Maile’s culinary career was inspired by watching her mother and family cook traditional Lao, Thai and French food. Family gatherings people sat together sharing a few dishes and eating sticky rice, shredding green papaya and making mouthwatering salads along with meats with herbs of lemongrass, mint, basil and dill. Maile learned all the traditional recipes and then started experimenting with different ingredients.
Maile’s culinary repertoire flourished at Thai Chef in Lahaina, Mekong Thai Restaurant and Paesano Ristorante Italiano in Manoa.
She became Managing partner at Assaggio Ristorante Italiano in Hawaii Kai and there she started experimenting with mixing Asian spices with Italian ingredients.
In 2008 she opened Maile’s Thai Bistro in Hawaii Kai. Maile’s menu offers her innovative interpretation of blending the Thai, Laotian and Hawaii’s local culture for its beautiful flavors, strong spices and fresh taste. In 2017 she opened her second location, Maile’s Thai at Ward Center. As the owner/executive chef, she is continuously striving to build upon her vision of providing exemplary dishes and comprehensive guest experience, while also encouraging a rewarding team environment for her staff.
Outside of the restaurant, Maile spends time with her family, hiking, works with select non – profit organizations and playing with her family dog Matcha.
