Meet the family

Chef Tee came to the United States in 2009 with a dream and a lifelong passion for cooking.

Born and raised in Chiang Mai, he grew up surrounded by the bold, comforting flavors of Northern Thailand. Today, he still leads the kitchen every day, carefully preparing each dish with the same attention and love he would give to a meal for his own family.

His favorite part of the job isn’t just cooking.

It’s watching guests discover Northern Thai cuisine for the very first time.

 “Food has a way of bringing people together, no matter where they come from.”

Kete arrived in the United States in 2012 on a work visa and built a successful career as an accountant.

But her heart was always in the kitchen.

She loved inviting friends over, cooking meals, and creating a home where everyone felt welcome.

In 2018, she left her office career behind to follow that passion and open Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse with Chef Tee.

Today, you’ll often find her greeting guests, helping in the dining room, and making sure every person who walks through the doors feels like they’re visiting family.

 “If we wouldn’t proudly serve it to our own parents, we won’t serve it to our guests.” 

Pom is Chef Tee’s older sister and an important part of our family story.

Like the recipes we serve, her desserts are inspired by family traditions and made with love.

She creates many of the homemade cakes and desserts our guests enjoy, bringing a touch of sweetness to every visit.

For Pom, baking isn’t just about making desserts.

It’s about creating moments worth celebrating—whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or simply sharing something sweet after a great meal.

Working alongside her younger brother makes Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse feel less like a business and more like home.

“The best desserts are the ones made to share.”

 Alice was born in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world.

As our restaurant faced its most difficult chapter, she became our greatest source of hope.

She spent her earliest months sleeping peacefully in the restaurant while Mom and Dad worked to keep their dream alive. Guests often smiled when they saw the little signs that read:

“Baby Sleeping.”

Today, Alice is six years old and still comes to the restaurant almost every afternoon after school.

She greets familiar guests with a bright smile, draws pictures at her favorite table, sneaks into the kitchen for hugs, and fills the dining room with laughter.

Many of our regular customers have watched her grow up over the years.

For Alice, this has never been just a restaurant.

It’s where she learned to walk, where she celebrated birthdays, and where she’s making some of her earliest memories.

“This restaurant didn’t just build our business. It helped raise our daughter.”