It's one thing to love feeding people – it's another entirely to care so much about what they eat, that you grow the produce yourself. Such was her passion for food, that's exactly what the owner of beloved Thai restaurant Chat Thai has done. It's changed the ethos of the business, which first opened in Sydney in 1989. Today, there are 5 eateries, and if you dine at one of those venues, you might be lucky enough to taste the gorgeous organic produce farmed in the Byron Bay hinterland. To learn more about her desire to feed her own family and her customers with food grown with care, Palisa Anderson of Boon Luck Farm joins me to discuss:
- Palisa shares her favourite spot on the 46 hectares she's transformed into a fully productive farm.
- Her passion for growing food began back in her Sydney days—proof that anyone can find creative ways to connect with what they eat, no matter where they live.
- What started as a mission to feed her family, has turned into something much bigger.
- Palisa talks about what inspired her to join the family business, Chat Thai, which her mum founded in the late '80s.
- With five restaurants and a commitment to chemical-free produce, Palisa explains how sourcing specialist Asian ingredients led her to start her own market garden.
- She discusses growing traditional Asian vegetables alongside Australian natives—and why biodiversity is central to her philosophy.
- For Palisa, sourcing produce herself is about much more than convenience—she's found deep meaning in the process.
- Palisa introduces us to the IGLOO—an incredible piece of growing technology on the farm.
- She shares what she loves most about growing her own food.
- Palisa reveals the most unexpected thing that's happened since she joined the family business.
- She clears up one of the most common misconceptions about her work.
- And finally, Palisa shares her ultimate dream for the future.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
Links:
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Chat Thai
Connect with Chat Thai on Instagram
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