Counsel Brew

Food Karma - Chef Nikky Phinyawatana

Shereen El Domeiri & Nicola Hobeiche Episode 27

Get ready for a flavorful episode as Counsel Brew sits down with the incredible woman behind Asian Mint, Chef Nikky Phinyawatana! A Thai Texan with a passion for bold flavors, meaningful connections, and entrepreneurial grit, Nikky shares her journey from Bangkok to Boston to Dallas, carving out a space as one of DFW’s most beloved restaurateurs.

Nikky’s journey to badassery wasn’t just about perfecting the perfect Pad Thai—it was about resilience, vision, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of food to bring people together. Born and raised in Bangkok, she grew up surrounded by vibrant flavors, family recipes, and the hustle of a city that never sleeps. Her love for food and business led her to Babson College, where she studied entrepreneurship and marketing before taking a leap into the culinary world. But the real test came when she turned a dream into reality, launching Asian Mint in 2004 with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a fusion of modern and traditional Thai flavors.

In this episode, we dish on:

  • The fusion of culture, food, and entrepreneurship that shaped Chef Nikky’s culinary empire
  • Her early days in Bangkok and the moment she knew she was destined for the kitchen
  • The grit, challenges, and game-changing moments that built her into the entrepreneur she is today
  • The art of building a restaurant family and the lessons learned from years in the industry
  • Travel, mentorship, and the power of food to create unforgettable experiences
  • And of course—her favorite brew! Chef Nikky spills the tea on the comforting drinks that fuel her creativity and bring her back to her roots.

From her award-winning cookbook to her signature sauces to her commitment to mentorship, Chef Nikky isn’t just serving up incredible dishes—she’s creating a movement. As the president of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and a leader in the Texas restaurant scene, she’s paving the way for the next generation of badass women in food and business.

Order some Asian Mint and tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, laughter, and a few delicious surprises along the way!

Press play and join the feast!

Find Chef Nikky at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefnikky/

 @chefnikkyofficial 

Learn more about Asian Mint at https://asianmint.com/ 

and follow  https://www.instagram.com/asianmint/

Pick up a copy of her book Thai Food and Travel With Chef Nikky: Easy Thai Recipes to Feed Your Soul at her restaurants or on Amazon


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Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.