Nat Thaipun, the 2024 MasterChef Australia champion, shares her ambitious plans to launch a dream restaurant featuring bold Thai flavors and a lively atmosphere.
Restaurant Vision Takes Shape
At the Sydney launch of her new partnership with Acapulco El Vista, Thaipun disclosed that preparations for her restaurant are well underway. She has developed a complete pitch, detailed planning, and a seasonal menu tailored to her vision.
‘I’m low-key planning to open the restaurant,’ she said. ‘I would love to open in Sydney, but I also love Melbourne as well, because it’s my hometown, so I’m trying to work out where.’
Thaipun needs a financial backer to bring the project to life. She plans to gain more experience by working at top restaurants in London over the next year before opening in 15 to 18 months.
‘I’ve planned everything. I’m just waiting for the perfect moment,’ she added. ‘I’m waiting for a tooth fairy to come along. It’s gonna be so amazing.’
Eyeing a Return to MasterChef
Thaipun hinted at a possible comeback to the Channel 10 cooking show that launched her fame, potentially as a judge like Andy Allen.
‘I think I’d do really well being a judge on MasterChef,’ she stated. ‘I think I’d be good at it. I think it’d be hard to be in front of the camera all the time, though. They do long hours, like, really, really long hours.’
She also expressed interest in hosting her own travel show documenting her pop-up events and kitchen chaos, likening it to a milder version of The Bear.
‘I honestly would love my own travel show… It’ll be like The Bear, but that little bit nicer,’ Thaipun said.
Path to Victory and Recent Successes
Thaipun clinched the 2024 MasterChef Australia title in a tense finale, mastering a 113-step ‘Core-teaser’ dessert by chef Clare Smyth. She edged out runner-up Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry by two points, earning perfect 7/10 scores from all judges, including Smyth.
The win secured her $250,000 cash, professional chef training, and a published cookbook. She has since released THAI: Anywhere and Everywhere.
New Pullman Hotels Partnership
Thaipun’s latest venture launched at Acapulco El Vista in Pullman Circular Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, featuring limited-time cocktail pairings with hospitality group Maybe Sammy. The menu fuses Thai heritage with native Australian ingredients, emphasizing food as a cultural bridge.
‘For me, this menu is about sharing stories as much as sharing food,’ she explained. ‘Hotel bars are social spaces, and I wanted the dishes to reflect that – food that’s rooted in my Thai heritage but feels relaxed, generous and easy to enjoy in the moment.’
The exclusive offerings will roll out to select Pullman hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, with adaptations for local produce.
