For Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn of Michelin-starred Le Du, in Bangkok, taking the mantle of representing Thai cuisine when he travels internationally is a big responsibility; one that he is also very proud of. “Thai cuisine offers a range of angles to explore, from upscale white-tablecloth restaurants to humble noodle shops. My intention is to highlight and embody these aspects of Thai culinary culture, ensuring that every facet is presented in the best possible light,” Ton says.
Growing up within a bustling family environment surrounded by siblings, grandparents, and parents, dining out was a rarity for Ton. Home-cooked meals by his grandfather infused the flavours and aromas that became integral to his family’s identity. “However, it was my tenure at Eleven Madison Park in New York that genuinely broadened my horizons,” says the chef, whose restaurant ranked number one on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list.
