MEET THE CHEF

Executive Chef

Lalita Souksamlane

redefining Thai cuisine

Meet our fearless leader, Chef Lalita Souksamlane. Renowned California restauranteur and pioneering leader in San Francisco’s Thai food movement since 1996. Over the past 27 years, Lalita has grown to fame by redefining the Thai culinary experience with a modern approach, receiving multiple awards and acclaim from food critics across the globe. 

Her award-winning cuisine boasts modern takes on authentic Thai favorites, utilizing contemporary culinary techniques, paired with her distinct cooking style. Showcasing dishes rarely tasted in Thai cuisine. 

The most unique quality about Chef Lalita’s cuisine is her passion for the craft. Cooking is not just a means of living; it is her life passion and is rooted deep in her DNA. Her first memories are of cooking in the kitchen with her father in her home village of Nongkhai in Northeast Thailand. She attributes her passion for the culinary arts to her father, who inspired her to open her own restaurant. To this day she keeps his original recipes alive on in the cuisine at her restaurants.

Souksamlane moved to San Francisco after completing culinary school in 1995 to pursue her lifelong dream of opening her own Thai restaurant. Just one year later, that dream turned into a reality with the opening of Osha Thai on Geary Street in 1996. Over the past 27 years her empire has expanded beyond her wildest dreams, while staying true to her origins. On top of owning and operating 2 famous San Francisco restaurants (Osha Thai & Lao Table), Lalita is also the founder of boutique bed and breakfast in Napa Valley, Bann at Oak Knoll. She is also the executive Chef of acclaimed Torsap Thai Kitchen in Walnut Creek and Carlsbad, CA.

Chef Lalita's Newest Venure

OSHA THAI NAPA

Introducing the newest addition to the Osha Thai family, Osha Thai Napa. Her newest restaurant highlights all of the Osha favorites that have become a staple in San Francisco, but also goes beyond to showcase dishes never before tasted at her restaurants. Souksamlane has been meticulously crafting her skill and learning new cooking techniques to bring to Osha Thai Napa. Showcasing brand new flavors like,  Offering a true “East Meets West” dining experience.

Osha Napa is situated in the heart of Downtown Napa. The restaurant offers guests an intimate dining experience with a limited number of tables. Adorned with elaborate gold and blue tiling, colorful floral garlands, and modern Thai style decor. Complete with an extensive wine menu highlighting local and imported wines.

Lalita believes that quality and authenticity are two main factors that set her cuisine apart, but her passion is the most important factor that makes the experience truly unique.

CHEF LALITA's VENUES

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Laurent Fine dining,
107 Duncan Avenue, New York
914-309-7030,
Open: 09:00 am – 01:00 pm