13-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s culinary scene continues to flourish as four additional restaurants in the country have been awarded the prestigious Michelin star rating. This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Thailand’s gastronomy, thanks to a new generation of talented and passionate chefs.
In an announcement on Wednesday, Michelin revealed that two fine-dining establishments have been upgraded to two stars, while four new eateries have earned the entry-level one-star rating. Additionally, a French restaurant was awarded a special “Green Star” tag for its commitment to sustainability. However, no Thai restaurant has yet achieved the coveted three-star status.
The release of the 2024 edition of the Thailand Michelin Guide brings the total number of star-rated restaurants in the country to 39. Furthermore, Michelin has added 28 new restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes establishments offering exceptional cuisine at a reasonable price.
Thailand’s culinary allure lies in its diverse range of dining options, from high-end fine-dining experiences to the vibrant street food scene. This combination attracts millions of tourists each year. In fact, Bangkok alone boasts nine restaurants on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list this year, surpassing the numbers for Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Among the notable upgrades, Baan Tepa, a contemporary Thai restaurant led by Chudaree Debhakam, and Gaa, an Indian restaurant helmed by Garima Arora, were elevated to the two-star category. Baan Tepa offers a modern take on traditional Thai cuisine, while Gaa blends old-school cooking techniques with innovative presentation.
“Our inspectors have witnessed the true diversity that Thailand has to offer, from avant-garde restaurants pushing culinary boundaries to humble street food stalls, constantly reinforcing Thailand’s rich gastronomic culture and heritage,” stated Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide.
Michelin also highlighted the emergence of a new wave of modern Thai restaurants led by young and passionate chefs who are pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. The guide also noted the rise of reservation-only, counter dining establishments that serve modern and inventive tasting menus.
Thailand’s culinary landscape has also become notable for the increasing number of female chefs and entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry, according to Michelin. Chudaree from Baan Tepa was specifically recognized with the Michelin Young Chef Award, which celebrates exceptional talent and great potential.
