WHO BUILDS SOULFUL BRANDS AND CONNECTS CULTURE THROUGH FOOD.
Chef Nikky Phinyawatana is a visionary chef and entrepreneur
Born in the United States and raised in Thailand, Nikky’s bicultural upbringing gave her a unique lens for honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Her journey from Thailand back to Texas shaped her belief that food is a powerful bridge for connection and storytelling, and that cultural identity can be a source of creative strength.
Nikky is the founder of Asian Mint, one of the Dallas–Fort Worth area’s most celebrated modern Thai restaurant groups. What began in 2004 as a single restaurant introducing New Bangkok–style cuisine to Dallas has grown into a multi-location, award-winning brand recognized by USA Today, Zagat, Dallas Observer, and D Magazine, with a loyal and diverse following.
Her entrepreneurial vision extends beyond the restaurant world. Nikky is the author of Thai Food and Travel with Chef Nikky and the creator of a signature line of Thai sauces available in restaurants and retail. A passionate advocate for women in leadership and AAPI representation, she serves in leadership roles with Les Dames d’Escoffier International and the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, using her platform to elevate others and create meaningful connections through food.
Chef Nikky’s Speech Topics
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The Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success
BUILDING YOUR DREAM WITH INTENTION AND CONNECTION
Drawing from her journey from Thailand back to Texas and her success building Asian Mint into an award-winning restaurant group, Chef Nikky Phinyawatana shares a powerful blueprint for purpose-driven growth.
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How to Create and Maintain Your Dream Team
A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION, AND CULTURE
High-performing teams are built, not found. In this keynote, Chef Nikky reveals how she has developed loyal, engaged teams across multiple locations in one of the most demanding industries—hospitality—where trust, consistency, and culture determine success.
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What Feeds Your Work
PURPOSE, PRESENCE, AND THE POWER OF PERSONAL STORY
In this moderated conversation, Chef Nikky Phinyawatana invites audiences into the stories, lessons, and cultural influences behind her journey—from Thailand back to Texas to building Asian Mint and authoring Thai Food and Travel with Chef Nikky.
Fee & Travel
In-person fee
$10,000
Virtual fee
$5,000 - $7,500
Curated Culinary Experience
Contact for Quote
Travels from
Dallas, TX
Listed fees are base range and may vary based on event specifics like location, duration, or requirements. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Praise for Chef Nikky