The Awakening Spirit – Sour Flavor Dish by Master Chef Nooror Somany
The Thai SELECT Royal Gala Night transformed the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok into a spectacular showcase of Thailand’s culinary excellence on May 28, 2025. Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, the event was organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) to elevate the global prestige of Thai cuisine and the Thai SELECT certification.
The Five Spirits of Thai Taste
The centerpiece of the evening was a five-course gala dinner themed “The Five Spirits of Thai Taste,” which explored the foundational dimensions of Thai flavor. Each course was masterfully interpreted by acclaimed chefs from top-tier Thai SELECT establishments:
- The Awakening Spirit (Sour): Presented by Blue Elephant and crafted by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe.
- The Grounded Spirit (Salty): Presented by Amdang Typhoon Group.
- The Fiery Spirit (Spicy): Presented by Royal Osha.
- The Soulful Spirit (Creamy/Rich): Presented by R-HAAN.
- The Nostalgic Spirit (Sweet): Presented by The Artisans Ayutthaya.
Ethan Bernath: Global Culinary Perspectives
Adding international sparkle to the night was guest Ethan Bernath, a renowned American chef, author, and digital food creator. He engaged in a compelling dialogue with leading Thai chefs to discuss the intricate balance between flavor, wellness, and the authentic Thai lifestyle. Bernath praised the event for capturing the cultural depth of Thai cuisine and highlighted the Thai SELECT symbol as a vital guarantee of quality for global consumers.
A Global Standard: The Orchid Star of Honor
The gala also served as a platform to highlight the Ministry of Commerce’s newly upgraded “Orchid Star of Honor” system. Comparable to international standards like Michelin stars, this four-tier rating system helps consumers easily identify the level of authentic refinement in Thai restaurants:
- Thai SELECT 3 Stars: Awarded to premier fine-dining establishments. Blue Elephant has proudly secured this 3-star distinction for 2025.
- Thai SELECT 2 Stars: For upscale dining with excellent quality.
- Thai SELECT 1 Star: For high-quality restaurants with beautiful decor.
- Thai SELECT Casual: For accessible, authentic Thai food.
With over 1,700 certified restaurants worldwide, the Thai SELECT brand continues to act as a powerful cultural ambassador and a driver of Thailand’s economic “soft power”.
