ISLAMABAD: In a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s culture and sustainable living, the Royal Thai Embassy hosted a special event titled “From the Embassy’s Garden to the Lunch Table: Let’s Cook Thai Food!” on Thursday.
The event, held at the Embassy, spotlighted the intersection of traditional Thai cooking and modern sustainability practices.
Kamolwan Sriposil, Charge d’Affaires at the Royal Thai Embassy, began the proceedings with heartfelt gratitude towards Miss Coco Ushiyama, Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP).
Sriposil lauded Ushiyama’s vision and commitment, which were instrumental in bringing the event to fruition. “Today’s event represents much more than a cooking demonstration. It serves as a window into the profound role of the garden in Thai daily life,” said Sriposil.
Cultural Significance and Sustainability
In her speech, Sriposil emphasized the deep-rooted tradition in Thailand of growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits at home. This practice not only provides families with fresh, nutritious ingredients but also enables them to sell surplus produce in local markets, thus bolstering community income and resilience.
“This tradition of self-reliance and sustainability has been the cornerstone of food security in Thai households,” Sriposil remarked, underscoring its relevance in a world grappling with food scarcity and climate change.
A Culinary Showcase
The event featured Chef Haleem, who demonstrated the preparation of two iconic Thai dishes: Thai Green Curry with chicken and Stir-fried minced beef with holy basil. These dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients from the Embassy’s own garden, highlighted the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Following the demonstration, attendees enjoyed these dishes for lunch, embodying the “from the garden to the table” philosophy.
Sriposil extended her appreciation to the World Food Program team for their crucial role in the event’s success and expressed optimism that the event would inspire steps toward a more sustainable future.
A notable highlight of the event was Chef Leem’s signing of the Chef’s Manifesto SDG Zero Hunger. This manifesto, Sriposil explained, serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to achieve a hunger-free world. “Food is not just a necessity—it is a universal language, a source of joy, and a basic human right,” she said.
Sriposil expressed hope that attendees would carry forward the message that food can unite us, nourish our bodies, and contribute to a more sustainable future. “Thank you all for being here. I look forward to the enriching discussions and collaborations that today will inspire,” she concluded.
The Royal Thai Embassy’s event not only celebrated Thai culinary traditions but also underscored the importance of sustainability and community resilience in addressing global food security challenges.
