Tam is known for curating cutting-edge farm-to-table experiences that highlight Thailand’s local produce (All photos: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants)
Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, chef and owner of Baan Tepa in Bangkok which made Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, has been named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025.
Known for curating cutting-edge farm-to-table experiences that highlight Thailand’s local produce, biodiversity and cuisine, she is a prime representative of women’s achievements in the culinary space and will be honoured at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in Seoul on March 25.
Tam is the latest in a string of Thai female chefs to receive this title, showcasing the nation’s groundbreaking F&B industry and blossoming opportunities for women in the sector. Previous recipients were Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij (2024), Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun (2018) and Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava (2013).
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A big advocate of sustainable agriculture, Tam uses her knowledge of nutrition and modern techniques to deliver creative dishes and timeless Thai flavours with responsibly sourced produce as her foundation. Her efforts include embracing and innovating waste management, composting, farming and supporting local growers to achieve a circular system that gives back to the community and earth.
Tam’s passion for ingredient-driven cooking stems from her training years at the International Culinary Center in New York, where she worked under reowned chef Dan Barber (Chefs’ Choice Award 2018 winner). She has also served as chef ambassador for Thai Harvest SOS and contributed to the UN Environment Programme’s campaigns tackling food waste reduction.
Her restaurant Baan Tepa, which used to be her grandmother’s home on a three-generation family estate, takes diners on a gastronomic journey across the Land of Smiles. Dishes like the Heart of Thailand: Nam Prik pay homage to the country’s various regions, while the Dong Dang Noodles and Anatomy of a River Prawn are menu highlights that simply cannot be missed.
This article first appeared on Feb 24, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
