MEET THE CHEF
Executive Chef
Lalita Souksamlane
Meet our fearless leader, Chef Lalita Souksamlane. Renowned California restauranteur, her award-winning Thai cuisine has been a San Francisco staple since the opening of the first Osha Thai restaurant in 1996. Over the past 27 years her empire has expanded to become the Bay Area’s best known name in Thai cuisine, receiving multiple awards and acclaim from food critics.
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.
A native to Nongkhai in Northeast Thailand, Chef Lalita Souksamlane discovered her passion for cooking at a very young age by helping her father in the kitchen. Unlike traditional Thai families, her father did all of the cooking. He taught her his craft, and inspired her to open her own restaurant someday. Today, she has kept many of her father’s original recipes alive in the dishes at her four establishments; Osha Thai San Francisco, Osha Thai Napa, Lao Table San Francisco, and Bann at Oak Knoll Napa.
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. Her dream didn’t end there. Over the next few years, Osha Thai expanded to become one of San Francisco’s best known names in Thai cuisine, receiving multiple awards and acclaim from food critics.
Chef Lalita's Newest Venure
OSHA THAI NAPA
Today, she is expanding her empire to Napa Valley with the opening of 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. Over the past few years, Souksamlane has been meticulously crafting her skill and learning new cooking techniques to bring to Osha Thai Napa. Osha Napa showcases modern flavors like, Volcanic Beef (Osha’s signature dish since 1996), Bangkok Roti, Lalita’s famous Fried Chicken & Papaya Salad, and much more! 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.
