Originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, Hong Thaimee is a chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has served as a global ambassador for Thai cuisine and culture for nearly a decade. Armed with drive, a Master’s Degree in business, but little professional kitchen experience, Hong set off for New York City with the goal of sharing her love for Thai food with the world. She used her tenacity to secure cooking jobs at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s acclaimed Spice Market and Perry Street restaurants, where she spent several years mastering classic technique. In 2012, Hong left Jean-Georges to open Ngam in the East Village which was named Best Thai Food in NYC by The Village Voice in 2013. In 2015, she published her first cookbook “True Thai” (Rizzoli). Hong has been invited to cook at prestigious venues such as New York’s Metropolitan Musuem of Art, the James Beard House, The St. Regis Maldives, and many more.

In the Fall of 2020, Hong debuted her latest venture, Thaimee Love. After a successful pop-up restaurant to trial the concept, her permanent new restaurant, Thaimee Love, opened in October 2021 on New York’s W Houston Street. Thaimee Love specializes in “Baan Baan” cuisine, replicating the comforting, home-style of Northern Thai dishes.