James Beard–nominee and chef of the Thai restaurant International Market in Nashville, Arnold Myint shares how to make the Thai food he grew up with in a cookbook that is approachable yet packs a punch of flavor
Arnold Myint grew up as a restaurant kid and was lucky enough to be surrounded by delicious Thai food. His parents, Thai and Burmese immigrants, first opened Nashville’s International Market & Restaurant in 1975—a rarity in Tennessee, where Asian cuisine hadn’t quite expanded beyond Americanized Chinese takeout. The Myints were determined to introduce Americans to the fiery, bold, and fragrant Thai flavors that had always brought them comfort, and it turned out that a taste of Thailand was exactly what Nashville needed.
Almost 45 years later, after attending culinary school in New York City and working with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Arnold now owns and runs International Market, where he continues to serve the comforting, soul-feeding recipes of his mother while also jazzing things up with his own Thai-Southern flare. During the pandemic, Arnold began reaching out to an all-new audience as well through Instagram, teaching “Thai 101” basics to an ever-growing number of viewers.
Now Arnold—who also happens to be a fabulous drag queen under the alter ego Suzy Wong—is expanding his teaching on the food of Thailand to a vibrantly illustrated and designed cookbook. In Family Thai, Arnold breaks down an often-intimidating cuisine into accessible building blocks for every home cook, beginning with pantry staples—what’s fish sauce? what are the differences between soy sauces?—and moving on to teaching readers essential skills like how to steam the perfect sticky rice or how to make their own noodles if they can’t find them stocked nearby.
Arnold also shares what he likes to cook at home and adaptations of Thai cuisine that have been inspired by his hometown of Nashville and his travels around the world. From there, he takes us into the vibrant and colorful world of Thai street food—including shumai, shrimp toast, curry puffs, and more— classic noodle dishes, his own original creations, and, of course, his mother’s classic recipes. Longtime fans of International Market, who have been begging for their favorite classic recipes for years, will find them among these pages.
When Thais greet each other, they don’t ask how are you or what’s up? Instead, they ask, Kin lao yang? or have you eaten? Feeding people is how Patti and Win Myint—and now Arnold—show their love, not just for their family but for everyone within reach. In Family Thai, Arnold shares his boldly flavorful food and welcoming, heartfelt approach with home cooks everywhere.
Praise
“Arnold’s connection to the food of his culture is very personal, and the result is a book brimming with vibrancy and joy!”
——Andy Ricker, James Beard Award–winner and founder of Pok Pok
“Chef Arnold’s book, restaurant, and spirit are a high-definition snapshot of where Thai cuisine is today.”
——Justin Pichetrungsi, James Beard Award–winner at Anajak Thai
“This book is a family tie (pun intended!) to Arnold’s incredible mom and a warm invitation to anyone who loves great food.”
——Carla Hall, chef, author, and television host
“Family Thai takes you on a beautiful journey of family and tradition while opening you up to the world of Thai cuisine and culture.”
——Tue Nguyen, chef and author of Ði An
“Arnold’s unique perspective and welcoming style make this a delicious, joyful adventure.”
——Gail Simmons, television host and author of Bringing It Home
“Chef Arnold Myint’s true love for Thai cuisine shines through on every page, making this book a true celebration of identity and tradition.”
——Somjai Taphaopong, consul general of Thailand in New York
“Family Thai belongs dog-eared and stained in the kitchen of everyone that loves Thai cuisine.”
——Tiffani Faison, chef and restaurateur
“In Family Thai, Arnold shows off the delicious, vibrant dishes that have made not only Nashville, but the whole country fall in love with delicious Thai flavors.”
——Maneet Chauhan, chef, author, and Food Network personality
“If you’ve never stuffed Patti’s famous fifty-ingredient salad into your mouth, have you even lived? In Family Thai, Arnold continues her spirit with showgirl surprise, love for his family, and culinary expertise.”
——Sutan Amrull (Raja), drag icon, multimedia artist, and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race
“This book will teach you everything you need to know about cooking an array of bright, bold, and beautiful Thai dishes at home.”
——Jesse Szewczyk, food editor and author of Cookies
“Family Thai is a must-have, informed by tradition and history.”
——Frankie Celenza, Emmy Award–winning culinary host and author of Easy, Affordable, Tasty
“I remember living in Nashville years ago, and one of the few constants in my life was Arnold’s cooking. I’m so happy he’s getting to share all that laughter, love, and food with the world.”
——Brooke Lynn Hytes, drag artist and host of Canada’s Drag Race
