Janpen, affectionately known as Pen, is a 35-year-old culinary enthusiast from Udon Thani in North East Thailand. Her journey from a small rice farm to running a popular cafe and restaurant in Australia is a story of passion, hard work, and community spirit.
Born and raised on a rice farm by her aunt and grandmother, Pen’s love for cooking began at a tender age of five. She spent her childhood learning traditional Thai recipes and cooking techniques, an experience that laid a solid foundation for her future culinary endeavors.
In 2012, Pen moved to Australia with her husband and their two daughters, who are now 13 and 18 years old. Settling in Googong, New South Wales, Pen started working at the local supermarket in 2018. Her talent quickly shone through, and within six months, she was promoted to deli manager.
Here, she showcased her culinary skills by preparing hot meals and salads using fresh produce that needed to be sold before it went to waste. Her creations became a hit with the local community, especially the tradies working in the area.
In October 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pen and her husband Nick took a bold step by purchasing a food trailer, which they named ‘The Bangkok Bean.’
This shiny chrome trailer became a beacon of comfort and convenience during the lockdowns, offering coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the residents of Googong. The demand for their delicious food grew rapidly, making the trailer an essential part of the community.
However, the overwhelming popularity soon made it clear that they needed a larger, more permanent space. In April 2022, they transitioned from the food trailer to a full-fledged cafe and restaurant located in the Googong Leisure Centre.
The Bangkok Bean now offers indoor and outdoor dining, a full liquor license, and options for takeaway and online ordering. The restaurant retains its strong community ties, with many loyal customers from the food trailer days and Pen’s time as a deli manager at the local IGA.
Pen and her team, including a skilled Thai Sous Chef, pride themselves on making most of the food by hand. Dishes like spring rolls, curry puffs, and samosas are crafted with care, ensuring that the freshness and authenticity of the food are never compromised.
Their tagline, “Real…Fresh…Food,” perfectly encapsulates their dedication to quality. Some other menu highlights that are sure to keep you warm this winter include the classic Pad Thai, a range of delicious curries and some mouth-watering Laksa soup options.
Pen’s ultimate goal is to make The Bangkok Bean the number one Thai food and Western eatery in the Canberra region. With dreams of expanding interstate, she remains focused on maintaining the high standards that have brought her success.
Pen’s story is a testament to the power of passion and community support. From her early days on a rice farm in Thailand to running a thriving restaurant in Australia, she has always been driven by a love for cooking and a commitment to bringing fresh, delicious food to her customers. The Bangkok Bean stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for what you do.
