Logout
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Overland Park, Kan.
Executive chef and co-founder, Buck Tui BBQ; executive chef, Muni
I connected with Holy Cross before my wedding in 2005. I was raised Buddhist in Thailand, but when my husband, Ted, and I started our life together, I chose to become Lutheran, and we were married at Holy Cross.
I help with fundraising dinners to support our youth group. It’s important to me because it’s a meaningful way to give back through my gifts as a chef.
My church community is my support system. It’s a place where I feel loved, encouraged, and like I truly belong.
At Buck Tui BBQ, Ted and I blend Kansas City-style barbecue with the Thai flavors I grew up with. I’m also executive chef at Muni, a Thai Mexican neighborhood bar and eatery in Kansas City.
Hospitality has always been at the heart of my work, and my faith continues to guide the way I serve others, both inside and outside the kitchen.
I started cooking after moving to the U.S. from Thailand in 1998 because I missed the food from home. Over time, working in my family restaurant and in professional kitchens grew into my career as an executive chef.
When I received recognition—including being named a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest, Feast magazine’s Chef of the Year, and The Pitch’s Best Chef Kansas City—I felt proud and grateful. It reminded me that patience, consistency and hard work truly pay off.
Cooking keeps me connected to my heritage and roots. It’s also how I show love, care and hospitality to others.
My approach as a chef is to cook with love and compassion. I want people to feel cared for and welcomed through the food I serve.
I love that my work is centered on serving others. I was a nurse in Thailand, and now I serve people through food and hospitality.
I live out my faith through service every day. I try to give back, mentor others and lead with kindness.
I love reading and listening to audiobooks. When I have time, I also enjoy cooking for my family and friends.
I pray for strength and guidance. I ask God to help me through whatever comes next in life.
I’m a Lutheran because I believe serving others in everyday life is a calling from God. My faith guides how I live, work and care for my community.
If you’d like to nominate someone for “I’m a Lutheran,” email livinglutheran@elca.org.
