Today on our episode #414 of All in the Industry, Shari Bayer's guest is Pichaya 'Pam' Soontornyanakij, chef/owner of Potong restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand. Pam is an inspirational Thai chef, who has become an international culinary figure, and is serving up progressive, stimulating cuisine in a historic setting. Chef Pam was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2024, and The World’s Best Female Chef Award in 2025 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Originally training to become a journalist, Pam turned to cooking and studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and trained under renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in NYC, before returning to Bangkok. In 2019, when her family’s 120-year-old Chinese herbal pharmacy building became vacant in Bangkok’s Chinatown neighborhood, she took over the space with her family, and after an extensive renovation, created Potong, a one-star Michelin restaurant; currently #13 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, featuring a tasting menu where she tells stories of her family’s unique heritage through some 20 courses of progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine. Shari had the pleasure of dining at Potong a few days before this in-person interview in late April. Our show also features Shari's PR tip to preserve your family heritage; Industry News on The New York Times appointing Ligaya Mishan and Tejal Rao as co-chief restaurant critics; and Shari's one-of-a-kind solo dining experience at Gaggan Anand's Gaggan in Bangkok, currently ranked #1 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, and #9 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants; plus, Shari's other wonderful dining experiences while in Thailand. Many thanks to all of the chefs, including Pam and Gaggan, Marko Kovac, and teams.

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