A Village, A Mortar, A Dream

Hi There, I’m Suwanee

Today is May 10, 2019, and I’m launching my Thai food blog.

On this same day in 1991, my plane touched down in America. I was a 13-year-old girl, traveling alone from a rural leprosy village in Thailand. I carried a large rainbow-striped plastic bag filled with old clothes, my best worn-out shoes, and a few personal treasures that mattered to a young country girl.

But tucked inside that oversized bag was my most prized possession: a clay mortar and wooden pestle.

I didn’t know how to cook with it back then—but I knew I needed it with me. It was my way of carrying home into the unknown.

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The Mortar and Pestle That Broke—And What It Meant

That precious mortar and pestle broke in customs upon my arrival in the U.S.

It was my first-ever plane ride, and I had no idea how to pack for a journey like that. Still, something in me knew I had to bring it. Since then, I’ve owned several more sets—but none quite as meaningful.

Looking back now, I see that choice—the heaviness, the fragility, the intention—as a quiet clue about the life I would build. Nearly 30 years later, I find myself here: sharing recipes and stories from the very home I once tried to hold onto in that bag.

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Why May 10th Matters

I chose this date for a reason.

On May 10, 1991, I arrived in America and began my life as a first-generation immigrant with my American mom, Rebecca in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Today, May 10, 2019, I begin a different kind of journey. One that brings me back to my roots.

This blog has lived in my heart for years. A dream to write, cook, photograph, and share not just Thai food—but memories, culture, and the flavor of home.

Starting a blog might seem small to some. But to me, it feels like a full circle moment.

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What You’ll Find on This Blog

This blog is dedicated to Thai food, especially recipes from Isaan—the arid, bold, flavorful region of Northeast Thailand where I grew up.

Here, you’ll find:

• My favorite Thai recipes
• Easy-to-follow cooking tips and ingredient swaps
• Step-by-step photo guides
• Stories from my life in Thailand and beyond

And because I’ve lived in several countries and love learning about other cultures, you’ll also see a few international recipes sprinkled in—just to keep things fresh and inspiring.

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A Personal Invitation

So here I am—claiming this little corner of the internet as mine.

There will be stories.
There will be food.
And there will be heart in every post.

This is the beginning of a journey that leads me back to where it all began: Thailand.
I’d love for you to come along with me.

This is my family—Mark, Lincoln, and Shiloh.
They’re my heart, my home, and the reason I keep sharing these stories. From Thailand to our kitchen in America, this journey is ours together.

Photo by: Ifong Photography

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Let’s Stay Connected

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Read More About My Story

• More About Me
• A Journey Back Home, Thailand 2019
• Feed My Village – Year One
• Feed My Village, the Kids’ Edition – Year Two
• Explore My Thai Recipes

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