Preserving the unfiltered soul of Thai culinary heritage, heirloom recipes, and local community friendships since 2012.
Founded in 2012, Chili Paste Tour is the creation of Ubon Ratchathani native and Bangkokian of over 15 years, Chin Chongtong, who serves as our principal tour host and culinary educator.
Saying Chin is a Thai food enthusiast would be a massive understatement — nearly all of her time is dedicated to exploring, studying, and experimenting with traditional Thai cuisine. In her own kitchen, at rural country farmsteads, at Bangkok's quiet morning markets, and at unassuming street stalls where multigenerational families are serious about taste, Chin can be found tirelessly searching for rare heirloom flavors.
"With a sharp palate that tends towards the naturally sour, bitter, and savory rather than commercial sugar, Chin believes that mass-produced seasoning powders and excessive MSG are leading modern Thai food astray. She is wholeheartedly devoted to preserving the deep, ancient roots of authentic Thai cooking."
As a young girl in Northeast Thailand (Isaan), Chin’s mother and grandmother taught her to forage for wild herbs, mushrooms, and seasonal forest ingredients in the rolling hills, instilling in her a profound, lifelong reverence for nature and pure ingredients.
Master Local Cook & Licensed Tour Leader (TAT #14/01332)
Stone-pounded relishes: the ancient cornerstone of Thai gastronomy
The company takes its name from the English translation for nam prik (น้ำพริก), an extraordinary genre of Thai relishes prepared by pounding fresh chilies, shallots, garlic, wild herbs, and fermented pastes with a heavy stone mortar and pestle.
A tiny spoonful of nam prik delivers a thunderous punch of layered flavor, making it a beloved staple in everyday Thai homes for centuries. It transforms simple steamed jasmine rice and crisp garden greens into an unforgettable meal.
No two chili pastes are alike. A handcrafted nam prik is nothing short of an edible work of art. When founding our company in 2012, we realized that nothing encapsulates Thailand’s vibrant culture, biological diversity, and culinary artistry better than nam prik.
Chin aims to keep every journey professional while remaining wonderfully relaxed and intimate. Guests frequently comment that spending a day with Chin feels like being welcomed and shown around by an old local friend who happens to be a world-class authority on Thai food.
Above all, Chin cares deeply about the local neighborhood communities she visits daily. The warmth and respect she shares with street vendors, canal boatmen, and market stallholders shines through in every interaction.
Exploring living water communities where traditions remain unchanged
Recognized by leading Southeast Asian publications, food authors, and international travel experts.
Chin is a dynamo, a one-woman street-combing machine with as much know-how of this country’s cuisines and cultural mechanisms as any chef this side of David Thompson—and more spirit than a Muay Thai prize fighter.
What I found particularly amazing about Chin’s method was her constant attention to detail, always making sure that every single dish was of the highest quality in both taste and cleanliness. When she noticed I had a swollen ankle, she worked a visit to a traditional Thai doctor into our tour. That kind of service is pretty incredible.
Repeatedly praised by Thailand travel guru Richard Barrow, and featured by the acclaimed authors of Thailand's Best Street Food and Anne's Kitchen. Guests consistently rate Chili Paste Tour 5.0 out of 5.0 on TripAdvisor.
Chin will confirm availability and exact schedule directly with you within 24 hours.
