Le Méridien Dubai chef wins prestigious award in Thailand

Chef Chitlada Tapradith, head chef at Le Méridien Dubai's renowned Thai restaurant Sukhothai, brought accolades to the hotel recently by landing the title of "Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand" at a competition held recently in Bangkok.

The Department of Export Promotion (DEP) organised the first ever "Thailand Superchef contest 2003" aimed to promote Thai culture and cuisine. Thirty top Thai chefs competed at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre for this coveted award in a contest to prepare the Kingdom's three favourite dishes-tom yum goong, pad Thai and green curry. 

Culinary skills in the kitchen was not the sole requisite for being chosen as the envoy to promote Thai food overseas- a sunny disposition, good command of the English language and ability to credibly answer questions posed by the jury were also a must. Chef Chitlada excelled in every way and walked away with the top prize in the tom yum goong category. She received a trophy from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bt 50,000.

"I am so proud to have received this prestigious award. The tom yum goong overseas is sometimes not authentic and it is so important to maintain authenticity when cooking Thai cuisine. I insist on using only the best ingredients at Sukhothai," said Chitlada after winning the award. 

Chef Chitlada has been with Le Méridien Dubai since 1998, having previously worked as sous chef at fine hotels in Thailand. She received her initial training at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok.

Chef Chitlada is known for her skill and innovation in the kitchen and enjoys experimenting with menus and options. She has recently introduced an all seafood menu delighting the seafood lovers at SukhoThai with a touch of Thai flavours.

Sukhothai is located in the hotel's highly successful Meridien Village. The Village is renowned for offering a wide variety of cuisines. Le Méridien Dubai is uniquely set in 38 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with a choice of 15 food & beverage outlets situated both within the main hotel and the picturesque setting of the Meridien Village, replete with fountains  and piazza style terraces.