Two culinary visionaries have etched their names in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024, elevating Thailand’s fine dining landscape for the upcoming year.
Chef Chudaree Debhakam of Baan Tepa and Chef Garima Arora of Gaa took the spotlight at the recent MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024 presentation. Their restaurants secured the distinction of being the only two newcomers awarded two Michelin stars, a testament to their culinary prowess and contributions to the evolving gastronomic scene.
With the recent addition of Baan Tepa and Gaa, the MICHELIN Guide Thailand now proudly boasts seven two-Michelin-starred establishments. Among these, Sorn, Mezzaluna, R – Harn, Sühring, and Chef’s Table maintain their prestigious two-Michelin-star status.
Baan Tepa, championing a farm-to-table philosophy, presents a meticulously crafted contemporary Thai tasting menu using seasonally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Meanwhile, Gaa, a contemporary Indian restaurant, seamlessly fuses traditional and modern elements, offering expertly spiced dishes with extraordinary flavour combinations, distinctive textures, and varied temperatures.
Baan Tepa, having earned one Michelin Star in the 2023 Guide, proudly secures two MICHELIN Stars in the 2024 edition. Gaa is only the second Indian restaurant in the world to currently hold two MICHELIN Stars.
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024 showcases a total of 447 establishments, featuring notable distinctions such as 7 two Michelin Stars, 28 one Michelin Star, and the rest recognized with Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected distinctions.
Among the Guide’s new additions, 23 establishments from Ko Samui (4 Bib Gourmand and 7 Michelin Selected entries) and Surat Thani Mainland (8 Bib Gourmand and 4 Michelin Selected entries) stand out, marking the inclusion of these territories in the seventh local edition.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, emphasizes the vibrant and varied culinary scenes of the newly covered territories, Ko Samui and the mainland city of Surat Thani. These areas boast diverse culinary offerings enriched by local produce, including the freshest premium seafood and a fusion of cultures.
“Our inspectors have experienced the true diversity that Thailand has to offer, from modern restaurants pushing culinary boundaries to simple street food stalls, continuously reinforcing Thailand’s rich gastronomic culture and heritage. The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand not only highlights these exceptional culinary experiences but also showcases the latest trends in the country’s culinary world,” says Poullennec.
Traversing the country, Michelin Guide inspectors observed the continued growth of modern Thai restaurants led by a new generation of young, passionate Thai chefs. These chefs are pushing the boundaries of modern Thai cooking, and there’s a rise in reservation-only, counter dining operations serving modern and innovative tasting menus.
The trend for healthy and vegetarian cuisine continues to gain momentum in Thailand, with increasing demand for plant-based and organic foods. This health-conscious shift has led to a surge in demand for organic and healthy food products, with upscale restaurants prominently featuring locally produced, home-grown ingredients and sustainable production.
ARTS AND CULTURE
A Mural Odyssey
Nestled in Maha Sarakham province, Northeast Thailand, the unassuming ordination hall of Wat Yang Thuang may resemble a simple rice barn upon first glance. However, a closer inspection of its walls, adorned with unique Buddhist art, transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary experience. These murals, depicted on the “sim” or ordination hall, provide a vivid portrayal of the Isaan people’s soul.
Joining PRU, Haoma, and Jampa, all honored with MICHELIN Green Stars for their commitment to sustainability, is the creative French restaurant J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain. Chef Lorain and his team have made significant strides in adopting a sustainable approach, establishing close relationships with Thai producers and meticulously examining their kitchen practices. This includes stringent waste monitoring, adherence to strict recycling systems, and various smaller initiatives, all contributing to their overarching goal of a more sustainable future.
With the recent inclusion of J’AIME, the MICHELIN Guide Thailand now proudly features a total of 4 MICHELIN Green Starred establishments, underscoring the region’s growing emphasis on sustainability in its culinary landscape.
