THAI SELECT — A JOURNEY THROUGH THE THAI KINGDOM

Images courtesy of Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce Thailand

A Celebration of Authentic Thai Cuisine in South Jakarta

There are dinners, and then there are evenings that quietly mark a milestone. In South Jakarta, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce Thailand, brought that sense of occasion to life through “Thai SELECT — A Journey Through the Thai Kingdom.”

Hosted at Chao Phraya Thai Fine Cuisine, Thai SELECT welcomed ambassadors, diplomats, key opinion leaders, and distinguished VIP guests for an exclusive gala dinner in Jakarta. The evening was particularly meaningful for the restaurant, as it was officially recognized under the prestigious Thai SELECT program — a certification initiated by the Thai government to honor restaurants abroad that uphold the authenticity, techniques, and quality standards of Thai cuisine.

For Chao Phraya Thai Fine Cuisine, the recognition marked more than a formal acknowledgment. It affirmed years of dedication to preserving traditional flavors while presenting them with refinement in the heart of Jakarta.

“Thai SELECT carries the spirit of Thailand’s kitchens beyond our borders,” said Mr. Kumtornpol Buapatch, Deputy Director of Thai Trade Center Jakarta. “Through this program, we are not only sharing recipes, but promoting the authenticity, techniques, and cultural pride behind Thai cuisine.”

Presented by Magran Living

The certification underscores the broader mission of Thai SELECT — building trust among diners and strengthening the global presence of authentic Thai restaurants — while celebrating establishments that consistently meet its rigorous standards.

Six Courses, Six Stories
The gala dinner unfolded through six thoughtfully curated courses, each representing a different region of Thailand.

The first spoonful of Khao Soi — Northern Thailand’s beloved curry noodle soup — offered richness and comfort, finished with crisp noodles that added texture and warmth.

From Central Thailand came Poonim Yum Som-O, a refreshing pomelo salad paired with fried soft-shell crab and lifted by bright citrus notes. The bold character of the Northeast appeared in Leng Saap, a spicy beef-bone broth layered with herbs and chilies, expressive yet balanced.

For the main courses, guests savored Pla Sam Rod, deep-fried seabass dressed in Thailand’s signature three-flavor sauce — sweet, sour, and salty — alongside Goong Yang, Southern-style grilled prawns served with a traditional seafood dipping sauce.

The journey concluded with Khao Nieo Mamuang, mango sticky rice drizzled with pandan-scented coconut milk — simple, elegant, and timeless.

Signature beverages, including the butterfly-pea based Nam Anchan, were thoughtfully paired to complement the progression of flavors, elevating the experience without overshadowing the dishes.

A Cultural Exchange Through Cuisine
Beyond the dining table, live cooking demonstrations allowed guests to observe authentic techniques firsthand. A special on-stage presentation for the Thai Ambassador further highlighted the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Thai SELECT-certified establishments.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of International Trade Promotion continues to strengthen recognition of Thai SELECT restaurants across Indonesia — from Jakarta to Surabaya and Bali — encouraging more establishments to embrace authentic standards while reaching wider audiences.

By the end of the night, what lingered was not only the harmony of flavors, but the quiet pride of a restaurant stepping into a new chapter — now officially part of a certification that carries Thailand’s culinary heritage across borders.