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Dear Jetsetter,
Spring awakens the senses, and what better way to celebrate than with a journey to Thailand’s vibrant street markets and serene landscapes? Luxe Jet Airways invites you to explore Thai cuisine’s bold flavors and rich traditions, a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. From the aromatic spices of Bangkok’s bustling food stalls to the fresh, coconut-infused dishes of the southern islands, Thailand’s culinary scene is a testament to its diverse culture. Experience the artistry of Thai cooking, where fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and handcrafted curries create nourishing and unforgettable dishes. Learn the importance of balance and mindfulness in Thai dining and let the spirit of Sanuk—joy in every moment—inspire your travels. This April, join us in embracing the colorful, flavorful, and deeply rooted traditions of Thailand.
Embrace the ancient wisdom of Thai health practices through the calming and restorative qualities of chai tea. Rooted in traditional Thai herbal medicine, this blend of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, is known to balance the body’s energy, soothe digestion, and promote mental clarity. In this wellness experience, guests will discover how chai tea serves as a holistic elixir for harmony, blending flavors that have been cherished for centuries to foster both physical and emotional well-being. Sip and savor the peace that comes from this Thai-inspired tea ritual.
Luxe Leaders
Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality
A Fun Guide to Thai Flavors SpiceYourUpLife
“Thai food isn’t just food, it’s a journey through flavors” - Unknown
Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant, flavorful profiles and dishes. It has a complexity and richness of flavors categorized by five tastes: spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and creamy. These flavors create unique and memorable experiences for the natives, and all Thai food lovers.
In this article, we highlight the five tastes that are popular in Thailand, exploring the many spices and flavors the country has to offer.
Herbs & Spices
Lemon grass, this herb has an aroma of citrus, but without the taste of citrus. It is typically used in soups, salads or stir-fry and is the common ingredient in curry paste. It is also used like a cinnamon stick, infused into soups or dips.
Thai Basil is an herb that offers complexity to stir-fry and curry dishes. In the summer in Thailand, it is readily available and most natives flock to the Asian market to ensure they have this staple in their pantry. The best component of this complex but fragrant herb is it can be grown at home! The stems of the basil can be submerged in water and loosely covered with a plastic bag, changing the water daily. Once the stems have begun to root, they can be planted in the soil.
In Thailand, there are two major types of dried spices: small (spicy) and large (mild). Most small, spicy chilies are used to roast and grind them into chili flakes, which can be sprinkled into just about anything. Dried chili flakes or whole can also be used for added heat in curry paste. Large, mild chilies are used in curry paste; this is to enhance the curry’s color without adding extra spice.
Sweet Palm sugar is said to be the “official sugar” of the country. This traditional sugar is made by extracting and caramelizing the sap from coconut palms or the toddy palm. After the sap is processed, it has the flavor of butterscotch and can be formed into cakes, syrups or solid candy. Palm sugar is the official and traditional sugar of the country, but most natives will use granulated, white sugar if they don’t have any palm sugar at home or if a recipe calls for a pinch of palm sugar.
Cinnamon is another staple in Thai culture and is used mostly for sweet or savory dishes. Cinnamon is the key ingredient in Thai desserts such as rice pudding, caramelized pineapples and braised beef stew.
Sour Limes are used when natives want an acidic or fresh taste. Fresh limes are commonly used in salads. Natives tend to stray away from lime juice produced in a bottle because of the bitterness and the lack of a clean, citrus flavor. The key to finding the perfect lime is looking for the ones that are shiny with smooth skin, this indicates a juicy lime.
Tamarind is a dark colored, naturally sour fruit. Tamarind is a universal fruit that is used as a sauce, paste or can be added to candy to give it a natural sour taste.
Salty Fish sauce is a popular salty component that almost every Thai home has. Fish sauce is made from anchovies and salt and has a pungent taste; packed with sharp saltiness and a light brown, amber color. This iconic staple is used in curries, stir-fries and salads.
Soy sauce is another popular staple that is used in Thai food. In comparison, soy sauce should not be confused with the Chinese or Japanese version of the dark colored sauce. Thai soy sauce taste different and is slightly lighter than the Chinese version of soy sauce. Thai soy sauce can be described as a less salty, thick, syrupy sauce that has touches of sugar.
Fermented soybean paste is a salty, savory paste that is commonly used as a sauce for marinades and dips. It can be used as a condiment or when cooking dishes but using too much can contribute to the loss of flavor.
Creamy Coconut cream can be compared to butter in Thailand due to the creaminess it offers to many dishes. Coconut cream can be described as rich, creamy, tasty. Typically, it can be found in curries, soups and stews or can be used as a dairy free alternative for creamy pastas.
Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many Thai foods, especially desserts. The creaminess helps make a smooth texture. Coconut milk, much like Coconut cream, can be compared to butter. However, it is not an interchangeable ingredient with coconut cream. The main difference is that Coconut milk has a higher fatty content.
Many of these flavors can be enjoyed at home and can be found at local grocery stores or multicultural markets, no passport necessary. The most important factor when creating Thai dishes is to bring the spice and flavor to each dish.
