The first thing Carla noticed after landing in Chiang Mai wasn’t the heat—it was the scent. A heady mix of lime, lemongrass, ginger, and chili that seemed to wrap around every street, stall, and kitchen.
In this quiet, authentic city in northern Thailand, Carla chose to spend a few days learning Thai cuisine directly from local women. The classes were held outdoors, surrounded by palm trees and the sounds of nature. Stone mortars, woven rice baskets, freshly toasted spices—every ingredient told a story, every gesture carried meaning.
She learned to balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in a single bowl. To craft deeply aromatic curries, stir-fry noodles to the perfect bite for an unforgettable pad Thai, and garnish dishes with banana flowers like those used in temple offerings.
“Thai cuisine teaches you balance,” Carla shared. “Not just in flavor—but in life.”
What touched Carla most wasn’t just the recipes. It was the smiles, the hospitality, the eagerness to share an entire culture through a simple soup. In every dish she made, Carla found inspiration to bring home—to her kitchen, and to her ebooks. With gratitude. And a touch of chili.
