Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell and Chef Michelle Goh : From Local Thai Roots to Global Heights
- 1* Restaurant Mia in Bangkok
- Michelin star for his expertise in Western cuisine
- BK Magazine Best Young Chef & Best Dessert Menu
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Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell
Chef Pongcharn “Top” Russell, a culinary pioneer, became the first Thai chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his expertise in Western cuisine. Born into a fishing family in Nakorn Si Thammarat and raised on the tranquil shores of Phuket, Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell’s journey to culinary stardom began far from home. His passion for hospitality and fine dining was ignited after moving to the U.K. at the age of 15, where a part-time job at the 3 Rosette Priory Bay Hotel inspired him to forgo university and fully commit to the kitchen.
Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell’s commitment to his craft took him to some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. His early career includes working at Roussillon in Chelsea and receiving a coveted invitation to join Chef Alexis Gauthier in opening Gauthier Soho, which earned a Michelin star within just six months. He later sharpened his skills at The Pearl with Michelin Starred Jun Tanaka and at the renowned three Michelin-starred Sketch Lecture Room & Library under the legendary Pierre Gagnaire and Romain Chapel.
In 2014, Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell moved to Singapore to work with Jason Atherton at Pollen, where he rose rapidly through the ranks to become Senior Sous Chef. His dream of returning to Thailand came true in 2016 when, at just 26, he became the Executive Chef at Freebird in Bangkok, launching a new chapter in his already remarkable career. He has been recognized by prominent publications, including Thailand Tatler Gen T, Koktail’s Future 100 list, and the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. In 2018, he was awarded the BK Magazine Top Tables Best Young Chef title. Outside the kitchen, Chef Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell remains connected to his island roots. He has a passion for the ocean and nature, always in search of breathtaking views, and enjoys a good Americano or espresso martini.
Chef Michelle Goh
Born in Kuching, on the island of Borneo, Chef Michelle Goh has swiftly made her mark on the global culinary scene as the youngest Malaysian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star and the first-ever Sarawakian to achieve this prestigious recognition. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, where she earned Certificates in Commercial Cookery and Patisserie, Michelle honed her skills under some of the most renowned chefs in the world.
Her career began in Australia at the esteemed Eleven Bridge under Neil Perry, followed by a tenure at Pollen in Singapore under Jason Atherton. However, it was in Bangkok’s celebrated two Michelin-starred restaurant, Sühring, where Michelle truly came into her own. At the age of 23, she took charge of the pastry section, helping the restaurant earn its first and second Michelin star.
Currently, Michelle Goh is the chef patron of Mia, where her innovative creations have earned Mia the distinction of ‘Best Dessert Menu’ by BK Top Tables. She was also named ‘Young Chef of the Year,’ a testament to her exceptional talent and rising influence.
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