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.

• Explore Pailin’s Northern Thai recipes
• Instagram story of Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew

About the Hosts

Hong Thaimee

Chef, entrepreneur, and storyteller behind Thaimee Love in NYC, Hong is passionate about sharing the heart of Thai culture through food. She also curates experiences on CookUnity and runs her shop at hongthaimee.com.

• Instagram: @hongthaimee
• YouTube: @hongthaimee
• TikTok: @hong.thaimee

Pailin Chongchitnant

Best known as the creator of Hot Thai Kitchen, Pailin is a chef, cookbook author, and YouTube personality who brings Thai recipes and culture to a global audience with clarity and warmth.

• Pailin’s recipes and books at hot-thai-kitchen.com.
• Pailin’s YouTube Channel
• Pailin’s Instagram

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.

• Explore Pailin’s Northern Thai recipes
• Instagram story of Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew

About the Hosts

Hong Thaimee

Chef, entrepreneur, and storyteller behind Thaimee Love in NYC, Hong is passionate about sharing the heart of Thai culture through food. She also curates experiences on CookUnity and runs her shop at hongthaimee.com.

• Instagram: @hongthaimee
• YouTube: @hongthaimee
• TikTok: @hong.thaimee

Pailin Chongchitnant

Best known as the creator of Hot Thai Kitchen, Pailin is a chef, cookbook author, and YouTube personality who brings Thai recipes and culture to a global audience with clarity and warmth.

• Pailin’s recipes and books at hot-thai-kitchen.com.
• Pailin’s YouTube Channel
• Pailin’s Instagram

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 choice — not just about how much heat you can handle.

About the Hosts

Hong Thaimee Chef, entrepreneur, and storyteller behind Thaimee Love in NYC, Hong is passionate about sharing the heart of Thai culture through food. She also curates experiences on CookUnity and runs her shop at hongthaimee.com.

• Instagram: @hongthaimee

• YouTube: @hongthaimee

• TikTok: hot-thai-kitchen.com.

  • YouTube: Pailin’s Kitchen

  • Recipes: hot-thai-kitchen.com

  • Cookbooks: Hot Thai Kitchen Cookbooks