David Thompson is an Australian chef renowned for his expertise in Thai cuisine and his dedication to preserving traditional Thai recipes.  His restaurant Nahm at the Halkin Hotel, London, was the first Thai restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. His career has spanned multiple continents, earning him widespread recognition for his meticulous approach to Thai cooking and his ability to elevate the cuisine on the global stage.

Thompson’s journey began in Sydney, Australia, where he developed a passion for Thai food after visiting Thailand in his twenties.  Fascinated by the complexity and depth of Thai flavours, he moved to Thailand to study the language and immerse himself in the culinary traditions. After two and a half years of intensive learning, he returned to Australia and opened Darley Street Thai in Sydney in 1992, followed by Sailors Thai in 1995. Both restaurants gained critical acclaim, establishing Thompson as a leading authority on Thai cuisine.

In 2001, Thompson opened Nahm in London’s Halkin Hotel, making history as the Thai restaurant to receive a Michelin star. His approach focused on authenticity, using traditional Thai ingredients and techniques to create dishes that reflected the depth and complexity of Thai flavours. Nahm quickly became one of London’s most celebrated restaurants, earning Thompson the London Chef of the Year award at the Carlton Evening Standard Food Awards in 2003.

In 2010, Thompson expanded Nahm to Bangkok, opening a second branch at the COMO Metropolitan Hotel. Nahm Bangkok was awarded a Michelin star in 2017, when the Michelin Guide first included restaurants in Thailand. The restaurant was also named No 1 on Asia’s Best Restaurant in 2014 and remained on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for seven consecutive years. Thompson’s dedication to preserving historic Thai recipes and his meticulous attention to detail made Nahm one of the most respected Thai restaurants in the world.

Beyond Nahm, Thompson has launched multiple restaurants, including Long Chim, a casual Thai dining concept with locations in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. He also founded Aaharn in Hong Kong, which earned a Michelin star, and Aksorn in Bangkok, where he continues to showcase traditional Thai flavours. His influence extends beyond the kitchen, as he has written cookbooks and advocated for preserving Thai culinary heritage.

Thompson has participated in pop-up dining experiences, collaborating with chefs and brands to highlight Thai cuisine. His career is a testament to his commitment to authenticity, innovation, and the artistry of Thai cooking.

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