RMUTP Promotes Thai Cuisine to Boost Soft Power

Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) hosted an event showcasing the art of cooking under the theme of Immersive Fine Dining. The event featured Parames Saisuthi, a Food and Nutrition student from the Faculty of Home Economics Technology, who won the Real California Milk Pizza Challenge at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2023 during the “THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023” event. Also highlighted was Panupong Yaiyong, a Food and Nutrition student from the Faculty of Home Economics Technology, who won a bronze medal in the 13th ASEAN Skills Competition (WorldSkills ASEAN Singapore 2023) in the Cooking category at the Singapore Expo. The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Pechdao Tohmeena, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, at the Chotiwet Conference Room, Faculty of Home Economics Technology (Chotiwet Campus), RMUTP.

Dr. Natworapol Rachsiriwatcharabul, President of RMUTP, stated that the university has a long-standing history and is renowned for producing skilled graduates for the industry. The Faculty of Home Economics Technology is recognized both domestically and internationally for its craftsmanship and outstanding Thai cuisine, earning the name “Chotiwet Kitchen.” This aligns with the university’s creative economy policy and extends into Soft Power, leveraging Thailand’s diverse cultural assets to gain international acceptance. Thai cuisine, Muay Thai, and Thai traditions are examples that attract foreign interest. To support this policy, the university aims to promote the unique flavors of Thai cuisine through various courses in home economics, enabling students to learn, apply, and continuously develop their skills in competitions.

Mr.Panupong Yaiyong, also known as Tachen, shared that the dishes served at the event were the same as those he prepared for the ASEAN Skills Competition. His creations included Carrot Cream Soup and Potato Custard, noted for the creamy custard soup and smooth potato texture, seasoned with a special process involving salt and pepper to achieve a unique flavor. These dishes were refined and evaluated by the WorldSkills Thailand subcommittee before the competition. Another dish, Chicken Roulade with Jus Sauce, was praised for its herbal aroma. The final dish, Black Forest Chocolate Mousse, was a dessert that turned the competition in his favor, earning him a medal. Tachen expressed pride in his achievements, highlighting how competing at national levels not only showcased Thai culinary skills but also brought recognition to Thailand and provided valuable experience for his future career.

Mr.Parames Saisuthi, known as Noi, shared his passion for cooking from a young age. As he grew older, he turned his hobby into a business, selling various cakes, constantly refining and improving his recipes. He chose to study at the Faculty of Home Economics Technology at RMUTP, known as the original school for culinary arts in Thailand, to develop his skills further. During his studies, he participated in numerous cooking competitions, receiving guidance from professors. His proudest achievement was winning the Real California Milk Pizza Challenge at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2022, where he scored the highest among over 200 competitors. As Thailand’s representative, he will compete at the Pizza Expo 2024, or International Pizza Challenge, in Las Vegas, USA, in March 2024. His creation, Smoked Duck Red Curry Pizza, is meticulously crafted and inspired by the traditional Thai dish, Red Curry with Roasted Duck. This pizza features a specially formulated dough that blends perfectly with the curry, showcasing the unique Thai flavors from the red curry paste and the aromatic, tender smoked duck, complemented by the sweet and tangy fruits like grapes, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes, and topped with basil. This dish is his idea for the upcoming world pizza competition in the USA.