Meet June Intrachat | Chef & Owner

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

Hi June, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is resilience, and a deep love for what I do.

When I took over the restaurant after the fire in 2014, I didn’t have a clear plan, just a lot of uncertainty and pressure. The building was damaged, the previous chef had retired, and no one wanted to buy the place. But deep down, I knew I loved cooking, and I believed I could create something meaningful if I leaned into that passion.

Instead of giving up, I decided to rebuild. I created a new concept that combined Thai flavors with my love of breakfast and coffee, even though some people thought it was a little strange at first. That risk ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I also owe a lot of my success to the people around me to my team, my family, and my community. I never forget that I didn’t do this alone. But at the core of it all is that constant push to keep going, stay true to who I am, and keep improving. I think that’s what makes the difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is a reflection of who I am, my culture, my creativity, and my resilience.
At OTUS Thai Kitchen & Coffee, I’ve built something that’s more than just a restaurant. It’s a space where people feel welcome, where Thai food is celebrated in both traditional and unexpected ways, and where every dish tells a story.

What sets OTUS apart is our unique blend of Thai flavors with breakfast comfort food and quality coffee, something people didn’t expect, but have come to love. You might come in for Khao Soi, but end up discovering our Kai-Kata or “It’s a Joke” (our version of Thai rice porridge). I want guests to feel a sense of joy and connection when they eat here.

I didn’t take a straight path to get here. When I took over the restaurant after the fire, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. I was scared, overwhelmed, and unsure if I was making the right choice. I had no roadmap, just passion, grit, and the drive to create something meaningful. I had to teach myself not only how to run a kitchen, but how to run a business. I made mistakes. I doubted myself a lot. But every time I thought about quitting, I reminded myself: this is what I love to do.

I’m most proud of turning a burned-out space into a thriving, loved neighborhood spot. I’m proud that people drive across town just to eat with us. I’m proud that OTUS is still a mom-and-pop shop with heart even with its minimalist café design and modern flavors.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust my instincts and not be afraid to take risks. Even if your path doesn’t make sense to others, if it feels right to you, it’s worth following.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit L.A., I’d make sure they had the best mix of food, culture, and outdoor adventure.

We’d definitely start the trip with breakfast at OTUS. I’d cook them my favorite dishes and give them the full experience. Then we’d explore Thai Town, where one of my absolute favorite late-night spots is Ruen Pair, perfect after a long day.

We’d also go for Korean BBQ at Ahgassi Gopchang, which never disappoints. And of course, we’d spend some time outdoors—hiking some of my favorite trails like Runyon Canyon or maybe a coastal hike in Malibu to balance it all out.

Simple, flavorful, and fun. That’s the kind of week I’d plan.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely want to give credit to my family, my amazing team at OTUS for their dedicated hard work and the local community. Their support, belief, and love have carried me through every challenge. I’m grateful every single day.
I couldn’t have done this without them.

Website: https://www.otusthaikitchen.com/

Instagram: @otus_thaikitchen

Yelp: https://yelp.to/_7_xv4ILiL

Image Credits
Will Blunt
Candy Krajangsri
Kevin Vu Kim