Ex Pat Aussie Chef Taking The Accolades From The Locals In Bangkok
David Thompson the celebrated Australian Chef who founded the famous Sailor Thai Restaurants in Sydney continues to receive awards at his Nahm restaurant in Bangkok.
In an embarrassing article for local chefs the Bangkok Post ran a story two years ago lauding the cooking prowess of Thompson and saying that it was a huge disappointment that this man from “down under” was teaching the locals their trade.
Thompson, who left Sydney some years back immediately, established himself as one of the world’s great Thai cuisine chefs since settling in Bangkok. The latest award puts his Nahm Restaurant in the Metropolitan Hotel in Bangkok as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world.
The award sponsored by S Pellegrino and Acqua Panna of London and organized by the publishers of Restaurant Magazine is similar to taking out a Grammy or Oscar in Hollywood.
Judging is anonymous and undertaken by more than 800 colleagues who submit seven restaurants they have eaten at in the last 18 months and three of the restaurants must be outside their region. Restaurants are judged on a total experience not just the food.
Thompson cooks with his Thai born partner of more than 18 years, Tanongsak Yordwai and has Troy Sutton from his London Award winning Nahm restaurant at the Halkin hotel as Sommelier. The London restaurant was in the top 100 in 2011 and was the first Thai restaurant to win a Michelin star.
Thompson collected his award in London recently. “I am delighted to receive this recognition.” he said. “It confirms the efforts we all put in to ensure Nahm deliverers an authentic Thai experience in Bangkok.”
Thompson’s first Sailor Thai restaurant was in Bayswater road Kings Cross and the one he sold when he went to Bangkok is on George Street at the Rocks.
Written by : John Savage
