Bangkok Street Food has its first Michelin Star

Photo Courtesy of Kambria Fisher

Raan Jay Fai is named after its 72-year old owner, Jay Fai who still fires up the woks and dons trademark ski goggles to protect her eyes from hot oil.

In December 2017, Michelin released their first guide to the Thai capital awarding Raan Jay Fai a shophouse located in the Banglamphu district of Bangkok, the first Bangkok Michelin Star for street food.
Raan Jay Fai is named after it's 72-year old owner, Jay Fai who still fires up the woks and dons trademark ski goggles to protect her eyes from hot oil. 

It is known as Bangkok’s most expensive street food spot, where dishes are on average $35. Expensive for locals but cheap for the chance to try some Michelin awarded cuisine. With regards to the expense, Jay Fai feels that the quality of her food justifies the price.

"Of course, many people told me that I was crazy, because they said it was too expensive... But I think we should value our own seafood and cuisine the way the Japanese and other cultures do. I pay my staff well and I use the best ingredients. If people don't like the prices, they can go elsewhere."

The award is welcome although Jay Fai was previously unfamiliar with Michelin itself

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

The two dishes that create the formidable queues are the crab omelette and drunken noodles.

According to Kylie Mclaughlin at http://www.traveller.com.au
"The omelette – a smaller version at 800 baht ($35.20) – is crispy on the outside, and filled with sweet crab meat, served with a side of sriracha and a sprig of parsley. It's worth the wait of an hour, but three? ​

Photo from DanielFoodDiary.com

The drunken noodles are chewy with a delicate smokey flavour and a spicy kick, and served with crispy vegetables and large prawns. This is good, but less impressive, and comes with the same hefty price tag of 800 baht."

Photo from DanielFoodDiary.com

Mark Wiens of Migrationology takes a visit to Ran Jay Faai in the video below

Raan Jay Fai is the world's third "street food" restaurant to win a star, following two Singapore stalls that won a star each when the first Singapore Michelin Guide was published last year.

​Raan Jay Fai
327 Mahachai Road (at intersection with Samranrat Road) Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 223 9384
Opening Hours: 3:00pm – 2:00am (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Google Maps – Raan Jay Fai

References:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/06/queen-of-thai-street-food-jay-fai-wins-michelin-star-bangkok-guide
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/thailand/bangkok/articles/bangkok-gets-its-first-michelin-guide/
https://www.finedininglovers.com/blog/news-trends/michelin-star-bangkok-street-food/
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/bangkok-street-food-eatery-earns-michelin-star-9475124
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/food-news/99897140/third-ever-streetfood-michelin-star-goes-to-70yearold-thai-woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv8LUSqT3JQ

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