Sompon Nabnian (right) still teaches his own cooking classes

Sompon Nabnian and his English wife, Elizabeth, were the first to open a cooking school in the north of Thailand in 1993.  From humble beginnings, the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School has since spawned a phenomenon, turning cooking courses into one of the most popular tourist activities when visiting Thailand. 

The Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, with over thirteen years’ experience in the business, has garnered a reputation which has reached far beyond Thailand.  Sompon has been invited to appear as a special guest by numerous television programmes on food and travel, including the BBC ‘Holiday’ programme, the National Geographic Channel, ZDF and the Thai Channels 3 and ITV.  In 2001 he hosted his own series for UK television titled ‘Thai Way II’.

Sompon’s recipe for success combines a dollop of charisma, a splash of humour and a generous mix of knowledge.  His lessons are fun, informative and brimming with value.  Whether it is to learn how to cook some of Thailand’s most beloved dishes to impress friends and families at home, to enjoy a terrific day out, or to participate in one of Thai people’s favourite past times – communal cooking and eating – the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School experience is an unforgettable memory for many visitors to Chiang Mai. 

Trendsetters Sompon and Elizabeth have now opened Jasmine Rice Village Boutique Resort & Spa, where guests can relax and unwind in a traditional northern Thai village ambiance, or combine their stay with Sompon’s famed cooking classes in the innovative ‘Stay and Study’ packages. 

Jasmine Rice Village is also home to the Fragrant Rice restaurant, a showpiece of Sompon’s world renowned culinary skills. 

"The classes come highly recommended and include an introduction to Thai herbs and spices, a local market tour, cooking instructions and a recipe booklet. Of course you get to eat the delicious Thai food as well, everything from Chiang Mai- style chicken curry to steamed banana cake".

Lonely Planet 1999

Testing the Thai food that they just cooked.