colorful, delicate, and deeply cultural world of Thai desserts. Discover how Thai desserts go beyond sugar—they reflect tradition, celebration, and the balance of texture and taste that makes Thai cuisine so unique.

Hong Thaimee Hong’s Instagram / @hongthaimee Hong’s Shop https://www.hongthaimee.com/shop Hong’s YouTube Channel / @hongthaimee

Pailin Chongchitnant Pailin’s YouTube Channel / pailinskitchen All of Pailin’s Recipes https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/ Pailin’s Cookbooks https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/htk-cook...

In this episode, chef Hong and chef Pailin are diving into into the colorful, delicate, and deeply cultural world of Thai desserts. Discover how Thai desserts go beyond sugar—they reflect tradition, celebration, and the balance of texture and taste that makes Thai cuisine so unique.

Hong Thaimee Hong’s Instagram / @hongthaimee Hong’s Shop https://www.hongthaimee.com/shop Hong’s YouTube Channel / @hongthaimee

Pailin Chongchitnant Pailin’s YouTube Channel / pailinskitchen All of Pailin’s Recipes https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/ Pailin’s Cookbooks https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/htk-cook...

Pailin’s meatless recipes: https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/category/all-recipes/meatless-recipes/

The word for vegetarian AND vegan in Thai is “mangsawirat” มังสวิรัติ. The word “jay” เจ is the stricter-than-vegan, religious way of eating. Some Thai people use the word jay as a shortcut to mean vegan but it’s best to avoid using it as restaurants may not be willing to accommodate.

Four key areas in Bangkok with more vegan restaurants : 1) Sukhumvit; 2) Banglamphu/Khao San Road; 3) Indian neighborhoods such as Pahurat or around the Hindu temple on Silom; and 4) around Chinese Buddhist temples such as Wat Mangkon Kamalawat in Chinatown.

Ed’s favourite...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai culture and the Thai way of living from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Southern Thai Food. You will learn about the region's flavor profile and how it is uniquely different from other regions of Thailand. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

Recipe mentioned on this episode: 
Pailin's Khao Yum https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/kao-yum/
Hong's Khao Yum (as featured on Food Network) https://www.foodnetwork.co...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai culture and the Thai way of living from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Southern Thai Food. You will learn about a flavor profile from the region and how it is uniquely different from other regions of Thailand. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

Recipe mentioned on this episode: 
Pailin's Khao Yum https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/kao-yum/
Hong's Khao Yum (as featured on Food Network) https://ww...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai culture and the Thai way of living from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode, Hong and Pailin dive into the rich, flavorful world of Khao Soi—a beloved Northern Thai curry noodle soup with a creamy coconut broth, fragrant spices, and tender meat. But did you know this famous Thai dish didn’t actually originate in Thailand? Join us as we explore its fascinating history, cultural influences, and how it became a Thai culinary icon.

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai culture and the Thai way of living from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode, Hong and Pailin dive into the rich, flavorful world of Khao Soi—a beloved Northern Thai curry noodle soup with a creamy coconut broth, fragrant spices, and tender meat. But did you know this famous Thai dish didn’t actually originate in Thailand? Join us as we explore its fascinating history, cultural influences, and how it became a Thai culinary icon.

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about one of Thailand’s iconic dishes: Massaman Curry. We will cover the fascinating history of this dish, its significance in Thai poetry, as well as tips for cooking it at home. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

Instant Pot massaman beef curry with semi-h...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about one of Thailand’s iconic dishes: Massaman Curry. We will cover the fascinating history of this dish, its significance in Thai poetry, as well as tips for cooking it at home. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

Instant Pot massaman beef curry with semi-h...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Lunar New Year (or as it’s known in Thailand, Chinese New Year) in Thailand. Do people celebrate it in Thailand, if so what are the customs and traditions, and most importantly what are the foods? 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

Ceremonial Chicke...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Lunar New Year (or as it’s known in Thailand, Chinese New Year) in Thailand. Do people celebrate it in Thailand, if so what are the customs and traditions, and most importantly what are the foods? 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

Ceremonial Chicke...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Pad Gaprao, aka Pad Kra Pao, and discuss what it should be the real national dish of Thailand. We discuss variations of the dish, our childhood memories of this ubiquitous dish, and tips for making it at home.

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

P...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about Pad Gaprao, aka Pad Kra Pao, and discuss what it should be the real national dish of Thailand. We discuss variations of the dish, our childhood memories of this ubiquitous dish, and tips for making it at home.

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

As Mentioned in the Episode:

P...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about the iconic Thai dish, laab. They cover many topics including the fact that laab refers to two entirely different Thai dishes. You’ll learn about why “larb” is a gross mispronunciation, the origin of laab, and of course their tips for making both types of laab at home. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

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Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about the iconic Thai dish, laab. They cover many topics including the fact that laab refers to two entirely different Thai dishes. You’ll learn about why “larb” is a gross mispronunciation, the origin of laab, and of course their tips for making both types of laab at home. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

 <...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about the beloved Thai green papaya salad or som tum. We share our fond papaya salad memories, talk about its history, our favorite variations, and tips for making it at home without the traditional mortar and pestle. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

Hong Thaimee

Hong’s Instagram https://www.in...

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.

In this episode Hong and Pailin talk about the beloved Thai green papaya salad or som tum. We share our fond papaya salad memories, talk about its history, our favorite variations, and tips for making it at home without the traditional mortar and pestle. 

Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com

Hong Thaimee

Hong’s Instagram https://www.in...