Street Food Chef Stars at the Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018

(Source: Quanjing)

Jay Fai was the star in the Michelin Guide's galaxy of restaurants recognised in the first edition for Bangkok.

One of 14 single Michelin star winners, and the only street food restaurant honoured with a star, Jay Fai's signature crab omelettes and giant prawn noodles impressed the judges.

Two Michelin star winners included Gaggan, helmed by Gaggan Anand; Le Normandie in the Mandarin Oriental hotel, cheffed by Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier, and Mezzaluna, helmed by Japanese chef Ryuki Kawasaki, in the Lebua Hotel.

"The award of a star is a unique moment in the life of a chef," said Michael Ellis, international director of Michelin Guides. "It's a gamechanger, can be a life changer, and is a huge tribute to the life, talent and artistry of the chef."

Ellis paid tribute to Jay Fai and Danish chef Henrick Yde Andersen, of Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, one of the one Michelin star winners, for shining a light on Thai food, both internationally and in the capital.

International restaurants and chefs also shone. Suhring won a star for brothers Mathias and Thomas Suhring's German cuisine. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, J'AIME by Jean-Michel Lorrain, Elements and Savelberg also won Michelin stars with outstanding French cuisine. Ginza Sushi Ichi flew the flag for Japanese cuisine in the city.

A total of 35 restaurants were awarded a Bib Gourmand with pad thai street food outlet Baan Yai Phad Thai, stir-fried chicken noodles at Guay Tiew Kua Gai Suanmali, and Baannai, set in a Thai wooden house.

The Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants that provide good food and also offer good value. The designation is different from Michelin's star awards, which are more prestigious. Nevertheless, Bib Gourmands are highly valued.

Ellis added, "Today, Thai cuisine can take its rightful place as one of the most bold, diverse and intense cuisines in the world."