“I was born in Laos and came over as a war refugee when I was 10, along with my parents and three brothers.”
“Up until the age of 5, I always thought my grandmother was my mom, and I often wondered why my “siblings'' were much older than me.”
“Then my grandmother told me that my parents were in Thailand and that she will take me to reunite with them soon.”
“I still remember that night vividly even though I was so young. Grandma put me on a canoe, prayed to the Mekong River, poured wine and chicken into the water and started paddling. We were met at the Thai border with soldiers flashing lights at us, and we were fortunate to be let in.”
“I remember entering through a jicama farm. ”
“It’s been so long ago that although vivid, the memories are starting to feel like a dream.”
“Oftentimes the stories that keep us going are from someone else, but mine happens to be my own. We lived in 4 refugee camps before settling in the U.S. on May 3, 1988. Life in the refugee camps was rough.”
“I remember being so poor, one egg fed our entire family of six. We would make khao gee, which is sticky rice on a stick, glazed with eggs and grilled over open fire.”
“Upon arrival in the U.S., like many families with similar stories, we had to quickly adapt to the language, the culture, the new way of life.”
“Throughout my childhood and up until today, I am the caretaker or the pillar for my family.”
“While my parents worked whatever jobs they could to make ends meet, my older brother and I took care of our younger brothers.”
“We also made sure we did well in school and worked hard to obtain good careers since we have been given the opportunity.”
“I love our Lao culture so much, especially the food.”
“We have a big family and always have family gatherings on the weekends. Grandma had 11 kids and half the kids live here in the U.S. We love to cook, eat and stay up all night to sing karaoke or even play cards.”
“My all-time favorite dish is thum mak hoong or papaya salad. I love it so much that I could literally eat it every day.”
“It is also one of the first dishes that I introduce my foreign friends to. When they first try it, they don’t always love it but they would always call me up after about 6 months saying they crave it. Proudest moment ever!”
“Sharing food is my love language. And preserving Lao culture through food is my ultimate goal.”
“When Alex and I launched Ninja Foods 6 years ago, we had no idea what kind of an impact it would have.”
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“A Lao parent once told us that his son follows us on social media and really looks up to us. He said we “made it cool to sell and eat padaek.” Another proud moment!!”
