The global culinary world must pay attention! Chef Pam-Pichaya Suntharayanakit of Potong restaurant in Bangkok has claimed the title of The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, confirming her success after recently winning Asia's Best Female Chef in 2024.
This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Chef Pam is the first chef from Asia to earn this prestigious award in its 14-year history, which is judged by a panel of over 1,120 esteemed food experts worldwide.
Potong, Chef Pam’s restaurant, has been open for less than five years, yet during this period, Pichaya Suntharayanakit, known as Chef Pam, quickly gained international recognition and acclaim in the culinary arena.
Behind what seems like rapid success lies nearly 15 years of hard work and dedication. Chef Pam began her career path studying journalism before turning to cooking. She won youth chef competitions at just 21, then pursued further culinary education at the renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York, honing her skills under legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Upon returning to Thailand, she became widely known as a judge on Top Chef Thailand and opened The Table restaurant, offering an exclusive private dining experience.
A turning point came in 2019 when her family’s 120-year-old historic building, once an old Chinese herbal medicine shop, became available. Chef Pam and her husband and business partner, Tor-Boondhiti, decided to revitalize this historic structure in Yaowarat into a multi-level concept restaurant named Potong.
At Potong, Chef Pam tells the story of her unique heritage through a tasting menu of about 20 courses in a style she calls Progressive Thai-Chinese Cuisine, which is both thought-provoking and creative. Signature dishes include aromatic smoked roast duck. Dining here engages all five senses through journeys across the building's floors, creating new memories while connecting with guests’ past experiences.
Winning this global award serves as a larger platform, allowing Chef Pam to share inspiration and joy through cooking—with professional chefs, home cooks, and food lovers around the world without a doubt. This represents a proud moment for the Thai culinary industry.
Source:The World’s 50 Best