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From Thailand to the U.S.: A Culinary Dream Begins
Kate Finn’s journey started in Thailand, her homeland, where she developed a deep love for cooking, particularly Thai food. After moving to the United States in 2018, she worked as a server, but her passion for cooking remained. It wasn't long before she noticed a lack of truly authentic Thai cuisine in her new community. This realization, along with encouragement from her family, sparked the idea for Rice Now. She began cooking Thai dishes for her friends and family, and the positive feedback inspired her to take the leap into the food business.
In July 2021, amid the challenges of the pandemic, Kate launched Rice Now, a food truck dedicated to serving fresh and flavorful Thai dishes to the local community. The name reflects her desire to provide quick yet high-quality meals, focusing on the richness of traditional Thai rice dishes.
Challenges and the Unique Approach of Rice Now
Operating a food truck comes with its own set of challenges, from stiff competition to the demands of running a mobile kitchen. However, Kate has found a way to set Rice Now apart—by cooking each order individually. While this method takes more time than typical food truck operations, it ensures that every dish is made fresh and customized, giving it a unique flavor that fast-prepared meals can’t match.
This approach reflects Kate’s dedication to authenticity and quality, even in the fast-paced environment of a food truck. It’s a balance between speed and flavor, where she thrives. The excitement and intensity of the food truck world keep her energized, as she embraces the challenge of managing orders while maintaining the high standard of her dishes.
Popular Dishes and the Promise of Authentic Thai Flavors
Currently, the menu at Rice Now features Thai favorites like fried rice, Pad Thai, and spicy curry. While Pad Thai is widely recognized as the quintessential Thai dish, Kate is determined to introduce more diverse and authentic flavors from her homeland. One of her goals is to enhance her curry offerings by sourcing authentic ingredients directly from Thailand, giving customers a true taste of Thai cuisine.
Kate’s connection to her roots is evident in every dish she prepares, but she’s not stopping there. She plans to expand the menu next year, bringing in even more authentic Thai dishes that reflect the flavors of her hometown. These dishes will incorporate spices and ingredients that are difficult to find locally, further setting Rice Now apart as a truly unique food truck experience.
Future Plans: From Food Truck to Restaurant
Kate has big dreams for Rice Now. While she loves the fast pace of food truck life, she envisions opening a restaurant in the future, where she can offer a wider array of Thai dishes in a more relaxed setting. The restaurant will not only allow her to expand her menu but also give her the opportunity to learn more about local food preferences.
Her ultimate goal is to strike a balance between authentic Thai flavors and local tastes, ensuring that her food appeals to both Thai food enthusiasts and those new to the cuisine. She understands that some people may prefer a more Americanized version of Thai food, while others crave the bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors of traditional Thai dishes. This flexibility and willingness to adapt will be key to her success as she transitions from food truck to restaurant.
Expanding the Menu and Building Community
One of Kate’s immediate plans is to travel to Thailand at the end of the year to source authentic Thai ingredients for her expanding menu. This trip will allow her to bring back the true essence of Thai cuisine, incorporating real spices, herbs, and other ingredients that are difficult to find in the U.S.
In addition to enhancing the menu, Kate is committed to building a connection with her community. She’s eager to share her culture through her food and welcomes feedback, contributions, and questions from her customers. By involving the community in her journey, Kate hopes to create a dining experience that feels personal and inviting, whether it’s through her food truck or future restaurant.
Where to Find Rice Now
Stay connected with Rice Now and follow Kate’s journey as she brings the authentic flavors of Thailand to your neighborhood. You can find Rice Now at local food truck events around the city. Follow them on social media for updates on their schedule and upcoming dishes!
Follow Rice Now on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates!
