At the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Doha 2024, Sirijan Sailee, Chef de Cuisine at Isaan, was honoured with the prestigious Young Chef Award, marking a milestone for Qatar’s culinary scene. Presented by Place Vendôme, the city’s premier lifestyle destination, the event celebrated rising talent shaping the future of gastronomy. Sailee’s exceptional creativity and passion perfectly embody the spirit of Place Vendôme, where luxury and culinary excellence come together seamlessly.
In addition to receiving the Young Chef Award, Sirijan’s efforts also helped earn Isaan the esteemed Bib Gourmand. Together, these achievements represent an exciting chapter in her career. For her, the greatest satisfaction lies in sharing her passion for Thai cuisine and the culture that surrounds it. “At that moment, I felt a mix of surprise, excitement, and gratitude. It was truly touching and humbling,” the young chef recalls.
Isaan, the signature restaurant at Grand Hyatt Doha, proudly serves authentic Thai cuisine in a spacious open-plan setting that showcases three on-view kitchens. Here, guests are invited to indulge in vibrant dishes influenced by every region of Thailand, complemented by teak parquet floors and a beautifully placed Thai boat. For a more exclusive gathering, the private dining room accommodates up to 14 guests, providing either an à la carte menu or a specially curated selection of chef highlights.
Reflecting on her remarkable culinary journey, the young Thai chef shares the experiences that shaped her career and passion for Thai cuisine. “I started as an intern in a Japanese kitchen at a hotel,” she says, “after excelling, I became the first woman recognised by the Japanese kitchen supervisor. Then, I moved to Isaan at Grand Hyatt Doha, where I deepened my Thai cuisine knowledge. My journey led me to promote Thai cuisine in Osaka and Mumbai, adapting to local ingredients and tastes. After 11 years, I am dedicated to making Thai cuisine well-known in Doha.”
For Sailee, cooking is not merely a profession but a means to celebrate the rich heritage of Thailand, infusing each dish with stories of culture and tradition. Her international experience has shaped her approach, blending authenticity with adaptability to ensure Thai cuisine resonates globally. “Promoting Thai cuisine in Japan and India was a great opportunity to share my culinary culture, though adapting to local ingredients was challenging” the chef goes on to say, “balancing flavours without relying solely on spiciness has been key to maintaining authenticity.”
She is also deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with aspiring chefs.
“I want to focus on mentoring the next generation of chefs, sharing my knowledge and experience to help them grow in their culinary careers, and shaping the future of the industry.”
As for her advice to up-and-coming chefs, Sailee advises, “Pursue your dreams, practise diligently, and adapt as times change. Stay patient, true to yourself, and keep pushing forward even in challenging moments.”
Looking ahead, her ultimate goal is to create dishes that reflect the depth and beauty of Thai culture. Her talent and guidance will undoubtedly continue to elevate the culinary experience at Isaan, leaving an indelible mark on those who visit. Sailee also dreams of one day launching her own dining concept. “I aim to open my own restaurant where I can bring my creativity to life, lead a team, and create unforgettable dining experiences,” she says.
Her drive to learn, innovate, and share her culinary artistry makes her the perfect candidate for the Young Chef Award. Presented by Place Vendôme, her values also embody the spirit of creativity and passion synonymous with the luxury retail destination. Owned by United Developers, the mall opened its doors to the public in 2022 and encompasses 1,150,000 square metres of retail, leisure, entertainment, and luxury into a one-stop family destination by the seafront.
At the inaugural MICHELIN Guide event in Doha, Shane Eldstrom, CEO of United Developers, stated: “Luxury is more than just opulence—it is about connection, inspiration, and the celebration of art in all its forms. We are dedicated to serving as a platform where gastronomy, fashion, and creativity converge, fostering a thriving community of artists, chefs, and visionaries. Together with Qatar’s visionary leaders, we are paving the way for Qatar to stand tall as a global leader in cultural and culinary excellence.”
As a MICHELIN Guide partner, Place Vendôme raises the Young Chef Award to new heights, shining a spotlight on Doha's emerging culinary talents. By inspiring fresh ideas and inventive flair, it ensures these rising stars earn the recognition they deserve both locally and around the world.
