Bangkok’s Chef Pam to open first Australian restaurants

Michelin-starred chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij will launch her first Australian restaurants at Crown Sydney and Crown Perth in 2027, bringing contemporary Thai cuisine built on premium local produce.

Known as Chef Pam, Soontornyanakij will develop bespoke venues at both properties, pairing bold Thai flavours with Australian ingredients.

Her Bangkok restaurant Potong placed No.13 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, up from 57 in 2024 and 35 in 2023. Asia’s Best Female Chef also named her The World’s Best Female Chef 2025.

Soontornyanakij has a personal link to Australia, with her grandmother having been born and raised in New South Wales.

“Opening my first Australian restaurants is incredibly meaningful. My current venues are about respecting the foundations of Thai cuisine and expressing them in a modern and personal way. Australia’s beautiful local produce makes it the perfect destination for this next chapter,” Soontornyanakij told Hospitality Magazine.

Crown Perth CEO Brian Pereira recognised Soontornyanakij as “one of the most acclaimed chefs in the world”.

“We are proud to welcome her to a city so connected to Asia and that has such a strong affection for Thai flavours,” Pereira said.

Crown Sydney CEO Ken Janssen said the partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Australian dining.

“We’re honoured to be working with Chef Pam in bringing her unique, modern style to our guests,” Janssen said.

The announcement adds to Crown Australia’s growing international culinary line-up. In July, the resort group revealed that Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, the only chef to hold three Michelin stars across three restaurants simultaneously, will open two restaurants at Crown Resorts in Australia next year.

Jonathan Jackson, 21st October 2026