BANGKOK — As family cooks and street-food vendors, women have long been the driving force in Thailand’s culinary scene, but they have largely missed out on individual recognition and respect. A slew of awards and accolades, international and domestic, is now changing that.
Rising numbers of women are at the helm of high-end restaurants in Bangkok and further afield, including at some establishments that boast Michelin stars. The Michelin list for Thailand 2025, released in November, includes 32 restaurants that have been awarded one or more of the cherished stars, including eight led by women. “It is inspiring to see more female chefs excelling not only in their culinary roles but also as entrepreneurs shaping and developing the culinary landscape nationwide,” Michelin inspectors wrote earlier this year.