Story

I grew up on the lush island of Java, one of ten children in a lively household where the kitchen was the heart of our home. My mother, my sisters, and I spent our days gathered around pots bubbling with fragrant spices, cooking meals that brought everyone together. That love for food—and the joy of sharing it—has been with me ever since.

My culinary journey has taken me all over the world, from the vibrant street markets of Thailand and the spice-rich kitchens of Dubai to the seafood feasts of the Philippines and the bold, soulful flavors of Jamaica. Along the way, I trained with master chefs, learning their secrets and collecting recipes like precious souvenirs. No matter where I landed, one thing always held true: food is a powerful way to connect with people.

In 2002, I opened my first Indo-Thai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The response was beyond what I could have imagined. I expanded to Myrtle Beach in 2009, and then Pawley’s Island in 2010. These restaurants became a way for me to bring the bold, authentic flavors of Southeast Asia to communities hungry for something soulful and new.

Eventually, I put down roots in South Carolina—drawn by its warmth, its people, and its comfort food. While I love cooking Southern classics (yes, I make a mean fried chicken and mashed potatoes!), my passion has always been sharing the vibrant, complex dishes that shaped my childhood and travels. Over the past two decades, I’ve continued expanding my culinary repertoire to include flavors from Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

Every sauce, every dish, and every spice blend I create is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients—some passed down through generations, others taught to me by my mentors. When you walk into my kitchen, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re experiencing my story.

So come, pull up a chair, and let’s make memories—one delicious bite at a time.