Jukkrapoom “Poom” Boonyakom

Chef/owner, Paka Restaurant

Industry : Food

Known as Chef Poom, Jukkrapoon is owner-chef of Paka Restaurant, which focuses on authentic Thai dishes cooked with unique local ingredients. He originally trained as a sculptor but following a stint on an organic farm in Japan he became a consultant on organic vegetables and then a chef. Almost all of his recipes have been refined and handed down through the family. One of his goals is to educate people on the real flavours of Thai foods, which he believes have become diluted to suit western tastes. Chef Poom was a contestant on the second season of Top Chef Thailand.