We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Thatsanaphonh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Though it might seem like a loaded question, what genuinely brings me happiness is being with the people I love, preparing meals for them, and savoring the warmth of their company as we share those moments together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a kid, I was always in the kitchen, whether I wanted to be or not, helping my grandma and aunts prepare food for the endless events our large family hosted. Coming from a big Laotian family that settled in the U.S., weekends meant gatherings, with our home open to everyone. My family’s warmth and enthusiasm for sharing our culture—and especially our food—ignited my passion for feeding others.

Laos isn’t a country you hear about often, though names like Anthony Bourdain have recently shone a spotlight on our people and our cuisine. Still, to this day, you’ll often find our authentic dishes tucked away behind Thai menus. When I began my journey as a personal chef, my mission was clear: to bring Lao food to the forefront, preserving its original flavors while presenting it in a modern, elevated way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend and I have been inseparable since we were ten, despite growing up in completely different cultures. So, where would I take her? Straight to my mom’s house. There, she and her family would be greeted with open arms, a welcoming shot from my dad, and a warm plate from my mom—because nothing says reunion quite like a home-cooked meal and a little bit of chaos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I wouldn’t have mustered the courage to share my cooking if it weren’t for the unwavering support of my friends and family. I’ve always loved creating in the kitchen, but self-doubt kept me from taking the leap. Thanks to the encouragement of my wife, close friends, and family, I was finally able to make it happen.

Website: https://theepicureanbunny.com

Instagram: theepicureanbunny

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.