Chudaree 'Tam' Debhakam is a chef renowned for her innovative take on traditional cuisine and her commitment to sustainability. As owner of Bangkok's Baan Tepa restaurant, she has won prestigious awards, including two Michelin stars, the first Thai woman to achieve this milestone.
Chudaree 'Tam' Debhakam rose to fame as the youngest contestant and winner of the first edition of Top Chef Thailand. Her passion for sustainability led her to work as a Chef Ambassador for Thai Harvest SOS and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) sustainability campaigns from 2015 to 2017, promoting the reduction of food waste.
After training at the International Culinary Center in New York, she honed her skills working under chef Dan Barber at the renowned Blue Hill at Stone Barns. During his two years there (2015-2017), she developed a deep connection to sustainable cooking, working with organic and responsibly sourced ingredients. This experience, combined with her knowledge of nutrition, has shaped her approach.
Baan Tepa in Bangkok is the essence of Tam's vision. Local ingredients are the stars here, many of which are grown in the restaurant's own garden. Attention to detail and a commitment to promoting Thai culture make the restaurant a unique dining experience.
Under Tam's leadership, Baan Tepa has won numerous awards: two Michelin stars and one Green star, the Michelin Service Award in the 2025 edition for outstanding service, the Michelin Young Chef Award in the 2024 edition as an emerging chef, and 42nd place in the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia 2024.