Spring Cleaning Your Wallet
& Smart Money Moves
Did you know in 2024, one in six (14%) people were paying for subscriptions that they weren’t using, and the remainder of subscribers (85%) planned to cancel their subscriptions (Self.com)?
61% of the subscribers said they were rethinking their paid subscriptions due to economic uncertainty; this is just only one of the many reasons why people haven’t canceled unused subscriptions. Subscribers are flushing almost 35 dollars down the drain after paying for but not using subscriptions. For clarity, Self.com defines unused subscriptions as paid subscriptions but have not been used in the past 30 days.
At Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality, we encourage the campus community to mindfully spend money on memorable experiences and to save when it’s beneficial and necessary. Being a “broke college student” doesn’t have to be your style and you can break the trend with some of these mindful tips when out spending money.
1. Creating a budget is important when using money smartly. Consider creating a monthly spending limit. This limit can be set in the settings of your bank card, or you can personally set the limit and track your expenses, ensuring that you don’t go over your monthly limit. Moreover, when you’re close to the limit, you can reconsider the consequences before spending.
2. Comparing products is the easiest way to help save money when out shopping. Download store apps that you frequent most, then download the competitor’s apps to explore which options are the more affordable. Downloading these apps can help with overspending, especially when the product is the same at other stores.
3. Practice mindful spending. If you don’t need it in the next week, consider holding off on spending money on it. This practice can help you think carefully about what you’re spending money on and avoid unnecessary purchases, especially when they’re not important in the next week or month. Breathing techniques can also help before making a purchase, especially if you’re feeling pressured or stressed.
4. If you have food at home, enjoy that, rather than spending money on new food. This is a simple but effective process that most of our parents instilled in our minds, early. Channel your inner parent and remember “I have food at home.” If you don’t have food in your dorm, consider visiting places that offer student discounts or take a visit to your campus dining hall.
5. Take advantage of campus resources. If a campus shuttle is available, but you drive, consider using the shuttle instead. If the campus library offers free apps that provide discounted prices on certain streaming websites or audiobooks, utilize them to save yourself hundreds of dollars. If your campus allows student workers, apply immediately. Most campus jobs understand that you’re in college for a higher education and will work with your schedule.
How Creativity Connects the World Art Without Borders
“There are two distinct languages. There is the verbal, which separates people... and there is the visual that is understood by everybody” -Yaacov Agam
Art evokes emotions in us and takes us to the place where the artist conveys in their portrait. Art can be interpreted in many ways and is loved by almost everyone. At most schools, the artwork and décor you see in most concepts paint a picture that speaks to the identity of that place. For example, Bagel Beaux, is where charm, inspiration and beauty come together, it’s even in the name. When visiting this concept, beauty and kindness goes a long way and the artwork, décor and vibrant colors exude that. Art can spark fascinations just by seeing a certain piece. These fascinations can remind you of particular places, ideas or things. When admiring artwork, we step inside a world of experiences, and with those experiences’ conversations
In today’s world, art is an immersive and dynamic experience, often created in digital formats. Modern artists, whether formally taught or self-taught, can create something innovative, building on techniques or even entirely new concepts. Digital art has become more popular, allowing creatives to explore and enhance artwork. With so many different digital and creative platforms, art can be created with technology that can be ultimately displayed anywhere. In contrast, traditional art focused on the preciseness and seamless techniques to create a perfect-looking portrait. Art back then was viewed as static or limited, only being viewed in specific places and only reaching certain political, societal and cultural heights. Traditional art pieces only focused on sculpting, architectural concepts and paintings.
Art can be created in many ways, from as simple as colorful brushstroke to as complex as building three-dimensional objects and environments. A few new ways to create art are with digital platforms such as Zbrush, Adobe Illustrator or even the rapidly growing field of AI. These platforms can create vector art, the style of creating images using mathematical paths, 3D animation for TV shows, video games and virtual reality programs and AI that generates
From the simple act of a colorful brush stroke on paper to the complex construction of bio art, the ways we create art are continually expanding. New platforms are evolving and allowing for entertainment, creativity and innovation of artistic expression. Regardless of the era, art remains a universal language. It transcends geographical boundaries and cultural divides, enabling us to explore shared human experiences, foster empathy for different perspectives, and ultimately, connect with one another in profound and lasting ways.
Finding Flow in a Cup Brew it Like Thailand
Thailand is a country rich in traditions and culture, and Teatime is a ritual that natives enjoy and for some, it’s their way of life. In this article, we explore the art of tea rituals, how its brewed and consumed and how you can “brew it like Thailand” with some tips for mindful and intentional brewing.
Khruang Cha is a traditional tea ritual whose purpose is to honor respected guests or celebrate important occasions. This formal setting consists of just a few components: which are brewed tea (served during the ceremony), small cups and an expectation of purpose, taste and reflection. So, you may be thinking, what is the significance of the last three components? In this ceremony, tea drinkers are expected to drink the warm, soothing liquid in three sips. The first sip is for pleasure, the second is for taste and the third is reflection. This mindful ritual is done out of respect and appreciation of the beverage. The mindful ritual invites complete presence and engagement in the ritual.
