our story
Alex Sirivath
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." --Martin Luther King Jr.
La Sirivath
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." --Mahatma Gandhi
Behind The Name
When thinking of the word "ninja", the image of an agile person who is quick, efficient, and precise in her skills will most often come to mind. "Her" because "Ninja" is Founder Khamla's nickname, which was given to her by a previous boss. Our thum sauce is fast, consistent and convenient, which fits perfectly with the skillsets of a ninja.
How Our Founders Met
Here's a little coincidental history of these two women. They were both born in the vicinity of Vientiane, Laos. They were also living in the same refugee camp (Khamla was 6 years old and Alex was 1) at the same time before coming to the United States. Both attended the University of Arkansas--yet didn't meet until later when Khamla joined Alex's indoor soccer team in 2011. Now they're inseparable. Who would have known that such paths would be mapped out so intricately? We can say that soccer was the kick (spice) that would "Thum" (smash) it all together.
Papaya Salad Origins
Papaya salad is a spicy salad made from shredded unripe (green) papaya. It is of Lao origin and became popular throughout Southeast Asia when it was introduced to central Thailand and the rest of the world by the Lao people seeking work in Bangkok. Locally, it is referred to as Thum Mak Hoong. Thum, meaning to pound with mortar and pestle (koke and sark). Variations of the dish are found throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, as well as in the West, where it is more commonly known by its Thai name, Som Thum. Thum Mak Hoong is a staple for Laotians across the globe, often served with sticky rice and grilled chicken. Despite the use of papaya, which one may think of as sweet, this salad is actually savory. When not yet ripe, papaya has a slightly tangy flavor. The texture is crisp, firm and crunchy. Although it is called papaya salad, this dish can also be made with almost any fruits or vegetables or even noodles. This dish combines the four main tastes of Lao cuisines: sour lime, sweetness, hot chili and salty fish sauce.