ALYSSA PHADUNGKIAT, owner, Phat Boy and Som Tum Bar
Hospitality entrepreneur, Alyssa Phadungkiat, is the woman behind some of Brisbane’s best-loved venues including Brisbane Quarter’s popular Thai eateries, Phat Boy and Som Tum Bar. With a new BQ location on the horizon, we sat down with the dynamic young restaurant mogul to discover more about what motivates her.
1. What are you most proud of when it comes to your career?
Gosh, it is hard for me to answer this, as my mind tends to run to the next thing quickly, but I think it is my longevity. I cannot count how many times I have wanted to give up, especially through the last couple of years navigating covid. But to have stuck with it for so long and to have some locations that are considered iconic for Thai food in Brisbane, blows my mind and makes me very proud.
2. What are some of the challenges and advantages of working as a female hospitality entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
I do not really know, because I have never seen or experienced it from the males side! Ha! But when I think about it, it often feels like you have to prove yourself that little bit more, that no one really believes you or your success. I struggle with putting myself out there, it is just not my thing, even answering these questions is a big deal for me but it is also because we get judged harshly as women and I often feel men are not judged the same way.
3. Tell us about your cultural heritage and how it has influenced you as a business-owner.
I am from Thailand and have always loved food. Not just Thai food, but all food. Creating amazing food and understanding what people want to eat and how they want to eat it is my passion and it always has been from a young age. Most of my favourite memories involve eating with loved ones. I did not know I was going to end up a restaurateur, but I did suspect I was too stubborn to be able to work for someone else when I was very young! Ha!
4. What women in your life have inspired and supported you and how?
I didn’t really have a lot of influential women in my space when I started, I have really had to navigate this myself. I admire those who are brave and bold in business and do not fear judgement in being authentic and successful.
5. What do you like to do outside of work? What do you do to relax?
I am not good at relaxing at all. My relaxing often involves planning more business ideas and doing research! But I do have dogs and love a good snuggle with them at home. I have also just bought an acreage and am loving spending as much time there as I can.
6. Tell us what patrons can expect when they dine at Phat Boy.
An experience. Great food is not just what we are about, it is everything from the atmosphere, to visual presentation and in-between. Creating an experience with special people in your life unlike anywhere else you have been centred around authentic and delicious food.
7. What are some of your favourite places to eat (outside your own venues) and why.
I love eating everything! Especially trying new trends. I love eating my favourites from Thailand when I visit, but honestly I think Australia has one of the best food scenes with the perfect mix of everything. I find myself wondering down alleyways and finding family-owned hidden gems from all cultures and walks of life wherever I go.
8. Tell us about the idea behind your new venue opening soon at Brisbane Quarter.
I wanted to create a space to celebrate femininity. This is something I have always struggled with silently in my career and I want to change that for the better for more women of Brisbane. It is a place to connect, embrace and celebrate all that makes us female.