Bangkok chef Pam Soontornyanakij named world’s best female chef 2025
Bangkok chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij has been named the world’s best female chef 2025, becoming the first Thai and Asian woman to receive the prestigious accolade from 50 Best Restaurants. This is the first in a series of awards that culminates in the annual ceremony, which will take place on 19th June at Lingotto Fiere in Turin, Italy. Soontornyanakij, owner of the acclaimed restaurant Potong, was recognised for her influential contributions to the international culinary scene and her innovative approach to Thai-Chinese cuisine.
The chef first attracted global attention when she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef as part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Her restaurant, located in a historic building that once housed her family’s Chinese herbal medicine business, has also received significant recognition, ranking no.13 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and no.57 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.
Born and raised in Bangkok, chef Pam gained her formal culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America before refining her skills at Jean-Georges in New York. Returning to Thailand, she co-founded The X Project hospitality group with her husband, which operates restaurant and bar concepts across Bangkok. Among these is Smoked, a successful multi-outlet restaurant combining American Texas BBQ techniques with Thai culinary traditions, and Opium Bar, an internationally recognised immersive cocktail venue ranked No.73 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024.
Potong, established in 2021, is a reflection of chef Pam’s Thai-Chinese heritage, offering a tasting menu inspired by her philosophy of “five elements and five senses.” The restaurant’s name, meaning ‘simple’, honours her family’s longstanding ties to traditional Chinese medicine. Potong’s unique culinary style blends contemporary techniques and traditional flavours, making it a notable destination in Bangkok’s vibrant food scene.
Beyond her restaurant ventures, Soontornyanakij is widely recognised as a television personality, appearing as the main judge on Top Chef Thailand. Her expertise has also been showcased internationally through judging roles on programmes such as Top Chef Arab World, Iron Chef, The World Cook, The Maverick Academy, and most recently, The Restaurant War Thailand. Committed to nurturing future culinary talent, she established the Women for Women (WFW) Scholarship and Internship Programme, which provides mentorship and educational opportunities for aspiring female chefs in Thailand.
William Drew, director of content for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, praised the chef’s achievements, stating: “It is an absolute privilege to announce chef Pam as the recipient of The World’s Best Female Chef Award 2025. She creates exceptional, innovative dishes, weaving cultural stories through food while pushing the boundaries of culinary tradition. Her visionary approach to gastronomy and her influential role in the Thai culinary scene and beyond makes her more than deserving of this recognition on an international level.”
Chef Pam expressed gratitude for the honour, commenting: “I’m truly honoured to be named the world’s best female chef 2025 and humbled to be the first Thai to join the remarkable women who have paved the way before me. This award highlights the importance of recognising women’s invaluable contributions to the culinary world. It’s not just for me, but for every other female chef who may contribute to the global appreciation of Thai cuisine. Above all, I hope it inspires the next generation of female chefs to pursue their culinary dreams.”
Food Desk
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony will take place in Turin on 19th June 2025. For further information, visit the academy’s website here.
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