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On this episode, Ragnar welcomes the internationally acclaimed Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, owner of the multi-award-winning Bangkok venue, Potong. Chef Pam shares her inspiring journey from her Thai-Chinese roots to becoming the youngest female chef to be honored with a Michelin star and earn the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef.
She’s the first ever and the youngest female chef to receive both a Michelin star and the Opening of the Year award by the Michelin Guide simultaneously. Additionally, she was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Tune in to explore her innovative approach to Thai Chinese cuisine, the challenges she faced while training in New York’s competitive culinary scene, and her mission to empower the next generation of chefs.
Tune in and LEARN:
- Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Learn how Chef Pam integrates her family’s heritage recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Gain insights into how she honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of Thai-Chinese cuisine.
- Innovative and Original Cuisine: Explore the unique concept behind Potong, centered around five essential elements and engaging all five senses. Find out how Chef Pam creates memorable dining experiences through innovative dishes like her reimagined pad thai.
- Leadership and Team Dynamics: Understand Chef Pam’s philosophy for maintaining a friendly yet serious kitchen environment. Learn how she fosters teamwork and empowers the next generation of chefs, especially female talents.
Resources
Learn more about Chef Pam at www.bychefpam.com.
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About Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij
The best thing I can say is to just keep doing it.
There’s going to be failures along the way. I had them. I will have more of them in the future. Don’t give up. Just say true to yourself and just keep going. If you love cooking, keep going. Keep doing it.
Chef Pam
Internationally renowned, multi-award Chef ‘Pam’ Pichaya Soontornyanakij has opened a string of successful restaurants and bars. Pam is also the first ever and youngest Female Chef to receive both Michelin Star and Opening of the Year awards from the Michelin Guide at the same time. She is also the quickest and youngest Thai female chef to receive ASIA’s Best Female Chef from World 50 Best Restaurants.
With a foundation built on her family’s Thai-Chinese culinary traditions and formal training from Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Pam has swiftly risen to international stardom. From New York to Bangkok, Pam has become a critically acclaimed chef, food consultant, and television personality and is one of the most recognized faces in cooking in Thailand today.
Known for her innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Chef Pam seamlessly blends heritage flavors with modern techniques, creating unforgettable dining experiences. Her passion for empowering the next generation of chefs and her dedication to her craft make her a true leader in the culinary world.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Chef Pam for joining us.
World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and our podcast sponsors.
