Chef stars in first Thailand guidebook

BANGKOK - After spending more than three decades cooking in an unassuming outdoor kitchen, a wok-wielding, goggles-wearing Thai chef has been propelled to international culinary stardom by having her restaurant awarded a Michelin star.

Supinya Jansuta, better known as "Jay Fai", is among 17 Bangkok-based chefs whose venues received the coveted honor from Michelin in a guidebook released last month in its first foray into the country.

Jay Fai, as her restaurant is also known, is often featured in foreign travel guides but is mostly shunned by Thais for its high prices for what is generally considered cheap local food.