Farmhouse Kitchen Thai: From $300 to a Michelin Bib, Kasem Saengsawang’s Culinary Journey
Discover how Chef Kasem Saengsawang turned a $300 start into the vibrant, award-winning Farmhouse Kitchen Thai, blending family traditions, bold flavors, and culinary creativity across six thriving locations.
When Kasem Saengsawang arrived in the U.S. from Thailand in 2005, his plan was simple: study computer science and chase the dream of becoming the next Bill Gates. But the culinary world had other plans for him. "I left Thailand with $300 and a dream of making it big in tech," Kasem recalls. But through a string of kitchen jobs that paid for school, Kasem discovered a different passion—cooking.
Kasem’s journey in the food industry started at the very bottom. “I worked as a dishwasher, then a prep cook, learning every station in the kitchen,” he shares. Over two years, he mastered every role, eventually working his way up to the kitchen’s hottest stations. When he asked his boss for a raise and was denied, Kasem took it as a sign to move on. This led him to a front-of-house role as a busboy, quickly becoming a server, and later, a general manager. "I wanted to understand the whole restaurant experience—from the kitchen to the customer’s table."
Farmhouse Kitchen is Born
In 2015, after years of working his way through the restaurant world, Kasem opened his first restaurant, Farmhouse Kitchen Thai, in San Francisco. His vision was clear: create a space where the energy is loud and the flavors are bold. “I wanted Farmhouse Kitchen to be a place where people could hang out after work, enjoy loud music, and spicy food,” he says.
The menu at Farmhouse Kitchen reflects Kasem’s deep connection to his Thai roots. Using fresh, local ingredients and family recipes, he reimagined traditional Thai dishes in a way that resonated with both local diners and Thai food purists. "When I say spicy, it's going to be spicy," he emphasizes, ensuring that Farmhouse Kitchen delivers the vibrant, bold flavors he grew up with.
The restaurant quickly gained recognition, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand just six months after opening. Kasem attributes this success to the authenticity of his food and the unique dining experience he offers. “The whole experience is about bringing people back to my hometown in Thailand.”
Expanding the Farmhouse Kitchen Empire
Following the success of the San Francisco location, Kasem expanded Farmhouse Kitchen to six locations, including Portland, Oakland, Menlo Park, Los Angeles, and Berkeley. When asked about his decision to open in Portland, Kasem says, "I visited Portland during the winter and loved the food scene. It felt like the right place to share my story and our food." His instinct was right—each new location has been met with enthusiasm from the local community.
Kasem’s creativity didn’t stop with Farmhouse Kitchen. He went on to open several other restaurants, each with a unique twist on Thai cuisine. Daughter Thai, which opened in 2016, was inspired by the birth of his first daughter. The menu highlights the spicier, Southern flavors of Thailand.
He also launched Son & Garden, a breakfast and brunch concept that brings whimsical dishes to life with bright colors and playful presentations. “Son & Garden represents the sweeter side of life, a place where dreams and flowers come together,” he shares, reflecting on how this concept differs from his other ventures.
Surviving and Thriving Through COVID-19
Like many restaurateurs, Kasem faced one of his greatest challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was the most difficult time for me and my team,” he recalls. With indoor dining shut down, Kasem was forced to make tough decisions to keep the business afloat and avoid layoffs. "I had to do something. I couldn’t let my team go. We've worked together for years; they’re like family."
In a stroke of inspiration, Kasem created the Lao Table Set, a family-style takeout tray filled with signature dishes from Farmhouse Kitchen. The trays allowed customers to recreate the restaurant experience at home. “We sold over 300,000 trays and provided 300,000 free kids’ meals. It saved us,” he says proudly. The idea not only kept his business alive but strengthened the bond between Kasem, his team, and his loyal customers.
Signature Dish: Panang Neua
One dish that has been with Farmhouse Kitchen since the beginning is Kasem’s favorite, the Panang Neua—braised short ribs served with blue rice and Panang curry. This dish, steeped in family tradition, reminds Kasem of his childhood in Thailand. "We used to gather for Thai New Year and cook meat in a big underground pit. The smell of the herbs and slow-cooked meat filled the air" he shares.
This personal connection is why Kasem continues to serve the dish at all of his Farmhouse Kitchen locations. It’s a reflection of his past and the flavors that shaped him.
The Heart of the Business: Family and Team
For Kasem, the success of his restaurant group goes beyond great food. It's about the people. "The key to our success is our team. We appreciate everyone who helps run the business and move it in the right direction,” he says. His wife plays a pivotal role in managing the business, and together, they’ve built a family-centered approach to running their restaurants.
Now with two children, Kasem is keen on balancing the demands of his growing business with family life. “My kids love being around the restaurants. They call it their second home," he shares.
What’s Next for Farmhouse Kitchen
As for the future, Kasem believes that his Berkeley location may be his last in California. "It’s a lot to manage, and I want to spend more time with my family," he explains. That said, Kasem’s passion for creating new culinary experiences continues to drive him. His latest venture, Noka Ramen, launched during the pandemic, showcases his love for Japanese cuisine and his desire to keep innovating.
Whether through expanding his brands or trying new concepts, Kasem’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and staying true to one’s roots. From starting out with $300 to now leading a culinary empire, Kasem Saengsawang has proven that following your passion—no matter how unexpected—can lead to incredible success.