My name is Ling and cooking has been my passion since I was 14 years old, when I first learned to cook. I grew up in Thailand where people believe that every woman should learn how to cook good food and take care of their family. I was taught how to cook from a young age and was expected to prepare food for my family every day. It was my responsibility and my joy.
I moved from Bangkok to Pittsburgh in 1991. I was 25 years old and a single mother to a 3 year old little girl. People tried to fill my life with negativity and told me that I wouldn’t survive here. My journey wasn’t easy but I met so many wonderful people along the way. People who supported me and, most importantly, brought me happiness. They helped open the doors for me to start a career in cooking.
I later had two beautiful sons. My kids were my pride and my joy. I loved to cook for my family. I poured myself into the food I was making. It was my way of showing them how much I loved them. I also enjoyed inviting close friends over to my house and cooking for them. My friends would leave my house with full bellies and tell their friends about how wonderful my food was. Soon after, people started asking me to cook for their parties and special occasions. My little passion now became a small business. I especially want to thank the Corpuz family for giving me a chance to cater many parties for them.
Even though many people offered their support to help me open a restaurant, I wanted to do something on my own. I decided to open a small food truck and parked in front of the Hillman Library at the University of Pittsburgh. I operated the food truck for 4 years, which were some of the most fun and exciting years of my life. It was hard work but I was happy to see so many people interested in eating my food. I began to grow a strong customer base through my food truck and everyone continues to urge me to open my own restaurant.
I finally had an opportunity to open a small take-out restaurant in Edgewood, called the The Green Mango. I offered homestyle Thai food to go. A dear and close friend of mine Bill Bishop, helped me to achieve my goal. Bill, thank you so much for everything you have done for me.
Many years later…I am still doing what I love. I consider myself blessed to be able to watch my business grow and succeed. To be able to meet people from all walks of life. To be able to share my food. I take great joy in cooking for everyone and now I want to share my recipes with you so you can cook for your loved ones also.
Pittsburgh's High Heeled Chef 