About Maikham
Chef Usanee was born and raised in the northeastern Isaan region of Thailand, where her journey with food began on a small farm. Surrounded by the vibrant ingredients of Thai cuisine, she started cooking at a young age, developing a deep connection with the flavors and techniques that would shape her culinary future.
Growing up, the bustling street food vendors of Udon left a lasting impression on Chef Usanee. As Thailand transformed from dirt roads and pastoral landscapes to bustling cities like Bangkok, the essence of street food evolved. Chef Usanee has taken these cherished street food dishes from her childhood and infused them with her unique style, incorporating fresh vegetables and homestyle cooking techniques.
Her culinary journey expanded when she moved to Bangkok for college, where she was exposed to diverse cuisines from all over Thailand and Southeast Asia, including rich soups and aromatic curries. Her friends fondly dubbed her the "Curry Queen" for her remarkable ability to balance flavors.
Thirty years ago, Chef Usanee moved to the United States to start her family and rais her children. In 2014, she opened the first iteration of Maikham on North State Street in Bellingham, WA. Although the Bellingham restauraunt closed in 2018, it found a new home in Fairhaven in 2019.
Driven by a passion for cooking and the tenacity instilled in her from growing up in Northern Thailand during the Laotian Secret War, Chef Usanee has worked tirelessly to bring her vision of Maikham to life. She welcomes guests into her restaurant, which she has lovingly decorated with plants, antiques, and artifacts collected over the years, many from Thailand and Laos. Maikham Thai and Lao is an extension of her home and ancestry, where she prepares her food and treats customers with the warmth and care she would extend to friends and family.
Chef Usanee's children have been by her side since the beginning. Her daughter contributed to the restaurant in its early days and has recently spearheaded the creative direction of the restaurant. Meanwhile, her son's role has evolved from working the front and back of the house to taking on significant responsibilities in the
restaurant's operations.
After nearly ten years of running both the business and working in-house for lunch and dinner, Chef Usanee has begun to take a step back. Today, she oversees the kitchen, ensuring everything meets her high standards, and has entrusted her son and a capable staff with daily operations.
Though she now takes some well-deserved rest, Chef Usanee is present every day to ensure Maikham Thai Restaurant maintains her high standards, personal touches, and commitment to accommodating guests as she would in her own home.