Jay Fai’s Decision to Retire
A Michelin-Starred Street Food Icon
Jay Fai, the 81-year-old Thai chef and owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant, has announced her plans to retire. In an interview with Thai media outlet Komchadluek, Fai revealed that she may step down as early as next year, citing the toil of sourcing and checking ingredients every day as the reason.
Rise to Fame
Jay Fai’s journey to fame began in 2018 when she became the first Bangkok street food vendor to earn a Michelin star. Her humble restaurant, located in downtown Bangkok, became a sensation, attracting tourists from around the world who wait in three-hour queues to sample her legendary crab meat omelette. What sets her apart is her unique cooking style, sizzling up the dish over blazing coals while wearing her signature ski goggles to protect her eyes from sparks.
The Challenges of Running a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Fai’s restaurant may be classified as street food, but the dishes are not cheap, with the signature crab omelette costing around US$40. Maintaining the high standards and consistency required to earn a Michelin star comes with its own set of challenges, including sourcing and checking ingredients every day. The 81-year-old chef has decided that this is no longer a feasible option for her.
The Future of the Restaurant
Fai has announced that she will not keep the restaurant open, but is willing to teach whoever wants her recipe. While she has not yet decided on an exact date for her retirement, it is likely to happen soon. The potential closure of the restaurant has fans and foodies around the world mourning the loss of a culinary icon.
Conclusion
Jay Fai’s decision to retire marks the end of an era in the world of Thai street food. Her legendary crab meat omelette and dedication to her craft have made her a legendary figure, and her retirement will be felt around the globe. As her fans bid her farewell, they also look forward to the opportunity to try her recipes and may even get a chance to learn from the master herself.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is Jay Fai planning to retire?
According to her announcement, it could be as early as next year, but an exact date has not been confirmed. -
What was the reason for her decision to retire?
Fai cited the toil of sourcing and checking ingredients every day as the reason for her decision to step down. -
Will she teach her recipes to others?
Yes, Fai has expressed a willingness to share her recipes with whoever wants to learn, providing an opportunity for others to carry on her culinary legacy. - What will happen to the restaurant after her retirement?
The restaurant may close, but fans of Fai’s cooking can look forward to trying her recipes and learning from her techniques in the future.