BANGKOK – The Thai culinary world was shaken by news that Jay Fai, the 81-year-old master behind Bangkok’s famous Michelin-starred street food stall, will retire and close her beloved shop near Phra Tu Phi in 2025. However, on Tuesday she denied this news.
On October 29, Jay Fai explained that the story stemmed from her participation in a UN refugee fundraising event, which was a major function attended by many ambassadors. When someone asked if she would retire at 80, she merely responded that she had some plans in mind. This response was then blown out of proportion. She confirms she will continue running her business.
Jay Fai explained that the story stemmed from her participation in a UN refugee fundraising event, which was a major function attended by many ambassadors. When someone asked if she would retire at 80, she merely responded that she had some plans in mind. This response was then blown out of proportion. She confirms she will continue running her business.
“I still have many international commitments, including in France where I need to cook. How could I quit? It’s impossible because I’m still bound by these commitments. I’m still strong, even though I’m 81 this year. I can stand and cook comfortably – about 15 hours a day,” she said.
Additionally, she has projects and contracts with Korea and other countries, after she has appeared on Shin ramyun x Jayfai tom yum goong flavored instant noodles, cementing her fame across Asia and globally.
Previously, she had mentioned considering retirement at 80. Now at 81, she has been gradually scaling back operations. From initially closing only on Sundays, the restaurant changed to closing two days (Sundays and Mondays), and currently operates just four days a week, Wednesday through Saturday at 09.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.
Regarding her eventual retirement, Jay Fai said she has no plans for her daughter to take over the business but is willing to share her recipes and teach those interested in learning them.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), had commented that Jay Fai’s retirement would be a big blow to Bangkok’s street food culture, as her restaurant is renowned both locally and internationally, serving as a soft power that has long promoted tourism and Thai cuisine.
Jay Fai, also known as Jay Pia Supinya Junsuta, is a true Thai soft power icon who rose to fame in her 70s when she earned a Michelin star in Bangkok’s first Michelin Guide in 2018. Her restaurant, famous for its legendary “crab omelet,” is a street food establishment that has maintained its one Michelin star for 7 consecutive years.
She also received the Icon Award in 2021 from The World’s 50 Best website. Her other famous dishes include curry powder stir-fried crab, tom yum seafood soup with giant prawns, noodles with seafood, Japanese abalone with stir-fried kale, and dried seafood Congee.
Prachachat Business reported that she grew up in a family running a chicken noodle shop, completed only fourth grade, and previously worked at a tailor shop before helping her mother cook.
When her house near Mahakan Fort burned down, leaving her with nothing, she had the idea to try selling food on her own. She asked her younger sister to teach her. Although she was an impatient person, she proved that impatience and deliciousness could go hand in hand.
Jay Fai has helped make Phra Tu Phi area, or Samran Rat intersection (the intersection of Mahachai and Bamrung Muang roads), a must-visit landmark for people seeking to try her delicious, though expensive, crab omelet.
Her distinctive character includes wearing large glasses and a head covering while standing at her charcoal stove. For years, her stove’s flames never dimmed, even on days when there were no customers, only people taking photos before eating pad thai nearby instead.
International food media and major news agencies have featured stories about her and her delicious menu items.
Many celebrities visiting Thailand have tried her cooking and posted photos on social media, including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, and Lisa BLACKPINK, who congratulated Jay Fai along with executives from “Nongshim,” the famous Korean noodle company that recently collaborated with her.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will be the next celebrity to dine at the restaurant, after expressing that it’s a pity she has never had the chance to eat there. She mentioned that she would have her friends take her to queue up so she can try Jay Fai’s food.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s wish to have friends help secure a reservation, Jay Fai said she was very honored, especially considering hers is just a small establishment.
“I also want to say that I fully support this Prime Minister because I see her as a new generation leader who can develop her capabilities very quickly,” Jay Fai added.
___________
