Chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn

Born and raised on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok within a family of seasoned culinary artisans, Chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn was immersed in the world of gastronomy from a tender age. She grew up observing her father and aunt meticulously prepare traditional Thai dishes, and at the remarkably young age of six, she discovered her fervour for cooking when she mastered the art of crafting Thai-style omelettes over a charcoal firepot.

Upon completing her high school education, Chef Aom embarked on a transformative culinary journey by enrolling in the School of The Oriental Hotel Apprenticeship Program (OHAP) at the renowned Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Her professional career commenced in the prestigious Lord Jim restaurant within the hotel. During this formative period, she had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with several Michelin­ starred Chefs, including luminaries like Juan Amador and Thomas Keller, during their guest appearances at Le Normandie.

Chef Aom’s odyssey through fine dining continued at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, situated in the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Here, she explored a distinct facet of Thai cuisine, immersing herself in the intricate molecular gastronomy techniques championed by Michelin-starred Chef Henrik Yde Andersen. Subsequently, she assumed the role of Executive Chef under the esteemed Thai Chef Ian Kittichai at the award-winning lssaya Siamese Club.

Following her tenure at lssaya Siamese Club, Chef Aom lent her culinary creativity to the renowned TWG, where she harnessed various tea varieties to craft both Thai and European culinary delights. Later, she contributed her expertise to the pre-opening team of The House on Sathorn.

In 2016, seeking fresh challenges, Chef Aom spearheaded the launch of Baan Phadthai, a culinary gem nestled in a converted shophouse on Charoen Krung Road—the very place where her culinary journey began. Specializing in Thailand’s iconic national dish, Baan Phadthai swiftly gained acclaim, receiving a coveted Bib Gourmand in the inaugural Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018. The Baan Phadthai Cookbook was subsequently set for release in 2018.

Saawaan stands as Chef Aom’s magnum opus, culminating her culinary voyage. The menu spotlights ingredients sourced from across Thailand, with each dish exemplifying the diverse techniques intrinsic to traditional Thai cuisine, including boiling, steaming, grilling, stir-frying, and fermenting. Fusing her experiences gleaned from working alongside some of the world’s most esteemed chefs with her upbringing in a traditional Thai household, Chef Aom crafts innovative dishes that pay homage to the richness of local produce and the heritage of Thai gastronomy. Saawaan has been awarded a prestigious MICHELIN STAR since 2019, consecutively in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Notably, Chef Aom earned the distinction of being the inaugural recipient of the MICH ELIN GU IDE Young Chef Award in 2021. In 2020, she presented her culinary creations at the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok Star Revelation and Gala Dinner.

In 2023, a new chapter unfolded in Chef Aom Sujira Pongmorn’s illustrious career as she introduced her intimate restaurant, bearing the name “KHAAN.” This establishment promises a distinctive blend of Thai fine dining, the essence of street food, and contemporary gastronomy, inviting guests to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.