David Thompson is leaving Nahm
But what does this all mean for the Michelin-star restaurant?
More fuel has been added to the fire of speculation that not all’s right at Nahm. First, long-time head chef Prin Polsuk jumped ship for a new project at the Edition. Now, Australia’s Gourmet Traveller website reports that the restaurant’s very own founder, David Thompson, has announced his departure from the Michelin-star-holding, Asia’s 50 Best mainstay.
In a statement to the website, Thompson reflected on how things at the restaurant used to be, without explicitly detailing his reason for leaving.
"Even as Nahm's reputation grew, refined its service and succeeded as a business, the restaurant always retained its sense of sanuk, the pleasure in looking after customers,” he told restaurant critic Pat Nourse. “The application of culinary integrity in the kitchen was never to the cost of the joy in doing what we all loved.”
David Thompson first opened Nahm 18 years ago in London, where he received his first Michelin star while introducing Thai cuisine to international fine-dining culture. He returned to Bangkok in 2010 to open Nahm at the Como Metropolitan hotel, where he also brought onboard chef Prin to take over the kitchen.
Most recently, Nahm was awarded a star in Michelin's inaugural Bangkok guide. The restaurant has also continuously featured in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Thompson currently operates the Long Chim chain of restaurants in Australia and Singapore, while maintaining a base in Bangkok.
You still have a chance to try Nahm before any more surprises. The final service of Nahm with David Thompson in the kitchen will be Monday, April 30.
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