At 11:20 a.m., when the high school students rush to the cafeteria to get lunch, ISB’s excellent Epicure staff has already been at work for more than four hours to ensure the food is prepared to nourish students and staff. Our community at ISB thrives not just because of academics but also because of the fantastic people who keep us going every day. Among them are the incredible lunch and Grind ladies, whose dedication and warmth make our school feel like home. 

What do they enjoy most about working at ISB?

Khun Ba Aun and Khun Aor have worked at ISB for a combined 23 years, and they both serve lunch here at ISB. Ba Aun says she appreciates the freedom in her role, saying, “I can do my own things; I help with the food and mostly work around serving, which gives more freedom.” Meanwhile, Aor primarily serves food in the cafeteria. With 15 years at ISB, Aor has seen generations of students grow. “I’ve seen them when they were in Pre-K, and as I see them grow up, they still order the same things,” she says. But her favorite part of working the job is the little ones, whom she describes as น่ารัก “na lak,” or adorable. “They smile every time they see the food.” 

The ladies know exactly which foods students are eager to have and which ones they don’t finish. “Most students at ISB love to eat Japanese food,” Aor says. “On those days, the lines are wrapped around the cafeteria.” But both Ba Aun and Aor explain how most students do not finish Thai food because it’s “too spicy” — for example ส้มตำ, “som tam” (papaya salad). Ba Aun has shown much attention to this issue and ensures that when lunch is over, the leftovers are separated between recyclable and waste.

Once these two ladies go home, they love to eat and cook Thai food. Aor loves to eat som tam, ไก่ย่าง “gai yang” (grilled chicken) with “kao niew” ข้าวเหนียว (sticky rice), while Ba Aun is more fond of the traditional Thai foods like น้ำพริก “na phrik” (chili paste) and ผักต้ม “pak dom” (boiled vegetables). 

During her two years here, Khun Sara, who works at the Grind, has become a favorite of many students. She has noticed that the strawberry banana smoothie is a particular favorite among students. Her colleague Khun Noot has seen trends come and go during her 15 years at ISB, though some favorite baked goods remain constant. The gluten-free chocolate cookies and brownies have always been popular. Some students have ordered the same thing ever since they discovered the Grind. “Whenever I see their faces, I know exactly what they’re going to order and prepare it,” Sara says of her regulars.

Noot values the work-life balance ISB fosters. “There are many off days, especially in the summer,” she says. “We get a lot of freedom when working here.” While living near the school is a plus for Sara, her real passion lies in her work. “I love making the coffee and preparing things for the students because it’s like baking,” she says. At home, they also both enjoy eating Thai food, especially “ka neiw” (sticky rice)  and ข้าวผัดไก่ “kao pad gai” (chicken fried rice). Sara loves to bake for her coworkers and, before school, to eat it as a “fun before-work taste testing.”

After 15 years at ISB, Khun Anne thrives in the school’s positive atmosphere. She loves helping younger students, especially with the recent opening of The Mini Grind in the elementary school. “I love helping the little kids and seeing the smiles on their faces when they get to order food,” she says with pride. Many students say that Anne makes their day brighter. “Whenever I see Anne, she always knows exactly what I order and asks me how my days are going,” says senior Tomoko Ikuta. She has become a memorable member of the Epicure catering team. Anne’s favorite food to eat at home is เนื้อทอด “nei tod” (fried meat), which is served at The Grind after school, though after five minutes it’s “all gone.” 

With their combined decades of service, ISB’s cafeteria workers are more than just staff members. They’re the heart of ISB, touching every student and staff member and ensuring meal times are about nourishment, community, and care. The cafeteria workers are often the first to greet us each day, and those friendly interactions positively impact our overall school experience, promoting community and a sense of belonging among students.