Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam, the visionary chef-owner of Bangkok’s Baan Tepa, has been named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025.
Recognized for her dedication to sustainable, farm-to-table dining, Chef Tam will be honored at a live awards ceremony on March 25, 2025, as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants returns to Seoul for the second consecutive year.
The Asia’s Best Female Chef Award, voted on by the 350-plus members of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, celebrates female chefs who excel through skill, expertise, and innovation. Chef Tam joins an esteemed list of past winners, earning recognition for her commitment to Thai biodiversity and ingredient-driven cuisine.
Chef Tam’s restaurant, Baan Tepa, which has two MICHELIN stars, and is currently ranked No. 42 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, is a tribute to her belief in sustainability, local produce, and food education. Nestled within her family’s former home, Baan Tepa is more than just a dining destination—it is a holistic experience incorporating an organic culinary garden, an open-kitchen dining room, and a chef’s table, where diners are guided through a journey of Thai flavors.
From innovative dishes such as Heart of Thailand: Nam Prik, where each bite represents a different region of Thailand, to Dong Dang Noodles and Anatomy of a River Prawn, Chef Tam’s menu is a love letter to Thai cuisine.
Her approach extends beyond the plate. At Baan Tepa, waste management, composting, and direct sourcing from local farmers are integral to daily operations. This ethos is something she developed while training at New York’s International Culinary Center and working under renowned chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a pioneer of sustainable fine dining.
“I have always believed in the power of food to tell a story, to preserve culture, and to impact the way we live and eat,” says Chef Tam. “Through Baan Tepa, I hope to show that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.”
Beyond her kitchen, Chef Tam has been a leading voice in championing food sustainability and waste reduction. As Chef Ambassador for Thai Harvest SOS and a collaborator with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), she actively supports initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and educating communities on responsible consumption.
Despite the challenges of sourcing rare and lesser-known Thai ingredients, she remains steadfast in her mission to revive and celebrate Thailand’s culinary heritage. Her work has been instrumental in shining a global spotlight on the country’s diverse and often overlooked local produce.
“Chef Tam is a true trailblazer,” comments William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. “From spotlighting rare ingredients and dining traditions to her expertise in farm-driven cuisine, she has made a remarkable impact on the global dining scene at a very young age. Baan Tepa is a testament to her passion and talent, and she is a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards ceremony, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will mark a key moment in recognizing Asia’s most influential chefs and restaurants. The program will include culinary events before culminating in the grand ranking announcement on March 25.
For Chef Tam, this accolade is more than personal recognition—it’s a call to inspire the next generation of female chefs.
“This award not only provides a platform for female leaders in gastronomy but also creates role models—something I wish I had more access to when I was starting,” she says. “I hope to inspire and support younger female chefs and show them that success comes from authenticity, resilience, and a willingness to push boundaries.”