The chef, author and owner of Rosa’s Thai and Lao Cafe discusses restaurants post lockdown, chillies and David Attenborough
How has Rosa’s Thai coped through lockdown?
It’s been a tough few months for the hospitality industry, but we were able to keep 11 of our 19 restaurants open throughout selling deliveries and takeaway orders. Our team has been brilliant!
Are you looking forward to welcoming guests again?
Yes, very much. We’ve received so many messages from our guests saying how excited they are for us to reopen fully.
What’s the biggest lesson the Covid-19 crisis has taught you?
You never know what life is about to throw at you.
Rosa’s Thai butternut red curry
Who is your role model and how have they influenced you in your work?
My mother because she is a hard-working woman and always thinks ahead in all that she does.
What ingredient can you not live without and why?
Chillies – I need to spice up my taste buds all the time.
What item, apart from your passport, can you not travel without?
Chilli flakes or chilli powder. I always have a small packet in my handbag.
Where is your favourite place to eat in London?
My lovely little restaurant, Lao Cafe, in Covent Garden. We pride ourselves on authentic, true cooking that doesn’t pretend to be anything that it isn’t – just like me.
What do you like to do on a day off?
Cooking at home for my family.
Apart from food, what are your biggest passions?
I love wine tasting and listening to Thai music. Before moving to the UK, we had a vineyard in Thailand, which was a great project. I learned so much from it.
If you could invite anyone, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would it be and why?
I would love to invite David Attenborough because he is truly a natural and genuine person.
Rosa’s Thai and Lao Café are both delivering delicious meals via Deliveroo and offer click and collect take away. The restaurant teams are currently working on a plan to reopen, check the Rosa’s Thai and Lao Café websites and Instagram for more information.
