Chumpol Jangprai

Chef Chumpol Jangprai, the mastermind behind the renowned Thai fine-dining restaurant R-Haan, is renowned for his passion for authentic Thai cuisine, with a dedication to preserving and elevating traditional Thai dishes, and introducing them to a global audience.

Under his leadership, R-Haan became a symbol of Thai gastronomic excellence, blending ancient culinary wisdom with modern presentation. This accomplishment was a testament to his unwavering commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and adhering to time-honoured cooking techniques.

Jangprai’s journey, however, started long before R-Haan. His family has owned restaurants for decades, and as a child, he would help in the kitchen. He then went on to train in prestigious kitchens, both in Thailand and in European cities such as Copenhagen and Brussels, and work with world-class chefs including Anton Mosimann. His experience with upscale international Thai restaurant chain Blue Elephant provided a foundation for his approach to cooking. He has spent decades promoting Thai cuisine internationally, through television appearances and collaborations with chefs in other countries.

Beyond his work at R-Haan, Jangprai has been an advocate for sustainable and organic agriculture. His emphasis on sourcing the best ingredients from Thai farmers reflects his belief that Thai cuisine should be rooted in the land, while also supporting sustainable practices. He is also a dedicated culinary educator, nurturing the next generation of chefs through mentorship and public speaking.