Stir-fried Morning Glory (Pad Pak Boong Fai Dang)

About

Meet Hong Thaimee

Chef | Health & Wellness Advocate | Entrepreneur | Media Personality

Hello my friends.

I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m Hong Thaimee—a chef, author, and wellness advocate passionate about helping people live better through food, balance, and well-being. My journey started in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but my mission has expanded far beyond Thai cuisine. After leaving a corporate career as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Merck Pharmaceuticals, I followed my true calling—using food as a tool for health, connection, and intentional living.

I trained under the world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where I honed my culinary skills and developed a deep appreciation for global flavors and fine dining. Over the years, I have worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, opened award-winning restaurants, and collaborated with top brands to create delicious, nourishing meals. My work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Food Network, Eater, and Food & Wine, and I have had the privilege of curating dining experiences at institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the James Beard Foundation, and the Thai Consulate of New York. I have also had the honor of collaborating with prestigious hotels and restaurants worldwide, from Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo to Bangkok, the Maldives, and beyond—with more to come.

H

Beyond the kitchen, I am deeply committed to health and wellness, holding a Harvard certification in health and wellness with a strong focus on lifestyle medicine—the science of how daily habits like food, movement, and mindfulness impact long-term health. I believe cooking isn’t just about flavors; it’s about fueling a well-balanced life. Through my recipes and teachings, I aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools to eat and live with intention.

To make this vision more accessible, I share my knowledge through my YouTube channel and podcast, where I explore not just food, but the deeper cultural and wellness philosophies behind it. Whether it’s learning about Thai cuisine, global flavors, or daily wellness habits, these platforms provide a space to connect, learn, and be inspired.
I am also the author of True Thai: Real Flavors for Every Table, a cookbook that brings authentic yet approachable Thai recipes to home cooks around the world. Through this book, I share my love for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the traditions that make Thai cuisine so special.

I have also partnered with Cook Unity, the leading meal delivery platform in the U.S., and launched thaimee, an artisanal seasoning brand, bringing nourishing flavors straight to your kitchen. My work extends to supporting food security and global health initiatives, collaborating with organizations like (RED) and City Harvest to make a difference through food.

At the heart of everything I do, my mission is simple: to inspire you to create a well-balanced, fulfilling life through mindful eating and daily habits rooted in science and tradition. Every recipe I share is something I have personally cooked for my loved ones, and every wellness practice I embrace is one that has enriched my own life. My hope is that we can grow together on this journey—one nourishing, meaningful meal at a time.

For collaborations & inquiries: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube
Listen to the Podcast
Visit my Online Store

Get to know me

COFFEE ORDER

I prefer a good cup of tea over a coffee.

I recently read

National Geographic special edition: Super Food

on weekends you’ll find me…

Spending quality time with my other half, Conor. We travel a lot but when we are in town, we love to budget our time to walk around the city, check out some arts and culture at Moma or the Met. Or have no plan at all and walk the city. Recently, I found a new super easy and no-knead bread recipe. It’s been my weekend to-do obsession.

I couldn’t live without

Love and Joy. Sounds cliche but I despise negativity. Love inspires me and joy keeps filling my tank. So they are my oxygen that for sure I can’t  live without.

Currently binging

Pachinko Season 2 (as of March 19th) This show is a piece of art in every way.

What are your favorite places to eat in NYC?

My kitchen 🙂

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FAQ

Professionally since 2008. Prior to that I was a super helpful kitchen helper in my mom’s and grandma’s kitchen. Cooking gives me so much joy.

Yes, my friends! I will continue sharing kitchen tips, skills, and experiences to help you feel more confident in your own kitchen. But more than that, I want to show you how to cook in a way that truly nourishes both your body and soul. Cooking isn’t just about making food—it’s about creating balance, joy, and well-being in your daily life. Let’s learn and grow together, one delicious meal at a time!

I was introduced to Lifestyle Medicine in the summer of 2024 during a Health and Wellness training at Harvard Medical School. After incorporating its principles into my daily life, I experienced remarkable results—I lost unwanted weight, my blood markers improved, and my overall well-being transformed.

Because of its profound impact, I made the decision to fully embrace Lifestyle Medicine as the foundation of my daily life and to become an advocate for it. I’ve experienced firsthand how stress, pressure, and an unbalanced lifestyle can take a serious toll on health. There was a time when my well-being was at risk, and that dark period became one of my most valuable lessons. It taught me that true wealth isn’t measured by fame, accolades, or financial success—but by good health and a fulfilled life.

This experience changed my world for the better. Today, I am still driven and passionate, eager to achieve more, but I now understand the importance of balance. I no longer have to sacrifice my health to chase success—instead, I choose to live this blessed life with joy, intention, and well-being at the center of it all.

The Thaimee product line was created to help you bring goodness into your kitchen, whether it’s through a quick and easy wholesome meal for yourself or a lovingly prepared dish for your loved ones. My goal is to be part of your journey, making cooking effortless, enjoyable, and nourishing.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Thailand, Thaimee products are crafted to bring authentic taste, warmth, and balance into your daily life. Thai food is more than just a meal—it’s about harmony, community, and nourishment for both body and soul.

In today’s fast-paced world, life can be challenging, and I truly believe that a bowl of delicious, soul-nourishing food can brighten your day. Through Thaimee, I hope to bring you flavors that not only taste amazing but also connect you to the essence of Thai culture—a perfect balance of bold, fresh, and wholesome ingredients that support a joyful and well-balanced life.

Yes! This is something I plan to offer in the near future. Stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter—you’ll be the first to know when private sessions become available! I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

As seen IN

The New Yorker
Epicurious