More than €100 compared to €40 for the shrimp omelet: what happened?
In Bangkok, the name Jay Fai is synonymous with culinary art, a temple of street food where passion burns hotter than the charcoal in her woks. With her unmistakable look, complete with ski goggles to protect her eyes from the heat, the chef is a true legend, crowned with a Michelin star that she has held continuously since 2018. But even legends can run into trouble, especially in the age of social media. And the storm that hit Jay Fai ironically arose from one of her iconic dishes: the crab frittata. It all started with a complaint by YouTuber Peachii, who said on her social media channels that she was shocked by the bill she received at the restaurant. The menu clearly stated a price of 1,500 baht for the crab frittata (the equivalent of almost €40), but Peachii was charged 4,000 baht (€106). The young woman stated that she had not been informed of the price difference, nor had she requested a ‘premium’ version of the dish. Her story, a small stone thrown into the digital pond, created a wave that swept across the web, even attracting the attention of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, which promptly launched an investigation.
The mystery of the bill revealed
The case could have turned into a real scandal, had it not been for an unexpected twist. Dr. Pattarapha Chadit, a regular customer of Jay Fai who was dining with Peachii on that fateful evening, shed light on the “mystery.” Dr. Pattarapha explained that the frittata was not just any dish, but a special creation that the chef reserved only for her most loyal customers, the so-called “VVIPs” (very very important people). This exclusive dish was prepared with superior quality crab, offered without the need for an explicit request, as a gesture of affection and recognition towards her loyal customers.
“I didn't explain it to my friend, and that's why there was a misunderstanding,” Dr. Pattarapha candidly admitted. A simple misunderstanding that, as often happens, sparked an avalanche of comments and assumptions. Peachii, understanding the situation, quickly posted a new post: “The crab frittata puzzle is now complete,” she wrote, putting an end to the controversy.
The legal conclusion: a lesson for everyone
Despite the clarification between the parties, the bureaucratic machine had already been set in motion. Officials from the Department of Internal Trade inspected the restaurant, confirming that the menu only showed the standard price of €40. The absence of the “VVIP” option led to a penalty: Jay Fai was fined €53 for not publicly displaying all the prices of its dishes.
The chef promptly agreed to comply with regulations, promising to update the menu with the premium option. This episode, beyond the small monetary cost, offered everyone a lesson: even a legend like Jay Fai, who works with heart and instinct, must abide by the rules of commerce. And while the crab frittata continues to delight palates around the world, its price is now no secret to anyone.
