“The service starts, the curtains open, and you don’t know what will happen. It’s a huge job, demanding creativity, mentorship, and constant promotion. It takes a huge toll.”
Not only does Pongcharn ‘Top’ Russell, chef and managing partner of Mia Restaurant in Bangkok, face the high demands of maintaining one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024, but he also learned a hard lesson.
Transitioning from à la carte to fine dining, Russell seamlessly blends European techniques with his personal flair. But the relentless pressure caught up with him, leading to an accident caused by untreated sleep apnoea.
“Living healthily has transformed my cooking,” the 34-year-old says. Influenced by his wife, Michelle Goh, Russell adopted better habits, reducing his all-time favourite Thai tea and focusing on nutritious meals.
“I want to live longer for my family,” he shares. Prioritising health not only supports his personal well-being but also fuels his professional success, leading to MICHELIN stardom.
Watch this video to learn about how living a healthier lifestyle can enable you to achieve a longer and better life, much like a MICHELIN Star restaurant chef, with AIA, a leading insurance company in Thailand for over 86 years and the official insurance partner of the MICHELIN Guide.
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