Edition 10 of our hugely popular Secret Supper Club Series is rapidly approaching – and this time we’re headed to one of the world’s most highly regarded culinary capitals – Thailand. Here, on the enchanted island of Koh Samui, Karma Panalee head chef Itner Thepchan will curate a heady feast of Thai flavours fit for royalty… ahead of the October 24 event, we sat down with Chef Itner for a chat – and discovered a fascinating man…
What flavours or techniques from your past will you bring to Karma Panalee?
Integrating Thai herbs and spices with a modern twist to traditional recipes
Preparation and plating
You spent time as a Buddhist monk. Was there anything that this taught you in terms of our relationship with food?
Discipline to eat between 9am -11am
No harm to animals
Sharing
Can we bring mindfulness to preparing food – and to eating it?
Yes, we have to be mindful of ingredients
Eating with peace and patience
What excites you most about cooking on Koh Samui?
Local specialities, using seafood
Creating and adapting to different nationalities
If Karma Two Palms Beach had a “soul dish,” what would it be?
Spicy Fresh Oyster Salad
Which local ingredient do you most love to work with?
Cafir Lime Leaf & Lemongrass
What’s your personal comfort food when you’re off duty?
Yellow Thai Curry, hot and spicy southern style
Cooking is often called storytelling—what story do you want to tell here?
Pride and joy of Thai cooking, where the dishes originate from and ingredients are sourced
How do you balance authenticity with innovation on the plate?
Using traditional ingredients with fusion cooking, plating with organic products such as wooden boards, tiles, and bamboo cutlery.
If you could share one long table meal with anyone—living or dead—who would it be?
Charlie Amanthayakul | Mentor | The person who inspired me to be a chef
What’s the deeper meaning of sharing a meal with others?
Be together as a family, marriage, friends etc
Share the cooking, and preparation
Eat together keeps the family values alive
