PASTE Bangkok: Chef Bee Satongun’s Culinary Journey through Time

Recipes aren’t always born in the kitchen – at this award- winning restaurant they arise from childhood memories and trips through history

Bangkok in the early 1980s was a sensory wonderland, alive with the sights and aromas of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking – a world that today’s generation may scarcely recognise.

But the culinary wonder lives on in Chef Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun, a legacy of her mother’s buzzing kitchen where at least 10 different dishes were crafted daily. Chef Bee spent her formative years as a teenager helping her mother in the family restaurant. When her mother decided to close the restaurant, the future co-founder of PASTE began spending less time in the kitchen, yet the memories forged by the creation of flavours there remained intact in her mind.

Despite exploring various roles in the hospitality industry, Chef Bee’s heart was anchored deeply to food and beverage. Driven by her passion for rediscovering long-lost Thai recipes and harnessing the wonders of local herbs and ingredients, she set out to raise Thai cuisine to a new level. Long before Thai fine-dining became popular in Bangkok, Chef Bee dared to dream outside the box and with support of her partner, Jason Bailey, she embarked on a new culinary journey that gave birth to PASTE. This establishment helped pave the way for sophisticated Thai fare to make its mark on the local and international food scene.

Passion and meticulous research are at the heart of PASTE’s continued success. The eatery’s status as a fixture on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants attests to Chef Bee’s dedication. Her signature dishes stem from exhaustive explorations of traditional and royal Thai recipes, many of which were nearly forgotten. By studying, refining and modernising these recipes, Chef Bee has uncovered culinary treasures, resurrecting them with fresh, locally sourced produce from across the country. This journey laid the foundation for PASTE’s remarkable success, where Chef Bee and Bailey breathe new life into classic dishes, reimagining them with contemporary culinary techniques and presentation.

For Chef Bee, the essence of PASTE’s cuisine lies in honouring traditional dishes and staying true to their origins. Yet the restaurant has gained acclaim for its originality, captivating diners with its meticulous attention to detail. Each recipe, while seemingly simple, is the result of a thoughtful journey – from its preparation to presentation. PASTE brings the heritage of Thai cuisine alive in creative and exciting ways that are unmatched in Bangkok. Also, quality ingredients are essential,
as without them, the authenticity and desired taste are compromised. Once the right ingredients and quantities for a dish are identified, Chef Bee and her team undertake rigorous taste tests.

Occasionally, they invite in members of aristocratic families, seen as custodians of royal recipes passed down the generations, to ensure the dishes have retained their authentic flavours. If a recipe falls short of their high standards, the team revisits
the process with meticulous revisions until it meets their exacting criteria. Though laborious, this process is vital for preserving the integrity of the cuisine.

As PASTE flourishes with one establishment in Bangkok and another in Australia, Chef Bee remains devoted to uncovering original recipes and exploring local ingredients to enrich her menus. Her approach goes beyond reviving old recipes, though; it’s about honouring the past while embracing innovation. Her commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients not only supports sustainable practices, it also ensures each plate bursts with the authentic flavours of the region. Thanks to the duo’s dedication, PASTE has passed the test of time in becoming one of Bangkok’s most popular modern Thai restaurants serving dishes based on ancient Thai recipes.

Meanwhile Chef Bee’s leadership reflects a passion for passing on the legacy, encouraging the next generation to explore creativity while respecting the roots of Thai cuisine. She believes in empowering young chefs to thrive in the boundless world of culinary possibilities.

Asked for tips on where authentic flavours can still be found in Bangkok, Chef Bee enthusiastically recommends the old-school eateries around San Chaopho Suea Shrine near the Giant Swing and Nang Loeng Market in the heart of old Bangkok. These establishments have preserved their recipes and originality for decades as the city changes around them at lightning pace.

For Chef Bee, authentic food should evoke nostalgia for the vivid flavours of childhood favourites. Each dish tells a story and carries emotions that make it more than just a meal. At PASTE, Chef Bee strives to create not just a dining experience, but connections between diners’ tastebuds and their cherished memories. For her, food transcends comfort and aesthetics to become a bridge linking flavours with significant moments in our lives.

3rd Floor, Gaysorn Village 999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, +66 (0) 2656 1003, www.pastebangkok.com