Pichaya “Chef Pam” Soontornyanakij is elevating global perceptions of Asian and Thai cuisine through fearless creativity, cultural depth, and avant-garde technique.
Drawing on her Thai and Chinese heritage, she creates culinary experiences that blend tradition with modern, artistic experimentation. Her flagship restaurant POTONG—ranked number one in Bangkok and number 13 in Asia—has earned international acclaim for its bold vision and immersive storytelling.
In 2025, she became the first Asian and Thai woman to be named World’s Best Female Chef and earned the prestigious Three Knives distinction by The Best Chef Awards. In 2024, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef, and in 2023 she became the first woman to receive both a Michelin star and the Michelin Opening of the Year award.
Beyond POTONG, she has opened several successful restaurants and a bar, further expanding her creative footprint.
A prominent global television figure, Soontornyanakij has been featured on Top Chef Thailand, Top Chef Arab World, Iron Chef, and other international programs, making her one of the most-recognized culinary personalities in Asia today.
Her work pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and uses food for cultural expression, positioning her as one of her generation’s most impactful culinary innovators.