Starting 2026 with Fresh Energy, Bold Flavours & Cultural Discovery

The beginning of a new year always brings a special sense of renewal, and this January, Arun Thai Cooking School was filled with exactly that. From the early morning market visits to the comforting aroma of herbs simmering in our kitchen, the school came alive with students eager to cook, learn, and experience Thai culture through food.

To start the year with balance and intention, we curated dishes that are refreshing, nourishing, and deeply rooted in Thai regional cuisine.

Our January DTV Featured Dishes were:

Larb Moo (Spicy Minced Pork Salad)

Kaeng Om Moo (Northeastern Thai Herb Soup with Pork)

Both dishes originate from Northeastern Thailand (Isan) a region known for bold seasoning, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors that energize the body and awaken the palate.

January DTV Monthly Theme: Thai Soups & Salads

After the festive New Year celebrations, we wanted to introduce dishes that feel light, herbal, and energizing, while still packed with bold Thai flavors.

• Larb Moo is loved for its lively balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes, finished with fresh herbs that create a bright, aromatic experience.

  
  

• Kaeng Om Moo is a comforting Northeastern Thai soup, rich in fragrance from slow-simmered herbs, vegetables, and pork.

These dishes are perfect examples of how Thai cuisine supports both flavor and well-being and a great way to prepare your body for the year ahead.

Vegan-friendly and Halal options were also available, with thoughtfully prepared alternative ingredients so everyone could fully enjoy the experience.

DTV Classes: Cooking with Cultural Understanding

Our DTV classes continued to deepen this January, focusing not just on how to cook Thai dishes, but why they taste the way they do.

Throughout the month, students learned how regional influences shape Thai flavors, discovered the importance of herbs and acidity in Northeastern cuisine, and explored how vegetables and spices work together to build aroma and balance.

By the end of each class, students weren’t simply following recipes, they were confidently adjusting flavors and beginning to think like Thai cooks.

Private Group Experiences: Cooking, Culture & Connection

January was a particularly special month for our private cooking class experiences, as we welcomed groups who came not only to cook, but to connect with Thai culture, with one another, and with meaningful shared experiences.

At Arun Thai Cooking School, private sessions are carefully customized to match the purpose of each group, whether it is cultural learning, team bonding, or community engagement. This month, we were honored to host two memorable private groups.

Girl Scouts from ISB (International School Bangkok)

We were delighted to host the Girl Scouts from ISB, who joined us for an engaging and educational cultural experience. Their session combined hands-on cooking with creativity and cultural discovery, allowing the students to learn about Thai food traditions in a fun and approachable way.

Through cooking and activities, the girls explored teamwork, curiosity, and confidence values that align beautifully with both scouting and Thai communal food culture. It was a joyful session filled with learning, laughter, and proud moments in the kitchen.

Collaboration with Global Professional Women (GPW)

January also marked our first collaboration with Global Professional Women (GPW), and it was a truly meaningful experience.

For this special occasion, we customized a program that went beyond cooking to include cultural reflection and shared purpose. The experience began with fish releasing, a symbolic merit-giving activity in Thai Buddhist culture that represents compassion, gratitude, and new beginnings.

Following this cultural activity, GPW members moved into the kitchen to cook together, preparing:

• Pad Thai, Thailand’s iconic national dish

• Bird Art Dumplings, blending culinary technique with creativity

• Mango Sticky Rice, a beloved Thai dessert

This thoughtfully designed session allowed participants to slow down, connect, and experience Thai culture through both tradition and food. We were grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with GPW and look forward to hosting more events together in the future.

Looking Ahead: A Year full of wonder and flavour begins

January set a strong and inspiring tone for the year at Arun Thai Cooking School. Through structured DTV programs, lively private group sessions, and welcoming daily classes, every experience reflected our commitment to authentic Thai cuisine, cultural understanding, and hands-on learning.

If you’re looking to refresh your palate, deepen your understanding of Thai food, or begin your DTV journey, we invite you to book a class with us this month.

We look forward to welcoming you back into our kitchen and continuing this flavorful journey together.