Photo: Chim
Cover A dreamy blend of Thai elegance and modern charm only at Chim by Chef Noon (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Photo: Chim

Executive chef Thaninthorn ‘Noom’ Chantrawan brings a taste of Thailand down south with the opening of Chim by Chef Noom

Gone are the days of Thai dining being overshadowed by bowls of green curry and plates of peanut-peppered pad thai, thanks to the arrival of Chim by Chef Noom. Opened in 2024 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the restaurant has swiftly established itself as the city’s premier Thai fine dining destination. Under the guidance of executive chef Thaninthorn ‘Noom’ Chantrawan, the extension of Bangkok’s Chim by Siam Wisdom earned one Michelin star in just under a year of operation. 

See also: Chim by Chef Noom redefines Thai cuisine in Kuala Lumpur with a modern spin

 

Tatler Asia
Photo: Chim
Above An intimate dining space made for conversation, flavour, and connection (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Photo: Chim

With over a decade of experience in acclaimed London dining establishments and a notable appearance on Iron Chef Thailand, chef Noom brings a refined interpretation of age-old Thai recipes to Malaysian shores in a menu that preserves but reimagines near-forgotten Thai dishes. 

Tatler Asia
Slipper Lobster with Thai Rissoto (Photo: Chim)
Above Slipper Lobster with Thai Rissoto (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Tatler Asia
The Goong Sarong (Photo: Chim)
Above The Goong Sarong (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Slipper Lobster with Thai Rissoto (Photo: Chim)
The Goong Sarong (Photo: Chim)

The Lost Recipe, a fish soup that physicalises chef Noom’s dedication to cultural preservation, dates back to King Rama II’s reign and predates the familiar tom yum goong, offering diners a taste of centuries old Thai culinary heritage. Equally spectacular are the restaurant’s Goong Sarong, in which prawns enveloped in rice noodles are served alongside betel-leaf wrapped green papaya salad and the Oyster with Green Chilli Granita, a playful combination of spice and ice. 

Read more: Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025: Molina and Chim by Chef Noom snag stars

Tatler Asia
Khao Yum at Chim (Photo: Chim)
Above Khao Yum at Chim (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Khao Yum at Chim (Photo: Chim)

The restaurant goes above and beyond to immerse diners in Thai culture with a carefully curated interior that marries Thai elements with contemporary accents. It is hard to miss its striking centrepiece, a chandelier from Chiang Mai, even when tucking into dishes so novel to Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene. Two private dining rooms are hidden among the restaurant’s Thai textile decorations and handcrafted artworks; one that doesn’t shy away from traditional decor and another steeped in modernity. 

Tatler Asia
Oyster with Green Chili Granita (Photo: Chim)
Above Oyster with Green Chili Granita (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Tatler Asia
Photo: Chim
Above Photo: Chim by Chef Noom
Oyster with Green Chili Granita (Photo: Chim)
Photo: Chim

To complement both its stellar lineup of dishes and entrancing atmosphere, a dedicated sommelier ensures each creation is paired with thoughtfully selected wines, with the restaurant’s portfolio continually refreshed to maintain variety. 

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Credits

Images: Chim by Chef Noom

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Chelsea Rozario
Writer, Tatler Dining Malaysia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

About

Chelsea is a Dining Writer for Tatler Malaysia. When she’s not eating or writing about eating, she’s probably deciphering which oat milks froth the best for homemade flat whites. 

Work

Chelsea writes about where to find great food and is passionate about exploring the cultural significance of different cuisines.