Rachel Lobangco, also known as Khun Lek, is a talented model, actress, and now an authentic Thai cook. She has a deep love for Thai desserts, snacks, and rice cakes, admiring their vibrant colors, unique textures, and intricate artistry. One day, as she was scrolling through Instagram, she came across a page that featured khanom chan, a delicious Thai dessert, being made in Manila. Intrigued and salivating at the sight, she immediately reached out to Khun Lek Authentic Thai Dessert and placed an order.
Little did she know, Khun Lek was actually Rachel Lobangco’s culinary alter ego. Her older sister, Lani, gave her the name Khun Lek when she embarked on her journey as a Thai chef. Cooking has always been a passion for Rachel, and she finds joy in seeing her family enjoy her creations. It’s no surprise considering her love for playing with fire extends beyond the kitchen to her other passion, fire dancing.
Rachel’s culinary journey started with her signature dish, pinaupong manok, which she used to cook frequently during her time in Boracay. It has become her go-to dish for potlucks and special occasions. Her love for food and cooking stems from her mother, Elvie, and her fondness for Thai culture. Growing up in Thailand, Rachel and her siblings were immersed in Thai culture, with their mother even speaking fluent Thai.
To further enhance her culinary skills, Rachel enrolled at the Espresso Academy Thailand and attended the Blue Elephant Cooking School in Bangkok, where she learned royal Thai cuisine and various local Thai desserts. She has also traveled throughout Thailand to study regional food, expanding her knowledge and expertise.
During the pandemic, Rachel and her family were stuck in Bangkok for more than two years. She took on the responsibility of cooking for her mom and daughter, preparing meals three times a day. This period allowed her to fully embrace domestic life and appreciate the simplicity of everyday tasks.
After the pandemic, Rachel’s daughter, Leona, completed her studies at Enderun, which presented the perfect opportunity for Rachel to open her own cafe. Together with her family, they transformed EP Farm in Tagaytay into a Thai-style paradise where they serve Rachel’s authentic Thai cuisine to guests by appointment only. Instead of hiring chefs, they wanted to do everything themselves, showcasing their passion and dedication to the culinary craft.
Despite her busy schedule, Rachel still finds time to partake in sports like muay Thai and jiu-jitsu, as well as enjoying the art of pole dancing. She is a multifaceted woman with many interests and talents.
One of Rachel’s beloved dishes is Mango Sticky Rice, a classic Thai dessert. To make it, she recommends washing glutinous rice until it becomes clear, then soaking it in room temperature water for six hours or overnight. The rice can be cooked using a traditional bamboo cone steamer or a rice cooker. Once cooked, mix the rice with coconut milk and let it absorb for 15 minutes. Prepare a sauce by combining coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Assemble the dessert by placing sliced mango, sticky rice, and the sauce on a plate, and garnish with toasted mung beans.
If you want to experience Rachel’s authentic Thai cooking, visit EP Farm Tagaytay and indulge in the flavors and traditions she brings to the table.
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