Mark Padoongpatt

About the Author

Mark Padoongpatt is a historian and scholar whose work illuminates the intersections of food, culture, and identity in Asian American communities. Drawing from his Thai heritage and extensive research in U.S. immigration history, he explores how culinary traditions have shaped the Thai American experience, challenging narratives of assimilation and empire. His acclaimed book, Flavors of Empire: Food and the Making of Thai America (American Crossroads) (Volume 45), delves into the ways Thai immigrants have navigated racial dynamics through everyday practices like cooking and dining. Padoongpatt's scholarship bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, making complex historical forces relatable to contemporary audiences. As an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he continues to advocate for inclusive histories that center marginalized voices in the American narrative.