Celebrity Chef: Wilaiwan Upathamp
Thu, August 07 2008

Thai chef Wilaiwan  Upathamp toasts to fine cuisine made with the freshest ingredientsGuest Chef: Wilaiwan Upathamp

Restaurant: Wiiman Thai Food Restaurant

Signature Dish: Prawns with roasted chili paste and Thai herbs

Training: "From a young age I have always watched my mother cook. She taught me a lot. I also graduated with a diploma at the Culinary School in Bangkok, Thailand."

Favorite Fast Food: "Lamb curry from the Curry House in Surrey."

Years in the Industry: More than 17 years

Defining Dining in Vancouver: "In Vancouver you can try food from all over the world. I really enjoy it!"

Home Cooking Tip: "Always use fresh ingredients and never use MSG!"

Favorite snack food: Salmon Jerky and dried fruit.

Favorite summer drink/food:  Thai iced coffee and green papaya salad with assorted crab and spiced with a lot of fresh chili.

Secret Recipe . . .

Prawns with Roasted Chili Paste and Thai Herbs

Prawns peeled – 10 to 15 pcs

1 tablespoon ginger

1-2 kaffir lime leaves

4-5 slices of lemon grass

½ teaspoon minced garlic

1tablespoon roasted chili paste

Add broccoli, carrots, baby corns and white mushrooms to taste

2 stems of sweet basil leaves

1 teaspoon fish sauce

½ teaspoon sugar

Method

Heat 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan

Cook prawns, ginger and garlic together for a few minutes

Add vegetables, sugar, fish sauce, sweet basil leaves

Taste dish before served with rice!

Table for Two?

Name: Wiiman Thai Food Restaurant

Address: 1063 West Broadway

Vancouver, BC.

Hours: Lunch Monday to Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm

Dinner Open Daily

5:00pm to various times

Phone: 604.730.9963