Chef chases his dream
Romance and food always come together on TV. Thai audiences never seem to get tired of watching tales that involve love and cooking. Airing now every Saturday and Sunday at 9 am, Channel 7’s new sitcom Rak Prung Ros (Love Cuisine), is the latest addition to this popular Thai TV tradition.
Love Cuisine stars Nathaschai Charasmas (Big) as Khao Chae, an ambitious young chef who leaves his hometown to follow his dream of becoming a restaurant owner. The show also deals with complicated family relationships and, of course, romance.
S Weekly recently caught up with 26-year-old Big to talk all about Love Cuisine, his acting career and his love of football.
What kind of show is Love Cuisine?
Big: It’s a romantic sitcom that involves a passion for food and cooking.
Can tell us about your character?
Big: I play the main character, Khao Chae. He’s just returned from the US after going there to train as a chef. When he comes back home he finds out that his parents have had a falling-out and his mother has left. So Khao Chae sets out on a mission to find her. Meanwhile, he rents an empty space under a guest house and sets up a restaurant. There, he meets and falls in love with Tapoo (Angkana Woraruttanachai), the daughter of the guest house owner.
Did you enjoy working alongside Aom Angkana?
Big: Yes. We’ve actually known each other for a long time, even though it’s our first time working together. Aom and I started at Channel 7 at around the same time and we were in the same acting class for years. She’s a talented actress, so working with her is really easy and great fun.
What do you like most about the show?
Big: Definitely the comedy. Every minute on set was fun and stress-free. I especially enjoyed my scenes with comedian Morris K. He’s hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at his jokes.
Your character is named after a traditional Thai dish. Have you ever tried khao chae?
Big: I’ve definitely tried it, but I don’t think I liked it that much. [Laughs.] I like the idea of putting ice cubes in rice and serving it during the hot summer months. But most people mix in sweet things and I’m not a big fan of sweet food.
How did you prepare for your role as a chef?
Big: I know a thing or two about cooking, so playing a chef wasn’t too hard for me. I have my own recipe for stir-fried vegetables and Thai omelette which all my friends say is really good.
What kinds of cuisine are featured in the show?
Big: Mostly it’s classic Thai dishes like som tam, green and red curry and tom yum kung. The cool thing about the show is that it includes real recipes and at the end of each episode, we give the audience a step-by-step guide on how to make each dish.
Is it true that you’re big fan of football?
Big: Absolutely! I’ve been playing football since I was a kid. I meet up with friends once or twice a week to play.
Which team did you support at this year’s World Cup?
Big: I’m always a fan of Brazil. The team is full of world-class footballers. It’s too bad they didn’t make it that far in this World Cup. But I’ll definitely continue to support them in the future.
