Three Minutes with … Eve Pakawadee Onphian of Pendleton/Hermiston

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Eve Pakawadee Onphian. My mom and dad are the owners of Lawan’s Thai Garden, and I pretty much run the place.

Where did you grow up? When did you come to Hermiston?

I grew up in Thailand until I was 12, and then we moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Then we moved to Hermiston, I think when I was 13. My whole family is in Hermiston, my mom and dad. I moved to Pendleton 16 years ago when I got married.

What are a few of your hobbies?

We have horses, I married a Native guy in Pendleton. I like to be with my horse and I hang out with my friends.

How do you spend your free time?

I don’t have much free time to tell you the truth. The business is my life right now. I spend time with my family, my mom, since the business is family owned.

How would you describe yourself?

I am open minded, friendly and I treat people the way they treat me. If they are nice I am nice. If they aren’t nice …

What is something you’re passionate about?

When people tell me that my food is good. My whole life right now is the business. I love when people tell me they like my food and they have good service here. I just want to make my community happy and share traditional Thai food.

What are a few of your proudest accomplishments?

My proudest moment is helping my mom and dad open this restaurant. It was my idea. I love my mom’s food and I told her people would love her food. And she was brave enough to open it, so I help my family.

What do you like most about the community you live in?

I like how friendly people are. They are really nice, and I have my regular customers. They treat me like family.