Jennifer Nawasangarun, owner and partner of Eastside and Seattle restaurants Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen, is a restaurant industry veteran who spent nearly 20 years in the U.S. and Thailand.
The flagship Kirkland Isaan Thai Soul Kitchen opened 10 years ago and has since expanded to locations in Ravenna, Lynnwood and, most recently, Queen Anne. With the expansion and evolving menu in mind, Nawasangarun spoke with us about his tastes, coffee obsessions and more.
What is the signature dish on Isarn's menu and what makes it unique?
Our Hat Yai Fried Chicken is served with papaya salad and sticky rice. The chicken is carefully marinated overnight before being steamed and fried, topped with crispy fried shallots. Roll the sticky rice into a ball and dip it into the fresh papaya salad to enjoy the harmonious flavours in every bite.
What's your favourite thing on Isarn's menu?
Our Southern Curry with Glass Noodles is my favorite dish. Beautifully presented, fresh, crisp, colorful vegetables, pickled cabbage, glass noodles, cod puree curry topped with crab meat, everything blends together perfectly. It tastes as good as it looks.
What's your favorite place on the East Side?
My favorite is Ascend in Bellevue, it's my go-to place after work – great atmosphere, great music, great food and drinks.
What's your favorite comfort food?
It's stir-fried pork with Thai basil (from Isan) and jasmine rice, topped with a crispy soft-boiled egg and, not to be missed, a side of chilli fish sauce.
What first got you interested in this industry?
Deeply committed to family values and the joy of companionship, I have always treasured the power food has to bring people together. It truly warms my heart to see this connection at our restaurants. Our restaurants are more than just delicious food; they are places where guests can immerse themselves in the warmth of Thai culture, love and hospitality.
What's always in your fridge?
Garlic! I use garlic in almost all of my cooking. Garlic adds depth to the dish.
When you cook at home, what are some recipes you always make?
As a mother of three and an entrepreneur, sometimes the simple things are my go-to. I love yakisoba noodles with veggies, protein, eggs, garlic oil, and a dash of soy sauce. For me, it's the perfect anytime dish and checks all the boxes.
You are stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing you absolutely cannot live without?
I'd be lying if I said Thai tea. I'm a coffee fanatic. Definitely coffee!
Share one tip from a pro or restaurant that can be used in the home kitchen.
Fresh garlic will add flavour to any dish if you chop it finely and fry it in oil until golden brown, straining off the crispy bits and reserving the oil. Allow the garlic to cool on a paper towel with salt and then return it to the oil. This fragrant concoction will keep for weeks and is a great starter for any dish or a delicious accompaniment to soups.
As the sunny weather sets in, what's your best summer meal?
In Thailand, where the weather feels like summer all year round, papaya salad, crispy fried chicken, tom yum goong soup, laab duck salad, sticky rice and sweet frozen coconut drinks are a perfect combination, all the more delicious when enjoyed with friends and family.
