World famous chef to open permanent restaurant in former Bistro Guillaume site at Crown Perth
The world’s best female chef, Thai culinary superstar Pichaya Soontornyanakij, has been revealed as the permanent tenant for the former Bistro Guillaume site at Crown Perth.
“As a female chef, a business owner and a mother, I know how valuable support and mentorship can be. I would love to see young chefs, especially young women, feel confident pursuing careers in hospitality and leadership.”
Known as Chef Pam, the globally-renowned chef will open new venues at Crown Perth and Crown Sydney in 2027 in a major coup for the local dining scene.
The Thai chef, restaurateur and television personality’s Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Potong is regularly named in global top 50 lists.
She was crowned the world’s best female chef in 2025, becoming the first chef from Asia to earn the title in its 14-year history.
Soontornyanakij said her Perth venue, Khao San Sek, would be a “vibrant and ingredient-driven” restaurant inspired by her venue of the same name on Bangkok’s famous Song Wat Road.
“Australia and Perth in particular have such an exciting food culture right now,” she said.
“People there are adventurous and really appreciate quality ingredients, which makes it the perfect place for Khao San Sek. There’s also a strong connection to Asia, and I think diners are looking for experiences that feel authentic but also bring something fresh and unexpected.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to share a side of Thai cuisine that many people haven’t experienced before.”
Her menu will explore Thai cuisine through five “sacred ingredients” — rice, chili, coconut, fish sauce and palm sugar — and feature WA ingredients including marron, rock lobster and prawns.
“Guests can expect bold flavours, vibrant energy and dishes designed to be shared around the table,” she said.
Soontornyanakij told The West Australian she was excited to nurture local talent in Perth.
“I’ve benefited from people who believed in me and gave me opportunities, so creating those opportunities for others is very important to me,” she said.
“As a female chef, a business owner and a mother, I know how valuable support and mentorship can be. I would love to see young chefs, especially young women, feel confident pursuing careers in hospitality and leadership.”
The announcement comes weeks after Crown announced that triple Michelin-starred Swedish chef, Björn Frantzén, would open two restaurants in Sydney and Perth.
Bistro Guillaume closed in April, and the space has since hosted a series of successful pop-ups from acclaimed chefs including David Thompson and George Calombaris.
The current residency, from Dunsborough restaurant Yarri, will close on September 5.
Crown Perth chief executive Brian Pereira said Khao San Sek would further enhance the dining experience on offer.
“Chef Pam is one of the most acclaimed chefs in the world, and we are proud to welcome her to a city so connected to Asia and that has such a strong affection for Thai flavours,” he said.