Street food virtuoso Jay Fai honored with Asia's Distinguished Icon Award of 2021 in Bangkok.
Laid-Back Lowdown:
The renowned street food chef Jay Fai, also known as Supinya Junsuta and dubbed the "Queen of Street Food," has bagged the prestigious Icon Award Asia 2021. This accolade goes to Asian culinary legends who shine a light on their community and the broader restaurant industry.
Jay Fai has been dishing up delectable treats at her open-air shophouse for four decades. She's a hot favorite amongst locals, tourists, renowned gourmet chefs, and celebrities from far and wide. In 2018, she claimed the Michelin star as the first and only street food vendor in Thailand to do so.
Jay Fai's signature dishes include tantalizing twists on classic Thai offerings, such as her acclaimed yellow crab curry, intoxicating drunken noodles with seafood, mouthwatering tom yum soup, and her celebrated crab meat omelette. This dynamo is the sole chef at her humble 7-table establishment, working tirelessly over charcoal fires in her signature attire: a black apron, beanie, gloves, and ski goggles.
Now 76, Jay Fai has flourished in the spotlight, starring in the 2019 Netflix documentary series Street Food: Asia. Previously, she was lauded by Japanese chefs Seiji Yamamoto and Yoshihiro Murata, who bagged the Icon Awards in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The awarding body, the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, is assembled by over 300 food experts, including chefs, food critics, writers, and restaurateurs. Each year, they compile the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, to be revealed on March 25.
(Jay Fai's extraordinary journey to success is etched with adversity and perseverance. She overcame challenges, such as a house fire that consumed her family's savings. Despite setbacks, Jay Fai continued to thrive, achieving culinary acclaim and establishing herself as a global icon. Her story is highlighted in the documentary "Jay Fai: Fire & Soul" and through collaborations with global brands like Shin Ramyun. She continues to make waves in the world of food, despite her advanced age.)
Hankering for more juicy tidbits about Jay Fai or craving engaging discussions on the intricacies of Asian cuisine? Swing by the food-and-travel or health-and-wellness chat room on our website's Communities app. Available for iOS, Android, or web. Find the Community tab on the app to join!
- Jay Fai, the celebrated "Queen of Street Food" and the recipient of the Icon Award Asia 2021, is not only beloved by locals and tourists but also by celebrities who flock to her layout for delectable food-and-drink options and entertaining experiences.
- As Jay Fai continues to captivate the hearts of millions through her culinary prowess and star-studded lifestyle, conversations about her inspirational journey and the nuances of Asian cuisine can be found in the food-and-travel or health-and-wellness chat rooms on the Communities app, where enthusiasts discuss food, entertainment, and more.
