2025 Headline Chef
Paul Ratchaphol Rojratana
of La Kang Thai-French Cuisine
My Culinary Journey
My passion for cooking began in 2010, when I took my first job as a dishwasher and prep cook at a Thai restaurant in Reading, Pennsylvania. That experience sparked a deep interest in food and kitchen culture. In 2011, I enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Northampton Community College, where I began to build my foundation in professional cooking. While studying, I gained hands-on experience working as a cook at a Thai restaurant in Bethlehem (2012–2013).
​
After graduating from NCC in 2013, I joined Roar Social House in Allentown as a line cook, where I sharpened my skills and learned to thrive in a fast-paced, modern kitchen environment. In 2015, I moved to New York City and became the head chef at a Thai restaurant. This was a major step in my growth, giving me the opportunity to take full creative control and lead a kitchen team. In 2017, I returned to the Lehigh Valley and worked as a sous chef at House and Barn in Emmaus, where I further developed my leadership and kitchen management skills.
​
In 2018, I relocated to Connecticut to take on the role of executive chef at a Thai restaurant, overseeing menu development and kitchen operations.
Finally, in 2020, I came back to Pennsylvania to fulfill my dream of becoming a restaurant owner. I opened La Kang in Easton, where I now combine everything I’ve learned — from traditional Thai techniques to modern culinary innovation—to serve dishes that tell my story.​
The Story of La Kang – A Thai Culinary Journey in the Lehigh Valley
What started as a dream between two brothers has now become one of the most exciting and diverse Thai dining experiences in the Lehigh Valley.
After years of working in kitchens across Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut, I returned home with a vision — to create a restaurant that not only served incredible Thai food, but also told the story of my journey and culture. In 2020, alongside my brother Nakkarawoot Krueawong, we opened La Kang in Easton. Blending traditional Thai flavors with a creative, French-inspired twist, La Kang quickly became more than just a restaurant — it became the heart of everything we would build next.
​
Driven by passion, family, and a desire to showcase the full spectrum of Thai cuisine, we expanded La Kang into multiple unique concepts across the region:
-
La Kang Thai Noodles Bar (Hellertown) – A cozy, noodle-lover’s paradise where every bowl is rich, soulful, and full of Thai street-style energy.
-
La Kang Hot Pot (Hellertown) – An immersive, hands-on dining experience where friends and family gather around bubbling broths, fresh herbs, and vibrant dipping sauces.
-
La Kang Chicken and Rice (Bethlehem) – Our tribute to one of Thailand’s most beloved comfort foods: Khao Man Gai—simple, clean, and bursting with flavor.
-
La Kang Thai Kup – Our vibrant food truck, rolling into festivals and events with bold dishes like crab fried rice, dry noodles, and spicy street snacks.
Each La Kang location has its own personality, but they all share the same soul: a love for authentic Thai food, a commitment to quality, and a mission to bring people together through unforgettable meals. We cook from the heart, honor our roots, and welcome every guest like family.