Bee Satongun
Bongkoch "Bee" Satongun | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 Thailand |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Known for | Michelin-starred restaurant Paste Bangkok |
Bongkoch "Bee" Satongun (; born 1976) is a distinguished Thai chef and restaurateur, best known for her Michelin-starred establishment, Paste Bangkok. She has grown the Paste brand internationally, opening a location in Laos and most recently inaugurating a third restaurant in Australia.
Early life and career
Prior to founding Paste, Satongun conducted thorough research into the history of Thai culinary traditions, collaborating with her husband and business partner, chef Jason Bailey, to revive ancient recipes. Both come from humble backgrounds—Satongun gained experience working at her mother’s street food stall in Bangkok, while Bailey was raised in Australia’s Southern Highlands.
Paste Bangkok
Paste was initially launched by Satongun and Bailey in 2012 within Bangkok’s Thonglor neighborhood. In 2015, they moved the restaurant to Gaysorn shopping mall located in the Ratchaprasong area near the Intercontinental Hotel. The menu highlights regional Thai dishes inspired by historical recipes and royal cookbooks. Satongun’s mission is to transform perceptions of Thai cuisine beyond its common association with inexpensive takeaway food.
The restaurant received its first Michelin star in the debut 2018 Michelin Guide for Bangkok and has maintained this accolade through 2021.
Other restaurants and pursuits
In 2018, Satongun and Bailey expanded their brand internationally by opening Paste Laos at the Apsara hotel in Luang Prabang. Currently, Bailey is concentrating on introducing Paste to the Australian market.
Awards
- Awarded Most-Loved Thai Fine Dining Restaurant by Time Out in 2016
- Recognized among the 10 Best Michelin-rated Restaurants in Bangkok by The Guardian in 2017
- Honored with one Michelin star continuously from 2018 to 2021 in the Michelin Guide Bangkok
- Designated Thailand Chef Ambassador by the Gault & Millau Guide in 2018