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Pichaya Soontornyanakij, the celebrated chef and restaurateur behind Bangkok’s one-Michelin-starred Thai-Chinese restaurant Potong, ranked No. 13 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is opening a contemporary Thai restaurant in Sydney next year.
Pichaya, who is known as Chef Pam, was also named The World’s Best Female Chef 2025 and Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024.
Slated to open in 2027 at Crown Sydney, Sek will be a chef-led journey through Thai cuisine, featuring an open kitchen, theatrical tableside experiences, thoughtful wine pairings and a playful dessert trolley.
Opening in the former 88 Noodle space on Level 3, the intimate 40-seat restaurant will serve a bold, punchy yet refined tasting menu.
Sek will join Khao San Sek – a vibrant eatery exploring rice, chili, coconut, fish sauce and palm sugar – which will also open at Crown Perth next year.
Chef Pam, who feels a deep connection to Australia through her New South Wales-born grandmother, says: “Opening my first Australian restaurants is incredibly meaningful. My current venues are about respecting the foundations of Thai cuisine and expressing them in a modern and personal way. Australia's beautiful local produce makes it the perfect destination for this next chapter.”
Crown Sydney CEO Ken Janssen adds: “This marks an exciting new chapter in Australian dining, and we’re honoured to be working with Chef Pam in bringing her unique, modern style to our guests.”
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