Throughout my life, people have debated whether I am really Thai. And while I’ve learned to shrug it off, there’s always a sting that lingers. Because for me, being Thai isn’t just about where I was born. It isn’t just about the language I speak, the food I cook, or the passport I carry. It’s about a deep, undeniable connection to the history, culture, and sacrifices that shaped me.

Hospitality is an industry that demands constant growth and vulnerability. You have to be willing to make mistakes, reflect on them, and go back to the basics. Yet its beauty lies in its ability to tie together culture, history, and human connection in ways that few other industries can. Attending the Good Food Guide Awards in Sydney late last year was a reminder of this.