Austin Bush, the American author behind the hit cookbook The Northern Food of Thailand, will be hosting a pop-up dinner at Thonglor's WTF Gallery & Cafe this Jan 24 and 25.

A resident of Thailand for almost 20 years, Bush has spent the last three years or so making connections with home cooks, vendors, academics and chefs across northern Thailand

His first cookbook, which he both wrote and photographed, released in late-2018, has everyone from Andy Ricker (Portland’s Pok Pok restaurant) to Pim Techamuanvivit (Nahm) praising its esoteric recipes and vivid storytelling.

“My whole approach is as a journalist: I just want to document the food in English because it’s always changing,” Bush told us in a recent interview. “My photos were all shot at the places I visited. I was allowed into so many homes and kitchens, and I’m very grateful for that.”

For his collaboration with WTF (B900 per person), Bush will whip out a set menu of flavors from the north: think slow-grilled beef and pounded salads, crispy deep-fried snacks and crunchy, savory, spicy dips “made by aunties in remote villages in the north.”

Some of the dishes include khaang pawng, crispy Shan-style herbal fritters of green papaya and nuea thup, and northern-style pounded beef served with a savory and tart dip.

Beer and cocktails will, of course, be available but are not included in the set. Reservations are highly recommended.

Jan 24-25, 7 and 9pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Reservations: cw@wtfbangkok.com