'Carb slave" is one easy way to describe Phimrak "Tle" Chaikul. The fresh-out-of-the-oven author of Let Me Eat Bread reckons the reason she loves bread so much is probably because she hasn't come across bad-tasting bread, yet.
Bread's versatility has made it a constant in her life and she isn't too sure herself whether her childhood obsession with Anpanman, a Japanese superhero resembling a bun, is because the character looks cute or tasty.
When Bun Books came across her Instagram, which was filled with mouth-watering pictures of bread menus, a book deal easily fell into place, as Phimrak used to work as a writer. A cute and delicious read, this recently released cookbook features 30 easy recipes for modern women who are pressed for time — some taking only five minutes — but still want an extra special kick in their sandwiches, burgers, toast, tacos or whatever carb base possible.
What are you reading now?
The Wes Anderson Collection by Matt Zoller Seitz. It contains the overview and ideas behind his first seven movies. I like the art direction, ambience and weird relationships in Anderson’s movies, so it’s fun to read about the behind-the-scenes. It’s like I’m learning about art in the process.
What is your favourite book of all time?
Hesheit by Wisut Ponnimit. It’s a philosophical cartoon. People complain about how the lines aren't nice and what surprised me was how no one ever mentions its picture composition as a whole. The point of views and certain angles he uses gets the feeling and atmosphere across so well. Hesheit has been like a friend that’s funny, frantic and crazy, but also lets me know that life isn’t perfect and that everything will be alright eventually.
What is one book you’ve wanted to read and never gotten around to?
Poo Chana Sib Tid ( The Conqueror Of Ten Directions ), a historical fiction by Yakob. I like to read old-school literature because of the language’s eloquence and wittiness — plus, the plot is fun.
I’ve skimmed through it before and really like it but I haven’t seriously read it yet because I know I will be addicted to it and it can get time-consuming.
What’s your favourite cookbook?
Edible Selby by Todd Selby. Along with the recipes, there are also the inspirations behind the dish, told through lively photographs and hand-drawn illustrations. His dish arrangements in the photos express an intimacy but with an exquisite delicacy, which shows how presentation is just as important as the food tasting good.
What bakery books do you recommend?
The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson. I’m not good at complicated pastries so I need to keep looking for inspiration. In this vegetarian cookbook the writer chooses to use ingredients that are close to home and seasonal. She and I are alike in the sense that we are both self-taught cooks and choose to make easy menus — some dishes are made from stuff you already have. Plus, we both use water colours that are easy to understand, which I think readers should enjoy.
Which dish (of your own) do you think is best for eating while reading?
English muffin with cream cheese and fruits, because it’s refreshing and keeps you from falling asleep. It’s also not a mess to eat and won’t fall all over your book.
What do you usually read to find more information about bread?
I like to read menu signs at bakeries. Some places include a lot of details, such as what kind of ingredients went in to create the bread dough. Some kinds of breads are only available at certain stores and some I’ve never seen before, so it’s knowledge that can be easily found.
Find Let Me Eat Bread at leading book stores at 235 baht.
