Pichaya Pam Soontornyanakij

Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, a 35-year-old Thai chef, has made history by becoming the first Asian woman to receive the title of Best Chef in the World at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. As the head chef of Potong, a restaurant she opened in 2021 in Bangkok, she has skillfully blended culinary traditions with modern techniques, earning her restaurant a spot among Asia’s 50 Best in 2024 and 2025. Pam is not only renowned for her culinary talents but also for her commitment to her team, treating them like family, and for her philanthropic efforts to support women in rural Thailand aspiring to enter the culinary field. Her approach to cooking emphasizes the importance of emotional connections through food, aiming to create memorable dining experiences.