MAMA STREET FOOD
Bon appétit to Aroi mak mak!
Broadsight July
A few weeks ago, I interviewed Norman Kolton, who wishes to open a Thai street food restaurant in Paris. In most circumstances, news of a farang opening a street food restaurant in Bangkok would not be interesting. However, Kolton wishes to produce sell tom yam, kow pad gai and plakem in Paris.
Interviewer & Writter : Sainzaya Chuluuntuya
Kolton was raised in multicultural environment, as his family moved many times due to his father’s career. A fan of travel, he has always been passion ate about food from international cuisines. After at tending hospitality school in Switzerland, he embarked on journey towards Asia.
After school, Norman worked for several restaurants in Shanghai and France. During his time in Asia, he travelled to Thailand with his father. Ac- cording to him, his penchant for creativity is from his father.
Kolton however, said that trav-elling to Thailand opened his eyes to a new avenue of approaching food and hospitality.
“In my mind, I want to create something new in the food service industry. Of course everyone prefer to eat quality food, same time they concern about price and fast delivery. After I travel to Bangkok, I saw people making food really fast and price was incredible cheap. If I want to have exactly same dish in France, I around 60 euros or more.”
And he added :
“I want to make changes in Fast Food Industry. I set the core aspects of Mama Street Food restaurant to be speed, afforda-bility, and authenticity.”
The strength of Thai food lies in its ability to combine texture, smell, and the spices together to form a coherent yet exciting dish. Ingredients that are common in Thailand such as lemongrass, fish sauce, chillies, and herbs that are used as ingredients in Thai cuisine. Kolton states that he has already prepared a plan for gathering ingredients and other logistical issues that might arise.
When I asked financial part of the project, he said “Of course, business is all about in- vestment and some basic fund. I am a young person who is earning money by myself, but still we need an investment. So if is there anyone interest in this project please visit www. FoodRaising.com”. FoodRaising is a website that allows for crowdsourcing, where the gen- eral public can contribute to the investment of the restaurant and receive perks in return.
“I don’t want to do a big marketing now. Because my project is still on the paper. However, it is good to promote in social media and same time saying thank you to people who are helping on our project.”
…While
some aromas are not pleasing to the France proboscis please don’t let that criterion alone dissuade you from trying the Thai food; once the seafood, and vegetables meet your French palate, you probably will enjoy the immense Thai flavour that is Norman’s passion.
Bon appétit to Aroi mak mak!
When I asked to Norman, what would you advice for a young entrepreneurs?
“Don’t afraid to start, use opportunities and make it happen!”
Published on July 3rd, 2014
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