Inspirational, knowledgeable, with infectious enthusiasm for what she does and for people in general, she so graciously shares a window into her life and that of her neighbourhood! So much more than just cooking authentic Thai dishes! Get a feel for the market experience, shopping for freshest ingredients! Poo does so much for others with her success! She is a true role model, mentor, and entrepreneur offering hope and setting an example for others in her community to follow. She is proof that success does not need to benefit only one person or family!
Taking customers on a market tour for cooking was extremely informative. A lot of experience with items used in the recipes chosen for each day. So many choices would tell students which items to recommend for the rest of the options.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience of joining a Cooking with Poo class. Poo has a wonderful personality, very friendly, fun, and a great cook! It was a wonderful insight into life in Bangkok and going to her local market to buy produce first, then taking it back to her home to cook was an authentic experience- and very delicious too! She had many great cooking tips to share with us and her knowledge of Thai produce was fantastic! I have recently moved to Bangkok to retire, so I will definitely be joining another one of her classes on a different day of the week so I can learn to cook more of the tasty dishes on her four course menu. I loved going to Poo’s neighbourhood and enjoyed this non touristy experience. Thank you Poo- you will see me again!
We really enjoyed touring the Khlong Toei market with Chompu and friends. After driving back to her cooking class, she demonstrated how to make the dishes and then we prepared them ourselves. I appreciated that she taught us how to make single-serving portions of dishes that weren't too intimidating! Chompu's personality is so warm and engaging, which made the day special.
I loved to walk through the market while getting explanations. Poo and the team are so friendly and funny. Cooking with them was a fantastic experience. Thank you so much!
I love Thai food and I have attended several cooking classes before. Cooking with Poo and friends is simply the best. Due to the charming and inspiring character of chef Poo, one not only learns a lot about Thai ingredients and spices but also what people can achieve when living their dreams like Poo. Also a big thank to Cookly- you helped me to meet my class after I run late due to the incomparable Bangkok traffic.
Really enjoyed the overall experience and the food we made was delicious.
Khun Saiyuud Diwong, known as Poo (short for "Chompoo" or rose apple), is a long-time resident of Klong Toey, the largest slum in Bangkok. In late 2007, as the price of rice in Thailand doubled, she found that she could no longer make a living selling food from her house.
One of Poo's neighbours and customers was Anji Barker, an Australian with Urban Neighbours of Hope who had been living and working in the slum for many years. She heard about Poo's situation and, together with some friends, supported Khun Poo to start her own cooking class.
For more than 5 years now Khun Poo's cooking school has been running in Klong Toey for tourists as well as local residents. She represents a remarkable model of success and positivity in an often stark and complex landscape of poverty and hardship and has trained up a stellar team of fellow residents.
From modest beginnings in the front room of Khun Poo’s house (with no English skills) the initiative has grown into a very successful cooking school. Khun Poo and her growing team have since mastered the English language and nowadays the team can accommodate up to 12 students, six days a week.