IKEA Thailand and Makro highlight the capability of senior home cooks through a structured cooking competition that values experience, adaptability and practical skill.

In every home, the kitchen is much more than a place to cook. It is where memories are born, where generations connect, and where love is passed down through flavours and shared moments. The Yai Chef Granny Cooking Competition, presented by IKEA Thailand in collaboration with Makro, placed senior home cooks in a professional setting that required planning, execution and adaptability. Hosted at IKEA Sukhumvit, the grand finale brought together five finalist teams recognised as the first chefs of their families, each working with unfamiliar ingredients under structured competition conditions.Using products from IKEA’s Swedish Food Market alongside Makro ingredients, participants applied technical knowledge developed over decades. The results reflected confident decision making, efficiency and an ability to translate experience into contemporary presentation. Hosted by Niti “Pompam” Chaichitathorn, the programme highlighted the process and reasoning behind each dish, allowing participants to articulate how their ideas were developed and refined.

The judging panel, led by chef Pongtawat “Ian” Chalermkittichai with IKEA culinary specialists, focused their evaluation on technique, consistency and creative intent.

When Age Becomes a Strength, Not a Limitation

Amid an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm and focus, Mrs Kanya Tangsuwanrangsi, aged seventy two, secured first place with a dish that stood out for both concept and execution. Her idea centred on a versatile sauce designed to be adapted across multiple dishes, demonstrating careful planning and practical application.

The sauce was paired with salmon and meatballs, ingredients available at IKEA’s Swedish Food Market, emphasising accessibility and everyday usability. All components could be purchased and recreated at home, reinforcing the relevance of her approach. Preparation played a key role in the final result. Over more than two weeks, Mrs Kanya refined her recipe with support from family members, who tasted and offered feedback at every stage. This process of testing and adjustment became central to the dish’s success and left a strong impression on the judges.

Reflecting on her experience, Mrs Kanya shared that bringing a home kitchen dish onto the Yai Chef stage was both exciting and challenging. Initial concerns about ingredient compatibility and judging expectations gradually gave way to confidence through experimentation and family support. She described the competition as a catalyst that energised her daily routine, from selecting ingredients and problem solving in the kitchen to staying physically active and engaged. For her, the experience reaffirmed that age is not an obstacle when intention, care and enjoyment remain present.

First runner up Mr Sunthorn Boonmee, aged seventy three, approached the competition with a different focus. Drawing from Lanna and Tai Yai culinary traditions, he worked to reintroduce local flavours to a younger audience by adapting them to modern ingredients and formats. His dishes maintained structural clarity while responding thoughtfully to contemporary expectations.

Knowledge Shared, Not Retired

More than a cooking competition, “Yai Chef – Granny Cooking Competition” reflects IKEA’s belief that the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place of connection, creativity, and shared joy across generations.

Yai Chef Granny Cooking Competition reflects IKEA’s belief that the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where connection, creativity and shared joy take shape across generations.