Today we’d like to introduce you to Lalita Souksamlane.
Hi Lalita, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
For me, cooking is not just a means of living; it is my life passion and is rooted deep in my DNA. My journey started at a very young age, as I discovered my passion for the culinary arts by helping my father cook at our home in Nong Khai, Northeast Thailand. My father taught me his craft and inspired me to open my own restaurant. Today, I have kept many of my father’s original recipes alive in the dishes at all 5 of my restaurants across California.
After completing culinary school in 1995, I moved to San Francisco to pursue my lifelong dream of opening my own Thai restaurant. Just one year later, that dream turned into a reality with the opening of Osha Thai. Back then, we were just a small noodle cafe. Over the past 27 years, we have expanded beyond my wildest dreams. By redefining the Thai culinary experience, we have received multiple awards and acclaim from food critics across the globe, allowing us to build a Thai cuisine empire with multiple locations throughout California.
Today, I am thrilled to expand my empire and join the San Diego community with the opening of Torsap Thai Kitchen in Carlsbad. As the Executive Chef at our newest restaurant, guests can experience our renowned Thai cuisine and signature dining experience that has kept us at the forefront of the industry over the past 27 years!
Currently, I serve my cuisine at 7 locations across California, with a new location in Hawaii coming very soon!
CARLSBAD, CA
• Torsap Thai Kitchen – 2668 Gateway Rd (www.torsapthaikitchen.com/carlsbad)
WALNUT CREEK, CA
• Torsap Thai Kitchen – 1388 Locust St (www.torsapthaikitchen.com/walnut-creek)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
• Osha Thai Restaurant – 4 Embarcadero Center (www.oshathai.com/embarcadero)
• Osha Thai Express – At The Landmark – One Market Plaza (www.oshathai.com)
• Lao Table – 149 2nd Street (www.laotablesf.com)
NAPA VALLEY, CA
• Osha Thai Restaurant – 1142 Main St (www.oshathai.com/napa)
• Bann at Oak Knoll Boutique Bed & Breakfast – 2188 Oak Knoll Ave (www.bannnapa.com)
BIG ISLAND, HAWAII – COMING SOON
• Torsap Thai Kitchen – The Shops at Mauna Lani
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building our brand and establishing us as California’s best-known name in Thai cuisine has been a remarkable journey. While it may seem like a smooth road looking back, there were definitely some significant struggles that I encountered over the past 27 years.
One of the main hurdles I faced was adapting my authentic Thai cuisine to suit the American palate. I wanted to stay true to the flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine, but I also needed to make it accessible and appealing to a wider audience. It took a lot of experimentation and feedback from customers to strike the right balance and create a menu that satisfied both Thai food enthusiasts and newcomers to the cuisine. I can confidently say we were able to achieve that delicate balance, ensuring that our dishes retained the essence of Thai cuisine!
Another main challenge has been establishing a foothold in California’s competitive restaurant industry and remaining above the competition for 27 years. I opened Osha Thai as my first restaurant in 1996. While we were among the first Thai restaurants in San Francisco, some fierce competition emerged over the years. I worked diligently and devoted significant time and effort into creating a unique dining experience. By providing an unparalleled dining ambiance, exceptional customer service, and by utilizing contemporary cooking techniques, I have been able to successfully differentiate our brand from the competition, establishing us as one of California’s only high-end Thai restaurants.
I would like to give a special shoutout to my business partner and Owner of Torsap Thai Kitchen, Wendy Sanchez. I have had the pleasure of knowing Wendy for a significant period of time, as she was a part of my team at Osha Thai San Francisco many years back. Wendy’s experiences at my restaurant served as an immense inspiration, leading her to embark on the journey of opening Torsap Thai Kitchen! When she approached me with the opportunity to be the Executive Chef at her new establishment, I felt immensely honored.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The biggest thing we’ve learned during this crisis is the strength of our customer base and their unwavering support. As the pandemic forced us to temporarily close our doors or shift to takeout and delivery-only operations, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our loyal customers. Many of them continued to order from us regularly, even when faced with uncertainties and financial hardships of their own!
As we gradually reopened and implemented safety measures, we noticed that our guests were quick to return to dine with us. They expressed their trust in our ability to provide a safe and enjoyable dining experience, which further highlighted the strength of our relationship with them. Their loyalty was not just about enjoying our food; it extended to the overall experience and the sense of connection they felt with Osha Thai.
I am proud to say that we emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://torsapthaikitchen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torsapthaikitchen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adminttk
Image Credits
Torsap Thai Kitchen
