Gathering of 3 woman-led power houses Potong × Kalaya × Baan Lao International Women’s Month Hottest culinary takeover yet!
On March 17 and 18, 2026, three of the world’s celebrated Thai female chefs came together in Canada for the very first time. Pichaya Soontornyanakij of Potong and Chutatip Suntaranon of Kalaya joined Nutcha Phanthoupheng, transforming the kitchen into a space of culinary excellence and shared purpose.
The collaboration presents an dinner that celebrates March, in honor of International Women’s Month, an extraordinary moment unfolded at Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine (Richmond, British Columbia).
Thailand’s culinary landscape is often divided into distinct "kingdoms" of flavor: the refined elegance of the Royal Court, the fiery soul of the Southern coast, and the bustling, spice-laden streets of Chinatown. For the first time, these three worlds converge in a 22-course odyssey.
The collaboration quickly revealed itself as a celebration of identity, resilience, and the evolving voice of Thai cuisine on the global stage.
Each chef brought her own story, shaped by different journeys across continents, yet united by a deep-rooted pride in heritage and a commitment to honoring it with integrity.
The event was timed to coincide with International Women’s Month, serving as a symbolic statement of female leadership in an industry historically dominated by men.
In celebrating the cause, this gathering became a tribute not only to individual achievements, but to the collective strength of women redefining the culinary landscape.
It was a reminder that behind every dish lies a story and today, three voices came together to tell one that resonated far beyond the table
Throughout the evening, that connection was unmistakable. It was present in the food, in the dialogue between dishes, and in the energy shared within the kitchen. The experience reflected a genuine camaraderie — one built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared vision for the future of Thai gastronomy.
By bringing the heart of Bangkok and the soul of Philly to the shores of British Columbia, they are proving that Thai cuisine is not just a "category"—it is a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve through the hands of those who honor its past.