Cover Thai fine dining restaurant Sorn, founded by 2021 Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow Supaksorn Jongsiri, has consistently racked up the awards and accolades (Photo: Tatler Gen.T)
Thai fine dining restaurant Sorn, founded by 2021 Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow Supaksorn Jongsiri, has consistently racked up the awards and accolades (Photo: Tatler Gen.T)
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Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri, who is behind the award-winning Sorn in Bangkok, learnt his culinary skills under the auspice of his grandmother, who taught him the fundamentals of Southern Thai cuisine
Sorn, headed by Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, has consistently racked up awards and accolades since 2019, barely a year after it opened its doors. This year marks another milestone as it scored three Michelin stars, making it the first-ever Thai restaurant to win this accolade globally.
Over the years, the restaurant, which serves traditional Southern Thai fare in Bangkok, has amassed a plethora of achievements, but the best gauge of its popularity is undoubtedly its waiting list. Even though the restaurant opens up slots on the 15th of every month, it’s incredibly hard to get a table, and we can imagine that with these new accolades, scoring a spot at Sorn will become even more challenging.
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These accolades are a testament to chef Supaksorn’s relentless pursuit of perfection, unwavering commitment to his heritage and meticulous attention to detail.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sorn and its chef-owner.
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A journey through Southern Thailand
Supaksorn’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen. Following his parents’ separation, he spent formative years by her side, becoming her “unofficial” sous chef and immersing himself in the rich flavours of Southern Thai cuisine.
His grandmother even opened a restaurant called Baan Ice, named after her eldest grandson, Supaksorn. After years of studying in the US and working in the restaurant industry, Supaksorn returned to Thailand to manage Baan Ice.
In 2018, he opened Sorn, a tribute to his grandmother and the traditional culinary heritage of Southern Thailand.
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Supaksorn’s culinary skills are entirely self-taught, honed through years of hands-on experience in his grandmother’s kitchen. He carries this tradition forward by seeking out staff who have also learned their craft through family mentorship, preserving generations of culinary knowledge.
Before opening Sorn, he embarked on a months-long journey through Southern Thailand, immersing himself in the region’s culinary landscape. He met with fishermen, farmers and local cooks, deepening his understanding of the ingredients and techniques that define Southern Thai cuisine.
He focuses on Southern Thai food because he grew up in the region and was familiar with the way of life. It’s a region that’s deeply influenced by its history and location by the sea and has become a melting pot of flavours inspired by its Malaysian and Chinese neighbours.
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All in the details
At Sorn, the tasting menu takes guests on a culinary adventure through the 14 provinces of Southern Thailand. Supaksorn’s passion for his homeland shines through in every dish, showcasing rare ingredients and traditional recipes reimagined with a modern sensibility without westernising the techniques. He is committed to preserving the culture by reviving lost local techniques.
Central to Supaksorn’s culinary philosophy is a profound appreciation for the smallest details. “I believe that the only way to make the food and the restaurant better is through details, details, details,” he asserted in a video interview. “Details lie in a dish, an ingredient, the table space, even the chairs.”
This meticulous approach, this constant striving for refinement, is what drives him and his team. “I pay attention to these details so we can grow every day,” he explained. This commitment to excellence is palpable in every aspect of Sorn, from the carefully curated tasting menu to the thoughtfully designed dining space.
