Bangkok’s famed street food icon Jay Fai, known for her Michelin-starred dishes, dispelled recent rumors of her retirement on October 29. The 81-year-old chef clarified that she has no immediate plans to close her popular eatery near Phra Tu Phi, stating she remains committed to her work despite speculations of a 2025 retirement.
The retirement rumors surfaced following Jay Fai’s attendance at a United Nations refugee fundraising event, where a casual comment about her future plans was reportedly misunderstood. When asked if she would consider retiring at 80, she mentioned “some plans,” which, she clarified, were mistakenly taken to mean an imminent end to her career. Jay Fai assured her fans, “I still have many international commitments, including in France where I need to cook. How could I quit? It’s impossible because I’m still bound by these commitments. I’m still strong, even though I’m 81 this year.”
With continued appearances on platforms like Shin Ramyun instant noodles, Jay Fai’s popularity has soared across Asia, and her Bangkok restaurant has attracted global culinary attention. Despite stepping back slightly from her intense schedule by adjusting her opening days to Wednesday through Saturday, Jay Fai remains hands-on at the restaurant and cooks for up to 15 hours a day.
While Jay Fai confirmed she has no plans for her daughter to inherit the business, she is open to sharing her signature recipes with aspiring chefs. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, commented that Jay Fai’s retirement would mark a major loss to Bangkok’s renowned street food culture, as her unique culinary flair has been a significant draw for tourism and Thai cuisine.
Known as Supinya Junsuta, Jay Fai gained widespread acclaim after being awarded a Michelin star in Bangkok’s first Michelin Guide in 2018, and her stall has retained the honor for seven years. Celebrated for her signature crab omelet, she also received The World’s 50 Best’s Icon Award in 2021. Jay Fai’s other famous dishes include stir-fried crab with curry powder, tom yum seafood soup, and Japanese abalone with kale.
