Family Thai: Bringing the Flavors of Thailand Home

(Hardback)

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Description

James Beardnominee and chef of the Thai restaurant International Market in Nashville, Arnold Myint shares how to make the Thai food he grew up with in a cookbook that is approachable yet packs a punch of flavor

Arnold Myint grew up as a restaurant kid and was lucky enough to be surrounded by delicious Thai food. His parents, Thai and Burmese immigrants, first opened Nashvilles International Market & Restaurant in 1975a rarity in Tennessee, where Asian cuisine hadnt quite expanded beyond Americanized Chinese takeout. The Myints were determined to introduce Americans to the fiery, bold, and fragrant Thai flavors that had always brought them comfort, and it turned out that a taste of Thailand was exactly what Nashville needed.

Almost 45 years later, after attending culinary school in New York City and working with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Arnold now owns and runs International Market, where he continues to serve the comforting, soul-feeding recipes of his mother while also jazzing things up with his own Thai-Southern flare. During the pandemic, Arnold began reaching out to an all-new audience as well through Instagram, teaching Thai 101 basics to an ever-growing number of viewers.

Now Arnoldwho also happens to be a fabulous drag queen under the alter ego Suzy Wongis expanding his teaching on the food of Thailand to a vibrantly illustrated and designed cookbook. In Family Thai, Arnold breaks down an often-intimidating cuisine into accessible building blocks for every home cook, beginning with pantry stapleswhats fish sauce what are the differences between soy saucesand moving on to teaching readers essential skills like how to steam the perfect sticky rice or how to make their own noodles if they cant find them stocked nearby.

Arnold also shares what he likes to cook at home and adaptations of Thai cuisine that have been inspired by his hometown of Nashville and his travels around the world. From there, he takes us into the vibrant and colorful world of Thai street foodincluding shumai, shrimp toast, curry puffs, and more classic noodle dishes, his own original creations, and, of course, his mothers classic recipes. Longtime fans of International Market, who have been begging for their favorite classic recipes for years, will find them among these pages.

When Thais greet each other, they dont ask how are you or whats up Instead, they ask, Kin lao yang or have you eaten Feeding people is how Patti and Win Myintand now Arnoldshow their love, not just for their family but for everyone within reach. In Family Thai, Arnold shares his boldly flavorful food and welcoming, heartfelt approach with home cooks everywhere.

Reviews

Arnolds connection to the food of his culture is very personal, and the result is a book brimming with vibrancy and joy! * Andy Ricker, James Beard Awardwinner and founder of Pok Pok *
Chef Arnolds book, restaurant, and spirit are a high-definition snapshot of where Thai cuisine is today. * Justin Pichetrungsi, James Beard Awardwinner at Anajak Thai *
This book is a family tie (pun intended!) to Arnolds incredible mom and a warm invitation to anyone who loves great food. * Carla Hall, chef, author, and television host *
Family Thai takes you on a beautiful journey of family and tradition while opening you up to the world of Thai cuisine and culture. * Tue Nguyen, chef and author of i An *
Arnolds unique perspective and welcoming style make this a delicious, joyful adventure. * Gail Simmons, television host and author of Bringing It Home *
Chef Arnold Myints true love for Thai cuisine shines through on every page, making this book a true celebration of identity and tradition. * Somjai Taphaopong, consul general of Thailand in New York *
Family Thai belongs dog-eared and stained in the kitchen of everyone that loves Thai cuisine. * Tiffani Faison, chef and restaurateur *
In Family Thai, Arnold shows off the delicious, vibrant dishes that have made not only Nashville, but the whole country fall in love with delicious Thai flavors. * Maneet Chauhan, chef, author, and Food Network personality *
If youve never stuffed Pattis famous fifty-ingredient salad into your mouth, have you even lived In Family Thai, Arnold continues her spirit with showgirl surprise, love for his family, and culinary expertise. * Sutan Amrull (Raja), drag icon, multimedia artist, and winner of RuPauls Drag Race *
This book will teach you everything you need to know about cooking an array of bright, bold, and beautiful Thai dishes at home. * Jesse Szewczyk, food editor and author of Cookies *
Family Thai is a must-have, informed by tradition and history. * Frankie Celenza, Emmy Awardwinning culinary host and author of Easy, Affordable, Tasty *
I remember living in Nashville years ago, and one of the few constants in my life was Arnolds cooking. Im so happy hes getting to share all that laughter, love, and food with the world. * Brooke Lynn Hytes, drag artist and host of Canadas Drag Race *

Author Bio

Arnold Myint is a James Beard Awardnominated chef, recipe developer, TV personality, cooking content creator, Thai food enthusiast, former competitive figure skater, mixologist, and much more. Myint competed on season 7 of Top Chef, as well as season 11 of Food Network Star. He has cooked in New York and Los Angeles and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education. His real training began during his childhood at International Market & Restaurant, his parents Thai restaurant that opened in 1975 and remains a mainstay of Nashvilles culinary scene under his leadership. He lives in Nashville.