V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection Welcomes Its New Executive Chef
Meet Chef Pisut “Nong” Nahan, Executive Chef at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he oversees the resort’s entire dining repertoire, including Yon | Ocean House, Akoya | Star Lounge, special events, and in-villa dining. Chef Nong style of cuisine is “Thai with a modern twist”, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His mastery of vibrant Thai and creative flavours, coupled with a commitment to seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques, makes him one of Thailand’s most exciting rising stars.
Chef Nong was born and raised in Phang Nga, a picturesque coastal province wedged between the Andaman Sea and the Thai-Malay border. Chef Nong recalls the warm energy of his grandfather and mother cooking in the kitchen and the family gathering to share meals around the table. This sense of community around the dinner table ignited his passion for cooking.
Chef Nong’s culinary career spans 18 years, taking him from humble kitchens in Phang Nga to Michelin-starred kitchens across the region. He began his career at the age of sixteen in a local restaurant, where he relished learning traditional, home-made techniques and experimenting with flavours. Chef Nong was introduced to fine dining techniques whilst working with Chef Joe Louis Léon at Aleenta Phang Nga, a renowned French chef who introduced Michelin-level techniques to the southern province. He continued to hone his skills at Aziamendi, a gourmet destination in Natai Beach led by 3-Michelin Star Spanish Chef Eneko Atxa.
Chef Nong spent several years in the Maldives, where he opened and served as Head Chef for Baan Thai restaurant, which was named one of Maldives’ top 15 restaurants. Most recently, Chef Nong designed the menu at Phuket’s Black Ginger, which received Michelin Plate recognition and was named one of Phuket’s Top 25 Best Restaurants for two consecutive years.
When not in the kitchen, Chef Nong explores local markets and eateries. He credits the island’s abundance of fresh, local ingredients and its strong sense of community as the perfect environment for culinary creativity and growth. He draws inspiration from Phuket’s UNESCO recognition as a gastronomic destination and its vibrant and muliti-cultural Thai, Chinese, and Malay food culture. “I try to deeply understand and connect with the ingredients,” says Chef Nong. “It’s easy to do this in Phuket, where there is a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. I am able to draw on ingredient’s unique textures and flavours and create exceptional meals. The process is exhilarating.”
Chef Nong is excited to continue his culinary journey at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he will continue to nurture the resort’s emphasis on sourcing fresh, local ingredients and elevating coastal Thai and European cuisine.
About V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection
V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection is an exclusive all private pool villas resort located 39m atop a secluded hilltop overlooking secluded Ao Yon Bay. Architecturally-designed to highlight the unique elevation and fully-immersed in nature, the resort features 26 private pool villas in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-bedrooms options. Luxurious interiors include seamless indoor outdoor flow, generously-sized infinity pools and stunning ocean views. Personalised 24-hour butler service ensures an indulgent and memorable stay. Yon | Ocean House, the resort’s landmark gastronomic hub serves regional Thai and European coastal cuisine. The luxury rooftop Akoya | Star Lounge is renowned for its intriguing mixology and 360° sunset, night sky and ocean views. The resort’s integrated wellness program is inspired by European and eastern healing therapies and beauty rituals, including the age-defying properties on local Andaman Sea pearls.
