Another moment to celebrate female talents in the Thai culinary industry! Chef Pichaya “Pam” Coontornyanakij, the chef-owner of Potong, has just been honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2024 by the Asia’s 50 Best Academy. The news was announced last night (Feb 5, 2024).
After years of culinary training and managing various kitchens, including working under the renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Pam unveiled her crown jewel, Potong, in 2021. Housed in a refurbished structure—one of Bangkok Chinatown’s oldest, which served as Pam’s family’s drugstore almost a century ago—Potong offers unique Thai-Chinese cuisine that reflects her roots. The restaurant is set amidst eclectic interiors, a reflection of intertwined cultures. Potong currently holds one Michelin star and occupies the No. 35 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list.
Prior to Pam, Thai chefs who received this prestigious award in previous years include Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava of Bolan/Err and Bongkot “Bee” Satongun in 2018.
Pam will officially receive her accolade at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards announcement in Seoul in March.