Travelling to Bangkok? Check out this Michelin-starred street food eatery

Jay Fai, named after the 72-year-old proprietor who took over from her father, is located in old Bangkok and has earned a Michelin star.

In a city famous for street food, a roadside restaurant in Bangkok with plastic tables and simple but sumptuous fare has earned one of the dining scene’s highest honours: a Michelin star. Jay Fai, named after the 72-year-old proprietor who took over from her father, is located in old Bangkok and features an open-air kitchen known for churning out crab omelettes and curries.

Though classified as street food, Jay Fai is more expensive than your average roadside stall, with a typical speciality costing upwards of $20. It was the only streetside establishment listed in Michelin’s first-ever Bangkok guide released on Wednesday, which said the Thai capital’s culinary scene was as “diverse as it is surprising”.

“Before, I knew the Michelin name, but I did not know it had to do with cooking,” she said, after obtaining the star. “I am very proud,” she added and explained that she must be back in the kitchen on Thursday. “We do not have a lot of staff because I’m a bit difficult and crazy.”

Jay Fai’s newfound stature comes at a tough time for food stalls in Bangkok. City officials, backed by the military government, are attempting to unclutter the streets by pushing vendors into hawker centres as in Singapore.

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