If there’s one name shaking up Thailand’s fine dining scene, it’s Chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, also known as Chef Tam. She has just been crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025, sponsored by Nongshim Shinramyun, making her the only Thai female chef to hold two Michelin stars— and the latest in a growing line of trailblazing Thai culinary talents.
Celebrated for her innovative and eco-friendly methods, Chef Tam highlights local Thai produce and biodiversity through her farm-to-table cuisine. She is the visionary behind Bangkok’s Baan Tepa, No.42 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Baan Tepa isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience, consisting of three sections: Tepa Kitchen, Tepa Garden, and the house itself.
Guests can dine in a beautiful historic house that belonged to Chef Tam’s grandmother, Lady Suwaree Debhakam, and has been cherished by the family for three generations.
Speaking about her win, Chef Tam hopes to inspire a new generation of female chefs: “My hope is to inspire and support the younger generations of female chefs and to show them that they too can build successful careers by being authentic and not scared to push the boundaries.”
And she’s certainly leading by example — her seven-course tasting menu takes diners on a journey through Thailand, from the fiery flavors of Nam Prik to the delicate craftsmanship behind Anatomy of a River Prawn.
William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, calls her a “true trailblazer,” praising the way she’s putting Thai cuisine on the global stage while staying rooted in family tradition and heritage.
Her achievements will be celebrated at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, in Seoul on Mar. 25, 2025, where she’ll officially receive her well-earned title.
With her fearless approach to cooking and dedication to sustainability, there’s no doubt Chef Tam is redefining Thailand’s fine dining future — one plate at a time.
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