Supattra Hom-on didn’t grow up in the kitchen, learning the secrets of Thai cooking from her mother and grandmother.
In fact, she freely admits that before she moved to Australia in 1996 she really couldn’t cook at all.
But it was precisely that move to another country and culture that inspired Supattra to learn to make the fragrant, vibrant food that she grew up eating in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.
“When I came to Australia there was not a lot of good Thai food around at that time,” Supattra, pictured, says.
“And I missed home so much, I missed my grandma’s cooking so much, I needed to find that kind of food.
“So I started trying to cook the food that I liked. It all started because I missed home and I missed my family in Thailand.
“That’s why I try to make it as authentic as I can.”
And we will all be able to sample this authentic taste of Thailand when Supattra and other talented cooks serve it up from the Thai-Australian Association of SA stand at the 2024 Multicultural Festival being held in Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square on Sunday 24 November.
Those that do, Supattra promises, will get an insight into why Thai food is considered to be one of the world’s great cuisines.
“Thai food really packs in the flavours,” she says.
“It’s spicy, but it’s not just the spices that make it great. Every dish actually is very bold and packed with tonnes of yummy umami flavour.
“And fresh ingredients are so important – fresh chilies, fresh herbs and all the proteins. It’s all just very healthy and very delicious.”
Supattra says anyone attending the festival should make a point of trying som tam – a spicy, crunchy salad made of finely chopped green papaya – and the sweet and savoury pork skewers known as moo ping.
And, she promises, you’ll get the full Thai street food experience, not food that’s been “adjusted” for Australian tastes.
“Sometimes Thai food in Australia has been changed a little bit,” Supattra says.
“You know, they make it a little less spicy or something, but our food will be just like yo
u would get in Thailand – packed with flavour!”
And if she’s not eating her own treats, where will Supattra be looking for a snack at the Multicultural Festival.
“Last time I tried the Greek food and really enjoyed it, and I liked the food from Hong Kong – everyone should try something new that they haven’t tried before,” she says.
The 2024 Multicultural Festival will feature 80 multicultural groups showcasing almost 60 different cultures from around the world.
The free, family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate diverse music, dance, heritage, arts and crafts, and culinary delights as community groups bring their cultures and traditions to the big stage.
For more information, click here.
