Chef Nikky Phinyawatana introduced local diners to her novel take on Thai fusion in 2004, when Asian Mint was a neighborhood cafe at Forest Lane and I-75.
Twenty-two years later, the brand comprises five restaurants, a cookbook, specialty sauces, and experiential travel. But Chef Nikky, as friends and diners know her, still takes time to infuse every meal with meaning — and she’d like you to do the same.
“I have found that my superpower, so to speak, is connecting people,” Nikky said. “I see people light up when they connect through food. It’s nourishing for the soul, for the body, and for the mind.”
Born in Thailand, Chef Nikky came to the States as a teen and attended The Hockaday School in Preston Hollow. Following college on the East Coast, she returned to Dallas for culinary training at El Centro College. Shortly thereafter, she opened her first restaurant on a shoestring, serving her inaugural meal at Asian Mint just one month after her wedding.
Crossing continents and countries, and leaping life milestones in rapid succession, was a whirlwind that informed her ongoing dedication to mindfulness.
“Part of my cultural background, growing up in Thailand, is centering yourself in meditation,” she said. “It’s a reflection on the day and a way of giving gratitude.”
Now, Chef Nikky is bringing this message to audiences beyond her dining rooms through public speaking engagements. The latest addition to her burgeoning lifestyle brand arrived at the intersection of eating and empathy, with the chef sharing inspirational stories from her culinary journey with local entrepreneur groups, artists’ circles, and conferences. From these stages, she also shares her unique method for creating meaningful moments at mealtime.
“I call it the S.O.S. system,” she said. “The first step in mindful eating is to ‘sense.’ Take a couple of breaths and reconnect with your body before the meal. The second step is to ‘observe.’ With the dish in front of you, anticipate the flavor, the texture, and any memories that it’s bringing through. Finally, the last step is to ‘savor’ that first bite.”
Chef Nikky emphasized that, even in our busy lives, we can benefit from one mindful meal each day to help “stay resilient and on purpose.”
Looking ahead, she hinted that her team is “ready to grow,” with the possibility of a sixth Asian Mint restaurant on the horizon. She’s also planning another in her series of guided tours of Thailand to take place later this year. But first, she shared with us a favorite family recipe that’s delicious, flavorful, and easy — and perfect for savoring at your table tonight.
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