Chef David Thompson

Born in Australia in 1961. Met partner Tan Ong Sak when on holiday in Thailand who introduced him to Thai cooking. Career : In 1986, fresh from a stint as head chef at Rogues, David travelled to Thailand and was at once "seduced by this gracious country". David then spent 18 months (and many more later) studying Thai cuisine under the guidance of an elderly matriarch who cooked for the Royal Family at the palace in Bangkok. On his return, David opened a restaurant in a Darley Street pub in 1991 in the then unfashionable area Newtown of Sydney. At that time he was something of an oddity – a Western chef tackling Asian food. In May 1993, David and his partner and co-owner Peter Bowyer moved to the more accessible address of Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, and two years later they opened Sailors Thai at the Rocks. In 2000 was asked by Thai government to set up a showcase venue in Bangkok. Open Nahm at The Halkin in London in 2001 and within 6 months earned a Michelin star. This was the first Thai restaurant Michelin star in Europe. Voted 'Outstanding London Chef' in Tio Pepe Awards in 2003. Is known for his dislike of fusion cuisine. Published 'Thai Food' in 2001, the most comprehensive book to date on Thai food. Now commutes between London, Bangkok and Sydney.