Over the past twenty years, Kinnaree by Vanessa Wu has built a strong reputation for presenting the charm of Contemporary Thai Cuisine through its unique culinary perspective. The restaurant reinterprets authentic Thai dishes with premium local ingredients, meticulous cooking techniques, and warm Thai hospitality—reflecting the elegance and grace of Thailand's welcoming culture.
The restaurant was founded by Khun Nhoi - Wanasnan Kanokpattanangkul (Vanessa WU), an educator and researcher with a deep passion for Thai culinary arts. For more than three decades, she has dedicated herself to promoting Thai cuisine on the international stage, guided by the vision of bringing Thai flavours to global taste while preserving the essence of authentic Thai culinary heritage.
Beyond operating the restaurant, Vanessa Wu has played an important role in sharing Thai culinary knowledge with chefs, students, and restaurant entrepreneurs in many countries—particularly in Europe and China. Her work has earned widespread recognition from her students and members of the Chinese business and culinary communities.
Driven by her commitment to advancing Thai culinary culture as a form of soft power, Vanessa Wu is also preparing to launch new initiatives to promote Thai food culture in China. These initiatives aim to establish a broader Thai culinary ecosystem in the Chinese market, a project expected to be introduced in the near future.
In 2025, Kinnaree by Vanessa Wu (Thailand) received the Global Sustainable Gastronomy Award from the TOP25 Restaurants Awards, in collaboration with the International Council of Culinary Experts (ICCE). The recognition honors the restaurant's commitment to sustainable gastronomy, including the use of locally sourced ingredients, building long-term relationships with local communities and producers, reducing food waste through creative practices, and managing resources responsibly.
The 20th anniversary celebration was held under the concept "The Legend in Bloom," symbolizing the continued flourishing of this contemporary Thai culinary institution in Bangkok as it enters its next chapter. The evening welcomed distinguished guests from diverse fields, including diplomats, culinary experts, and prominent members of society, who gathered to experience a special dining journey reflecting the essence of Kinnaree's culinary identity.
Highlights of the evening featured signature dishes that tell the story of Thai cuisine through a contemporary lens, including:
- Khao Khayum Pla Chon Mae La, featuring the renowned snakehead fish from Sing Buri Province, reinterpreted in a modern style
- Sup Riang Thong, inspired by the traditional Thai herbal soup Kaeng Liang, presented as a delicate golden soup
- Ped Mao Rak, or Bombay duck, fire-roasted to create its distinctive smoky aroma
- Foie Gras Cherry Look Chup, a creative fusion of traditional Thai dessert artistry and premium ingredients
- Khanom Somanus, a traditional Thai cookie known for its light, crisp texture that melts delicately in the mouth
Each dish was thoughtfully paired with specially selected beverages, including white wine, red wine, sparkling wine, sweet wine, and Satho from Phrae Province—a traditional Thai rice wine that offers a unique pairing experience with premium Thai cuisine.
The event was honored by the presence of representatives from Mr. Akkarawit Thepasit, Director of Tourism Industry Promotion, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr. Zhang Ruoyu, Director, China Cultural Center in Bangkok, Mr. Paitoon Songkaew, Administrative Director, Thai Foundation, Dr. Chai Thanichanan, President, Thai-Chinese Restaurant Trade Association and Mr. Bernard Metzger Founder of Travel index Group and TOP25 Restaurants along with members of the diplomatic community in Thailand, including:
- HE Mr. Patricio Powell Osorio, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to the Kingdom of Thailand
- E. Mr. John Smith, Ambassador of Portugal to Thailand
- E. Mr. Viktor Semenov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Thailand
- E. Mr. Fuwad Thowfeek, Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to Thailand
- E. Mrs. Szilvia Szaloki, Ambassador of Hungary to Thailand
- E. Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand
The celebration was also attended by Mr. Peerapat Phuburangkong, co-founder and designer of the Kinnaree restaurant identity, together with prominent guests and celebrities from various sectors in Thailand. The event took place recently at Kinnaree Restaurant, Sukhumvit 8.
To mark this important milestone, Kinnaree by Vanessa Wu will also introduce its first-ever exclusive Chef's Table experience, presenting a specially curated course menu that brings together signature dishes from the restaurant's two decades of culinary heritage. Featuring premium local ingredients, the experience will offer a new dimension of Thai gastronomy for diners passionate about flavour, culture, and culinary storytelling.
The Chef's Table experience will be available from April to December 2026, with one session per month (limited seats per session).
Price: THB 2,900++"
For more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KinnareeSukhumvit8
Website: www.kinnareebywanessawu.com
Tel: 094 229 8998
