Sorn’s Three-Star Michelin Triumph: A Watershed Moment for Thai Cuisine

Bangkok’s culinary scene ascended to global heights this week as Sorn made history, becoming Thailand’s first restaurant to earn three Michelin stars – and the only Thai restaurant in the world to hold that distinction. For Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, this isn’t just an accolade – it’s a moment of cultural pride, a stage to spotlight the bold, unapologetic soul of southern Thai cuisine.

Sorn’s response to this achievement was telling: its Instagram post didn’t feature the chef or the ceremony, but a simple image of the three stars and brief clip of the chef and his team receiving the news, prior to the ceremony, via a video link. It speaks volumes about the restaurant’s ethos: a collective effort where heritage and teamwork come first. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Chef Ice declared, “This honour is a tribute to the incredible heritage of Thai flavours, our passionate team, and everyone who has supported us on this journey. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us.”

The recognition comes after years of steady acclaim. First awarded one Michelin star in 2019, Sorn quickly climbed to two stars, holding that status for five consecutive years. Its elevation to three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand was attributed to its “excellence, quality, and consistency” – values embodied in every dish, from the fieryKua Klingto the tangy, vibrantGaeng Som Pla.

Southern Thai Flavours Take Centre Stage

At Sorn, dining is more than an indulgence; it’s a narrative. Each course tells the story of southern Thailand, a region defined by bold flavours, local ingredients, and time-honoured cooking techniques. Slow cooking, charcoal grilling, and meticulous sourcing from small-scale farms and fishermen shape a menu that is both reverent to tradition and adventurous in execution.

Priced at THB 7,200 baht, the tasting menu is far from cheap, but diners aren’t just paying for food – they’re buying into a cultural experience that resonates long after the last bite. For Chef Ice, this is about more than Michelin stars. “Being awarded three Michelin stars as the first restaurant in Thailand – and the first and only Thai restaurant in the world – is a dream beyond imagination,” he said in a statement.

Michelin’s Big Night

While Sorn was the undisputed star, the evening brought other surprises. Côte by Mauro Colagreco joined the two-star club, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons like Mezzaluna and Sühring, while five new names, including Akkee and Goat, entered the one-star category. Sustainability also took centre stage with Baan Tepa, earning a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to eco-conscious dining.

Notably, some fine-dining veterans, including Cadence, Sushi Masato and Canvas, lost their stars this year – a reminder of how competitive Thailand’s restaurant landscape has become.

The Future of Thai Fine Dining

What does three-star status mean for Sorn’s future? Beyond skyrocketing demand for reservations, it solidifies Thailand’s place on the global gastronomic map. For Chef Ice and his team, it’s an opportunity to keep pushing boundaries while preserving the authenticity of southern Thai cuisine.

Sorn’s triumph is more than a win for one restaurant – it’s a win for Thai culinary identity, proving that local flavours can command the world’s attention. For food lovers, the message is clear: if you haven’t experienced Sorn, now is the time – if you can get a table, that is.

Beside the three Michelin Star Sorn, the guide features seven Two Star venues, including one new promotion, 28 One Star restaurants, with four newcomers and one upgrade from the Michelin Selected list. On the sustainability front, four Michelin Green Stars now shine, with one newly added. Additionally, 156 Bib Gourmand establishments – 20 of them new – offer exceptional value, while 270 Michelin Selected venues, including 44 fresh entries, round out this diverse selection.

For the entire Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 list visit their website.