| Master Chef Nooror Somany at Davos 2018 |
As part of the 45th-anniversary celebrations of Blue Elephant, the team is revisiting one of its most daring and memorable international missions: Davos 2018. This journey saw Master Chef Nooror Somany and her team transport the vibrant flavors of Bangkok to the heart of the Swiss Alps, resulting in a unique cultural exchange filled with both challenges and triumphs.
Tropical Chefs in a Winter Wonderland
The transition from tropical Thailand to the high-altitude snow of Switzerland provided an immediate culture shock for the culinary team.
- Many of the Thai chefs had never experienced snow before, leading to a playful—albeit unsuccessful—attempt to bring some of the Swiss winter back home to Bangkok.
- Beyond the kitchen, the team embraced the Alpine spirit, participating in bobsledding adventures that felt more like a high-speed video game than a traditional business trip.
Overcoming the “Great Power Failure”
The mission was not without its technical hurdles. A significant power failure and electrical plug incompatibility threatened to derail the entire Blue Elephant menu.
- When traditional cooking equipment failed, Master Chef Nooror demonstrated her world-class adaptability by improvising her recipes on the fly.
- The team had to swap the planned Khanom Krok (coconut pancakes) for alternative Thai specialties, which unexpectedly became the biggest hits of the event.
- The resilience shown during this “culinary rollercoaster” ensured that Thai flavors remained a highlight for the global leaders attending the summit.
Spreading Thai Elegance Across Davos and Arosa
The impact of Blue Elephant extended far beyond the dining table, influencing the aesthetic of the entire region during the event.
- Signature Blue Elephant floral bouquets were utilized as breakfast décor across numerous hotels in Davos and Arosa, adding a touch of Thai sophistication to the Swiss mornings.
- The journey took an even more colorful turn when the team accidentally walked into a vibrant LGBTQ+ festival in Arosa, further expanding the cultural exchange beyond food and into shared human celebration.
From navigating power outages to bobsledding down mountains, Davos 2018 remains a testament to the 45-year legacy of Blue Elephant: no matter the environment, the magic of Thai cuisine always finds a way to shine.