In Thailand, it is very common to see the native’s drinking tea throughout the day; they could be enjoying Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea), Cha Khao (Thai White Tea), or a strong cup of black tea or Cha Dam, which is the most popular type of tea. Socially, tea is usually served at gatherings of friends and family to promote hospitality, togetherness and friendship. Cha Roman, or Thai Chamomile tea is an herbal tea, known for its calming properties. This tea is usually enjoyed in the evening or before bed to promote relaxation and sleep.
In America, brewing tea could be as simple as boiling water and pouring it over tea bag and letting it steep for 2-3 minutes. But in Thailand, brewing tea is an “art form in itself” (chaidim. com), each step is carried out with care and precision.
To brew like the natives is no simple job. Tea leaves must be picked and examined to ensure there is no bruising or signs of decay due to environmental factors. After the picking process has been completed, there is the brewing and serving process, which as you can imagine, takes time and appreciation. Below are the six steps of brewing tea like the natives, from the website Chaidim.com:
1. Select Your Tea: The first step is to choose your tea. Traditional Thai tea is a strong black tea often spiced with ingredients like crushed tamarind.
2. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. The general rule of thumb is to use one cup of water for each serving of tea.
3. Steep the Tea: Once the water is boiling, add your Thai tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Strain the Tea: After steeping, strain the tea leaves using a tea strainer.
5. Sweeten Your Tea: Thai tea is typically sweetened with sugar and condensed milk. Add these to your hot tea and stir until they’re fully dissolved.
6. Serve Your Tea: Thai tea can be served hot, or for a refreshing twist, try Thai iced tea. To make Thai iced tea, simply pour your sweetened tea over a glass full of ice.
After your tea has been poured, take a moment to savor the flavors and appreciate how each one tastes; think about how you feel after each sip. This is the key to brewing intentionally, each step of the process takes time, care and precision to really enjoy and appreciate the beverage. Brewing intentionally should be done at a time when you aren’t in a rush or feeling pressured. You should be willing and excited to brew your cup. Be mindful that this is a time to enjoy the flavors with friends or family.
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Thailand Trash Heroes in Action Trash Talk, Real Change
“We clean, we educate, we change” is not only the powerful mission of Trash Hero, but a call to a conscious, lifestyle change. The trash hero movement began in December 2013, when a group of friends in Thailand discovered their local beach was polluted with trash. They realized that trash was washing up on the shore, making a fun beach day turn into a smelly nightmare. Determined to make a difference, their single beach clean-up evolved into a weekly event, quickly blossoming into an extraordinary worldwide phenomenon.
From the Trash Hero Website, trashhero.org, their mission is to bring communities together to clean and reduce waste. This is done in 4 steps: Action and Awareness, Education, Sustainable Projects, and Inspiration.
Each step contributes to their mission statement of “We clean, we educate, we change”. Anyone can be a Trash Hero after agreeing and abiding by their principles, which they call “The Trash Hero Way.”
In 2015, only two years after the birth of Trash Heros, the movement started gaining popularity locally, after their clean-up trip to Indonesia. The first local chapter opened in Thailand, then Indonesia, and Malaysia. They also received the Thailand Green Excellence Award for the second consecutive year. In 2016, the movement grew even further, opening up chapters in Czech Republic, Myanmar, New York and Shanghai. They also launched the #BreakFreeFromPlastic campaign, a movement that demands massive reductions in single-use plastics and pushes for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis (breakfreefromplastic.org). In 2023, their volunteers surpassed 100,000, and that was just children volunteers! When combined with adults, the number of volunteers reached well into the 500,000 range and has been consistently growing. Additionally, in 2023, the organization disposed of and recycled 148,500 kg of trash. Imagine 10 standard city buses filled with trash. A lot of trash, right?
As monumental as this movement is in foreign countries, it has the potential to blossom into an even bigger force locally than globally. The influence Trash Hero has had on others has been big and continues to gain popularity. Big impacts like the Trash Hero movement can spark vital conversations, drive donations and expand outreach to other sustainable communities, increasing the network of help. You too can be inspired by the movement and help out in your local community or campus. Remember, Trash Hero started with a group of friends! Consider gathering your friends from your science classes or department colleagues, setting aside a time and date, and researching a community area you’d like to clean. If that’s not feasible, check with your local Waste Management, community outreach liaison, or even your city’s social media page to see what sustainable programs they offer or how you can contribute to a cleaner environment.
FEATURED RECIPE
Thai-Inspired Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients
ب 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
ب 1 tbsp cooking oil (like vegetable or coconut)
ب 1 red bell pepper, sliced
ب 1/2 cup sugar snap peas (or green beans, trimmed)
Directions
ب 2 cloves garlic, minced
ب 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
ب 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce (look for brands like Mae Ploy)
ب 1 tbsp fish sauce (a Thai essential!)
1. Prep Your Pan: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Aromatics & Veggies: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
3. Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook!
4. Sauce It Up: Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce and the fish sauce. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through, about 1 minute.
5. Serve & Savor: Dish out your Thai Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry. It’s fantastic on its own or served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime if you like!
Marketing Contacts
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Jacquii A. Tilley, Contributing Writer
Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer