Our team

Inspired by Chef Jiro Ono—“God of Sushi and Japanese Cuisine”, Chalermkiat started his career at Benihana in Pattaya, followed by a stint in Dubai, went on to apply his skills in Japanese restaurants from Germany and Russia, and finally came all the way back to Thailand. He sees life as a journey and his work has certainly taken him on an adventure so far. In 2018, he joined the team as our Chef de Cuisine, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Anantara Riverside, where he dazzles diners with his spectacular teppanyaki displays.

Chef Kraisorn has been with us at Benihana since 1998 and our Chef De Partie says he still finds it exciting and inspiring to be behind the grill. His philosophy is always to do his best and when customers are happy, smiling and giving good feedback, he says it’s all worthwhile. Though he’s a keen traveller, Kraisorn enjoys the comforts of home; his favourite food is Thai green chicken curry and he loves nothing more than hosting friends at home.

Superstar Chef Theerapol has been with us at Benihana since 2008 and in all those years, he has been consistent, meeting and surpassing every key performance indicator and target he has been set. A goal smasher and avid gamer, he’s also a caring soul with a passion for service; it’s in his nature to look after people and cooking for them is how he does it. He chose Benihana because he not only gets to cook but also to entertain, and because he loves Japanese food. Thai cuisine holds a special place in his heart too, and som tam (papaya salad), grilled chicken and tom yam soup with prawns are among his guilty pleasures.

Chatchai believes that if you love what you do, everything will work out just fine. That is why he has been a member of the team here at Benihana since 2008, cooking delicious food for delighted diners—a role that takes second place only to his top priority: his family. Prepare to experience the skills of our movie- and music-loving, happy-go-lucky demi chef, Chatchai.

With a solid background in hotel cheffing, having worked at the Shangri-La and the Emerald Hotel, Chaimongkon joined the Benihana team at Anantara Riverside in 2014 because he wanted to expand his horizons. Inspired by his family and their shared love of cooking, it’s always been his dream job, and his philosophy is that if you love what you do, you’ll be happy in life and everything will fall into place.

Inspired by his family, Poramet started cooking as a child and was delighted by the happiness it brought to those around him. With a philosophy that if you don’t fight for what you love, you can’t cry if you lose it, it’s no wonder Poramet followed his passion. He studied Hotel and Tourism Management at Chetupon Commercial College before taking a job as a chef in a Japanese restaurant. Drawn by the chance to broaden his skill set and get more experience, Poramet joined us in 2014 and he’s still doing what he loves and impressing our guests as he does it.

Newcomer Natthavadee started working at Benihana in 2018, but already this ambitious food lover has found her feet. Having studied Hotel and Tourism at Siam University’s Liberal Arts faculty, Natthavadee followed her heart into the industry, with a focus on culinary pursuits. Inspired by her mother, she’s always been interested in cuisine whether cooking or eating it, especially Thai food—minced pork omelet and green curry chicken are her favourites.