Ian Kittichai ( Pongtawat Charlermkittichai)

Ian Kittichai ( Pongtawat Chalermkittichai) (Born Jan 27, 1968) Known as Chef Ian Kittichai or Chef Ian Chalermkittichai is a Thai Chef, cookbook author, restauranteur, and media personality. Chef Kittichai operates a number of restaurants in Bangkok, New York, and India. His flagship Thai cuisine restaurant, Issaya Siamese club^[1] , is based in Bangkok.

Early Career Born in Bangkok, during his youth, Kittichai would help his mother push a food cart selling home cooked meals in his neighborhood.^[2] When he was 16 years old, with the intention of furthering his studies in English he moved to London, England.^[3] Kittichai started working part time as a dishwasher at the Waldorf hotel, by this time Kittichai’s interest in cooking had begun. He was awarded an apprenticeship to start cooking in the kitchen; the hotel further sponsored him to attend culinary school in London at the Southeast London College. Subsequently Kittichai finished his culinary studies in Australia and apprenticed in French fine dining at “Claude’s’’ in Sydney.

Professional Career In 1993, Chef Kittichai travelled back to Thailand and started work at the Four Seasons Bangkok (formerly The Regent) as a demi chef. In 1998 he took the helm as Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Bangkok.^[4] While at the Four Seasons Bangkok, he was given the opportunity to experience culinary exchanges around the world in which he was able to work at Georges V in paris, French Laundry in Napa Valley, El Bulli in Spain, and Four seasons Chinzan-so in Tokyo. ^[5]

In 2004, Kittichai relocated to New York City to create “Kittichai Restaurant” on Spring Street.

In 2008, he left Kittichai Restaurant to form his international food and beverage management and consulting firm.During 2008 he also opened Restaurant Del Murmuri (now closed) in Barcelona, Spain.

In January 2010, Kittichai opened Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar.^[6]

In August 2010, Kittichai travelled to India to open the restaurant KOH by Ian Kittichai at the Intercontinental Marine Drive Hotel in Mumbai, India.^[7]

In Feburary 2011, Kittichai opened Ember Room (now closed) in Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City as a consulting chef.^[8]

In June 2011 Kittichai became a partner and the Culinary Director of Spot Dessert Bar on St. Marks place. A second location opened in October 2012.

Kittichai opened his flagship restaurant Issaya Siamese Club in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2011. The Restaurant plays homage to Kittichai’s childhood and culinary expriences.

In 2012 Kittichai opened Bangkok’s International, “nose to tail” dining restaurant, Smith

In 2013 Kittichai became one of the founding council members of The World Street Food Congress, along with Anthony Bourdaun, KF seetoh, and Claus Meyer.

Television and Books Chef Mue Thong ( The Golden Handed Chef) TV series 2001-present) In 2001 while still at the Four Season, Kittichai was approached with the opptunity to host his own cooking/travelling show The series brings him all over scenic parts of Thailand and features him cooking the local cuisine.

Chef Ian’s Kitchen Revealed Kittichai’s first cookbook, was published in October 2011 by Amarin printing.

Issaya Siamese club: Innovative Thai Cuisine Kittichai released his second cookbook with recipes from the kitchen of Issaya Siamese club in April 2013. This was his first English language cookbook.

Iron Chef In January 2012, Kittichai debuted as one of the permanent chefs on Iron Chef Thailand. Kittichai is Iron Chef: Western Cuisine