Ayara Thai Brings Thai Flavors To A Mexico City Pop-Up

Thai and Mexican cuisine actually have a lot in common with each other – even though it might not seem like it on the surface.

Chef Vanda and Cathy Asapahu of Los Angeles' Ayara Thai took on the challenge of bringing classic Thai flavors to the heart of Mexico City. From June 14-30, the Asapahu sisters served up Thai dishes at  Cafe Urbano, a modern space located on the first floor of the Presidente InterContinental hotel in Mexico City.

"I think Mexican cuisine and Thai cuisine has similarities with the use of cilantro, chili, and lime juice," Vanda Asapahu said. "We may have a little bit more herbs, but in terms of the flavor profile all of the key notes kind of match up, so it was very, very easy for us to design a menu."

The gastronomic pop-up was a collaboration with the Thai Embassy of Mexico and the Thai Tourism Board. The menu included a Northern Thai Platter, Laab Moo Salad, Spicy Basil Chicken Fried Rice, Spicy Seafood Hotpot Soup, Ka-Pow Rib-Eye, a creamy Roasted Duck Curry and locally caught fish served Chu-Chee style. Dessert options included mango sticky rice or Crispy Roti with Coconut Ice Cream.

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When putting together the menu, the Asapahu sisters consulted the menus of the three Thai restaurants in Mexico City.

"I was fortunate to be able to call some of these owners and chefs to ask them what's on the menu that has done really well," Vanda said. "Also, to what are your barriers as well? What ingredients don't you have? I had to source some of the ingredients to bring in myself."

The Asapahu sisters are the second-generation owners of Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles. Vanda worked with non-profit organizations and the United Nations in Thailand, where she traveled through the different regions to discover new tastes and inspirations. Cathy trained under world-renowned and Michelin chefs in New York City, where she learned the intricacies of French cuisine and fine-dining.

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And as they brought Thai flavors to Mexico City, the Vanda Asapahu said that she brought back some Mexico City flair for Ayara Thai.

"We've brought a lot of plates and silverware and lots of amazing little baskets back from Mexico. We want to incorporate that into the way we plate, the way we do things."

The meal that is the subject of this review was provided at no cost to the contributor.