Take a moment. Try to imagine Bangkok in the 1960s. How was it like? Did people eat out as much? Say, you picture this young girl, in a street corner, cooking beside her mother, frying this plate of charred rice noodle. Now jump 50 years later, the girl, now in her 70s still frying that plate of noodle and is probably the most famous street food vendor in the world.

Her savviness in using the best ingredients and charging accordingly for it must have gotten her a lot of challenges. Her perseverance for half a century has rewarded her with a Michelin star ( for 2 years running ) and she is currently consulting with Thai Airways on the menu for its first and business class. Do check out her story in the series below.

With our email reservation made 3 months earlier, we were promptly seated in a brightly lit shop with surprisingly well spaced out table arrangements. Madam cooks everything herself and there is no sense of rushing. She is like a queen with her wok and a bevy of well trained assistants. She seemed..happy and it is reflected in her food. Here are her 4 signature dishes. All very good ( the crab omelette is an absolute star ) and you will taste a bit of history.

Raan Jay Fai

327 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Tel : +66 92 724 9633

Email : jayfaibangkok@gmail.com

Closed on Sundays and she does take personal holidays