Why Thai Food Lovers Should Know Her Name
Bangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Master Chef Nooror has been named one of Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year 2025—a huge honor for the woman who turned Thai Heritage Cuisine into a global phenomenon.
The Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025 list just dropped, and guess who made the cut? Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, the woman who has spent over four decades putting Thai Heritage Cuisine on the world map. While some chefs build restaurants, she built an empire of Thai flavors, from the kitchens of Blue Elephant to the spice aisles of supermarkets in 45 countries. Her mission? “Thai Kitchen to the World”—and trust us, she’s making sure it stays there.
But let’s rewind. Master Chef Nooror’s journey started in Chachoengsao, where she fell in love with cooking at a young age. Fast forward to the 1980s, she co-founded Blue Elephant Brussels, and suddenly, European diners were falling for heirloom Thai dishes like Massaman curry and Hor Mok. The momentum never stopped; Paris, London, Bangkok, Phuket, Malta, Copenhagen—you name it, she’s left her mark. And it’s not just about restaurants. Her commitment to preserving Thai Heritage Cuisine led her to revive lost recipes, and train future generations.
And now? She’s standing tall alongside Thailand’s most influential women—leaders in business, sports, diplomacy, and innovation. But don’t think for a second she’s slowing down. With royal honors, international accolades, and a whole new generation of chefs learning from her, Master Chef Nooror is still leading the charge. So here’s to the woman who made the world crave Thai flavors—one dish, one ingredient, and one generation at a time.
