Born in Udon Thani, Thailand, Chef Bua (Buaban Chokmontin Tucker) believes food is a language of love.

Her journey began in 2015, when she opened her home to cook and raise funds for Nepal earthquake victims. Seeing strangers become friends around her table touched her heart and inspired a dream: bringing people together through food.

Leaving journalism behind, she founded Desert Lotus in Abu Dhabi. That simple act of kindness blossomed into Desert Lotus Group—a growing family sharing the warmth of Thai hospitality.

Her restaurants have earned multiple honours, including Desert Lotus’s What’s On Best Homegrown Restaurant 2025, and Bua Thai Café’s Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026 and Time Out Abu Dhabi Best Thai Restaurant in both 2025 and 2026.

For Chef Bua, true success is measured not only by awards, but by the smiles, friendships and memories shared around every table.

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