Khao San Sek, a Thai Restaurant by Chef Pam, Pays Respect to Thailand's Five Key Ingredients
- Chomp Magazine
- May 16
- 6 min read
Recognised as Asia's Best Female Chef in 2024 and the World's Best Female Chef in 2025, Chef Pam-Pitchaya Soonthornyanakij is making remarkable strides in the culinary world. She has recently launched a new dining venture, Khao San Sek, that presents a unique opportunity for diners to experience her thoughtful reinterpretation of the foundational ingredients that define Thai cuisine.
At the heart of her approach are five essential ingredients: rice, chilli, coconut, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Each of these components represents vital characteristics that shape the vibrant flavours synonymous with Thai cooking. Rice serves as a cornerstone of nourishment and sustenance, embodying the essence of culinary tradition. The inclusion of chilli brings a lively intensity and excitement that invigorates the palate, while coconut contributes its creamy versatility, enhancing dishes with its subtle richness. Fish sauce, with its complex umami profile, adds depth and authenticity, grounding flavours in the culinary heritage of Thailand. Finally, the use of palm sugar introduces a gentle sweetness that harmonises the dish, balancing both savoury and spicy elements.
Through her innovative cuisine, Chef Pam is committed to honouring traditional practices while also showcasing the diverse and rich natural resources that Thailand has to offer. She aims to create memorable experiences for her guests, each plate representing a journey that celebrates not only the flavours of Thai food but also the cultural significance behind them. By merging tradition with creativity, Chef Pam encourages diners to explore the potential of Thai cuisine in new and exciting ways.
Diners can select from both an à la carte menu and a thoughtfully curated set menu. The set menu presents a delightful array of dishes, expertly crafted by Chef Pam, to tantalise the senses and satisfy diverse palates. The first indulgence on this carefully designed menu is the Oyster, which showcases the exquisite Surathani oyster. This delicacy is elegantly drizzled with a hint of zesty chilli sauce, adding a delightful kick, and is artfully nestled within a crispy coconut shell. This unique combination not only highlights the fresh flavours of the oyster but also enhances the dining experience with a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
After indulging in the Oyster, guests are treated to a delightful selection of appetisers that elevate the dining experience. Among them is Chef Pam's exquisite Sube Makua, a flavourful relish that showcases a luxurious purée of grilled Thai aubergine, expertly blended with a hint of chilli to add a subtle kick. This dish not only highlights the rich, smoky undertones of the aubergine but also balances the heat with a vibrant array of spices, making it a perfect introduction to the meal. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours, inviting guests to savour the art of culinary creativity.
Namprik Gaeng Pu is an exquisite appetiser that features a spicy crab relish served elegantly in a crab shell. This delightful dish showcases rich flavours, as the relish is meticulously crafted from fresh crab meat and roe, blended with a medley of Southern spices that elevate its taste. The addition of coconut cream lends a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, balancing the dish's spice. Accompanying the relish is a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables, which not only add a crisp contrast but also enhance the overall presentation.
One enticing appetiser, Khamong Lin Wua Satay, showcases tender grilled beef tongue artfully arranged atop a slice of perfectly toasted bread. This dish is generously drizzled with a rich and velvety satay peanut sauce, enhancing the savoury flavours of the beef while adding a delightful nuttiness to each bite. The contrast of textures between the succulent beef and the crispy bread creates a satisfying culinary experience, making it a memorable start to any meal.
Khao Kayam Pla Foo Namprik Somboon Rod is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases young jasmine rice as its base, known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture. The dish is accompanied by puffed mackerel, which adds a delightful crunch and a rich, savoury flavour. Complementing these ingredients is a spicy chilli paste that brings heat and depth, balanced by the refreshing notes of kaffir lime leaves. To enhance the dish further, tangy slices of sour mango introduce a zesty element, while baby octopus adds a unique twist, inviting an intriguing layer of taste. Together, these components create a beautifully harmonious and complex dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
For the main course, a delightful array of dishes awaits. One standout option is the Dok Hom Sadoong Keoy Gakmoogrob, a vibrant creation featuring tender stir-fried onion flower stems and piquant chilli peppers. This dish is artfully topped with Thai chicharón, which has been expertly seasoned with a rich shrimp paste, enhancing the flavours and adding a satisfying crunch. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a memorable highlight of the meal.
Another main dish, Gaeng Pum Pak Peun Baan, is a fragrant and flavorful Thai curry that showcases a vibrant array of local ingredients. At its heart, this dish features a medley of fresh pumpkins, including various local varieties that bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Complementing the pumpkins, Thai sponge gourd adds a unique, tender crunch. The dish is further enriched with an assortment of aromatic garden herbs, enhancing its freshness and complexity. Additionally, the inclusion of wolfia, a nutrient-dense superfood often referred to as watermeal, provides a delightful blend of taste and health benefits. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious and satisfying dish that embodies the essence of traditional Thai cuisine.
Beef Gaeng Keaw Kai Krob is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender slices of beef simmered in a vibrant gaeng keaw waan thick sauce. This Thai delicacy is enhanced by the unique addition of kai krob, a Southern speciality made from preserved duck egg yolks, which lends a creamy texture and a distinctly salty taste. The combination of the aromatic spices in the gaeng and the lusciousness of the kai krob creates a harmonious balance, making this dish a delightful experience for the palate. These three are served with a bowl of refillable rice sourced locally.
The dessert featured in the set is Kanom Pum, a traditional Thai delicacy that delights with its unique texture and flavour profile. Made from a careful blend of rice flour and rich palm sugar caramel, this sweet treat undergoes a steaming process that allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a moist and tender consistency. The subtle sweetness of the palm sugar adds depth, while the rice flour provides a satisfying chewiness. Kanom Pum is often served in small, round shapes, making it not only a delicious dessert but also an appealing addition to any culinary presentation.
The à la carte menu boasts several standout dishes that deserve special attention. One highlight is the Catch of the Day Crudo, which showcases the freshest offerings from the Thai seas. This exquisite dish features delicately sliced fish that is cured in sato, a traditional Thai rice wine known for its fruity aroma and subtle complexity. The preparation enhances the natural flavours of the fish while adding a unique twist that reflects the essence of Thai culinary traditions.
Black Sticky Rice Coconut Brulée is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that showcases the unique flavour and texture of black sticky rice. This dish starts with a base of perfectly cooked black sticky rice, known for its slightly chewy consistency and nutty undertones. The rice is then generously layered with a velvety coconut cream that adds a rich, tropical sweetness. To elevate the experience, the top layer is delicately caramelised using a culinary torch, creating a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling beneath. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours, making it a truly memorable treat.
Khao San Sek Thai Restaurant by Chef Pam offers a distinctly different dining experience compared to its larger sister restaurant, Potong. While Potong is known for its elaborate ambience and an extensive menu that highlights traditional flavours with a modern twist, Khao San Sek embraces a more intimate and casual atmosphere. This smaller establishment focuses on creating dishes inspired by Thailand's five key ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy a vibrant array of bold flavours and textures. The cosy setting encourages social interactions, making it a perfect spot for friends to gather and enjoy delightful, shareable plates.
Khao San Sek
Hours: Daily, 11:30-14:30 & 18:00-22:30
Tel: +669 7016 9824
Website: https://www.khaosansek.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khaosansek.bkk
Location: 1121 1123 Song Wat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
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