Chef Nok Suntaranon is a James Beard Award–winning chef, restaurateur, and author whose journey from Trang, Thailand, to Philadelphia has made her one of the country’s most admired culinary voices. Inspired by her mother’s bustling curry paste stall, Nok opened Kalaya as a tribute to her heritage and has since been featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and honored by Forbes 50 Over 50. With bold flavors, vibrant storytelling, and an unmistakable sense of hospitality, she continues to shape the future of Thai dining while sharing the culture and traditions that first inspired her.