Owner

Earl Ninsom was only 8 years old when he cooked his first dish: a simple rice-and-pork porridge he prepared for his mother when she fell ill. He hasn’t left the kitchen since. Today critics regard the Bangkok, Thailand-born restaurateur among the most talented chefs in Portland, Oregon, where he helms a small empire of nationally acclaimed Thai restaurants — including EEM, Langbaan, PaaDee, Hat Yai and Phuket cafe.

Both the Oregonian and Portland Monthly crowned EEM and Langbaan as restaurant of the year in 2019 & 2014 respectively, James beard award finalist and semifinalist.” Hat Yai landed on USA Today’s “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” in 2016. A James Beard Award finalist best restaurateur in 2022.

Before opening his first restaurant in 2008, Ninsom — who holds degrees in marketing and master degree in international economics — traveled the world pursuing a career in international business.