About Thara Thanmanithara

About Thara Thanmanithara

Thai Chef • Food Photographer • Operations Director

Hi, I’m Thara, the co-founder of Holistic Chef Academy, Thai chef, food photographer, and the one making sure everything flows smoothly behind the scenes.

I’m originally from Maha Sarakham, a province in Northeast Thailand. I grew up in a family deeply rooted in traditional Thai food culture. My parents sold homemade dishes at the local market and ran a family restaurant for 13 years. From an early age, I was immersed in the rhythm of prepping, cooking, and serving - it was more than work, it was a way of life.

Thara’s Story

While studying Tourism and Hotel Management in Chiang Mai, I developed a sensitivity to MSG — something very common in modern Thai cooking. That health challenge pushed me to start cooking at home. I quickly realised how much I missed the flavours of my childhood. So I began recreating my favourite dishes from memory - and that’s when my love for cooking truly ignited.

Since then, cooking has become my way of reconnecting with my roots, showing love to others, and expressing myself creatively. I enjoy blending authentic Thai cuisine with international flavours to show that Thai food is incredibly versatile and complementary across cultures.

After nearly 8 years in Chiang Mai, I completed an internship at JW Marriott Khao Lak, working in both the HR and Food & Beverage departments. My background in hospitality helps me bring structure and care to everything I now do at Holistic Chef Academy.

Why I went plant-based

For a long time, I never paid much attention to what I was eating. I was busy, working hard, and eating whatever was quick and available - just like many people do.

But over time, I began feeling weaker and more drained. My body was crying out for change. That’s when I met a new friend from Belgium who lived a fully plant-based lifestyle. She became an example for me - not by words, but by how she lived.

I started researching and learning everything I could about healthy, plant-based food. In 2017, I set a goal to transition to a meat-free lifestyle. Three years later, I had made the change fully, and my life has never been the same.

My energy increased, I could exercise more, I slept better, and I made many new friends on this journey. Every day, I continue to grow, learn, and share what I’ve discovered with others.

What I do today

At Holistic Chef Academy, I focus on:

1. Thai Recipe Development: Sharing traditional and modern Thai plant-based recipes rooted in family tradition and regional flavours.
2. Food Photography & Videography: Capturing the beauty of food through imagery and video to support our recipe blog, cooking courses, and social media channels.
3. Studio & Content Production: Running our creative kitchen studio in Phuket, managing equipment, shoot logistics, and editing workflows.
4. Operations & Admin: Keeping the company running smoothly behind the scenes - from schedules, accounting, and emails to production planning and student support.

My food philosophy

I believe food is a pleasure, a connection to culture, and a reflection of how we live.

I’m inspired by:

• Simple, seasonal ingredients.
• Authentic Thai flavours and village cooking traditions.
• Creating visually beautiful meals that are nourishing and honest.
• Cooking with love, calmness, and attention to detail.

Food is how I share my story - one meal at a time.

A few fun facts about Thara

• I was born and raised in Maha Sarakham, Northeast Thailand
• I speak fluent Thai and English
• I lived in Chiang Mai for 8 years and love showing people the hidden food gems of northern Thailand
• I’m passionate about natural skincare and make my own body oils and balms from Thai herbs
• I love painting, yoga, and learning about permaculture
• I dream of publishing my own plant-based Thai cookbook and photography collection

Where I live

📍 Phuket, Thailand

Skills & hobbies

• Thai Cooking
• Food Photography
• Videography
• Permaculture
• Painting
• Yoga

Find me online

Instagram: @ThatGirlInTheKitchen

Some of my favourite recipes