Suzy and I have always enjoyed Thai foods and to be able to prepare them properly would be an absolute delight. I had found Chef Sompon’s school strictly by chance; while back home I had rented his Thai cooking video on Netflix and fully enjoyed it. We had no idea that the video itself was all about his Thai Cookery School and the video shots within were actual shots of his expertise while teaching class. We enjoyed it so much that Suzy and I had always said, if we ever get to Thailand, we will have to enroll in his classes. Needless to say, the time had finally come, retire, see the world, and enroll in Chef Sompon’s classes. Classes are offered in many courses, Suzy and I elected to enroll in all of them, and we also elected to stay on site at the school so we did not have to commute. To begin this journey we were picked up by Chefs staff at the Hotel we were staying in Chiang Mai before class started. Upon our arrival we immediately started class, our bags stayed in the transport van we arrived in. The first day was a whirlwind as we were taught how to prepare four different dishes. Our teacher was Chef Thanapon. We were taught about the background of the dishes, the background of the ingredients, how to slice, how to prepare the foods before cooking, how to prepare the wok for cooking, how to properly use the utensils while cooking, how to plate the dish for proper eye appeal. We got it all and it was non-stop action all day. We loved it. When the day came to a close, Suzy and I were saturated with information. All we wanted was to find our room and rest. Dinner was not in the cards and would not be during our stay, you see, as you prepare all these dishes, you are expected to eat them afterwards and critique your newly learned craft. Back to the room…. we were escorted by one of Chefs staff to the house on the other side of the complex where we were shown our accommodations during our stay. While we were moving through the home, Suzy and I found ourselves looking at one another as we see family photos and personal items all around. As it turns out, if you elect to stay on site, you will be staying at Chef Sompon’s personal home. This was a privilege we never expected. We were hoping to actually meet Chef Sompon, but to stay in his home, unbelievable! We were told to make ourselves at home, enjoy the grounds, swim in his pool, and be ready for breakfast in the morning, served on the patio. Breakfast itself was a feast, eggs, sausages, bacon, croissants, fruit, juice, coffee. All plated so elegantly that it would make a 5 star restaurant sit up and take note. On the second day, Chef Sompon came out and served us breakfast personally. Chef Sompon is the Bobby Flay of Thailand; this was never expected, for him to actually do this was quite an honor. He was ever so gracious and friendly. As school came to a close, Suzy and I learned how to properly prepare more than 30 authentic Thai dishes and we both received our diplomas. Being part of Chef Sompon’s world, being taught by Chef Thanapon, and creating a real friendship along the way was truly a privilege and a delight every step of the way. Suzy and I cannot thank Chef Sompon, Chef Thanapon and all his staff enough for the gracious manner in which he opened up his home, provided the opportunity to learn true Thai culinary skills and create a true friendship that will last a lifetime. For those of you interested in learning Thai cooking, this one is a once in a lifetime experience.
Check out our YouTube Channel; Where in the world are Bob and Sue
