Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier receives the 2027 Michelin Mentor Chef Award, recognising his dedication to mentoring young chefs and shaping the next generation of culinary talent.

A chef’s career is measured in more than the dishes that leave the kitchen. Their influence also lives on through the people they teach, the careers they help shape and the knowledge passed on to the next generation. Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier has made mentorship an important part of his career, helping young chefs develop their skills and find their place in the culinary world.

Dunand-Sauthier, head chef of Bangkok’s Maison Dunand, a one-star Michelin restaurant, has received the 2027 Michelin Mentor Chef Award, presented by WP Energy. The award recognises his long-standing commitment to developing young culinary talent. Over the years, he has mentored chefs at different stages of their careers, from commis to sous chef, and helped them gain the skills and experience to take on leadership roles.

Meet the Chef 

The impact of Dunand-Sauthier’s mentorship can be seen in the careers of his former team members. Many now lead Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe, run acclaimed restaurants in France and head major restaurant concepts across Thailand. Their work reflects the experience and knowledge they gained under his guidance and the role he has played in shaping the next generation of chefs.

At Maison Dunand, he brings his own roots in the French Alps into the kitchen. The menu takes inspiration from the region’s food traditions, with local ingredients and the flavours of mountain cooking at its heart. Even the restaurant’s name, maison, meaning “home” in French, reflects his approach to hospitality. He wants guests to feel at home and enjoy a dining experience that reflects the warmth and traditions of an Alpine household.

Maison Dunand was also named Thailand’s Best in the Koktail Thailand Dining Guide 2027, adding another milestone to the restaurant’s journey in Bangkok.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maison Dunand | Bangkok (@maisondunandbkk)

About the Award 

The Michelin Mentor Chef Award recognises chefs who dedicate time to training and guiding the next generation of culinary professionals. In Thailand, the award was first introduced in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 edition, with chef David Thompson of Aksorn as its inaugural recipient. Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier is the second chef in Thailand to receive the distinction, announced at the Michelin Guide Thailand 2027 ceremony.

Presented by WP Energy in Thailand, it acknowledges those who teach young chefs more than cooking techniques, including kitchen discipline, palate development and the professional skills needed to progress in the industry.

The award also recognises the role of experienced chefs in training future leaders. Their kitchens provide young cooks with hands-on experience, guidance and the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities.