Is Jay Fai closing? Must-order dishes to try at the street food legend’s restaurant

Have you heard the news? According to local media reports, Jay Fai may be planning to close, as the 81-year-old street food legend is looking to retire. Stating high costs and supply chain issues, it looks like the long queues at the famous Thai restaurant will get even longer. If you do manage to get a table before she eventually closes, here’s what to order at Jay Fai.

Bangkok is not Bangkok without street food, and Jay Fai is the coolest kid on the street food block. The street-side Thai restaurant has retained its Michelin star since receiving it in 2018. Supinya Junsuta, more commonly known as Jay Fai, is the mastermind behind all the iconic dishes the outlet has to offer. Her signature goggles have become as far-famed as her wok-fired food, setting a fashion statement flaunted in front of a coal-fired stove glistening with dancing flames. All hail the queen of Bangkok street food.

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Located on Mahachai Road, the concert-resembling line is hard to miss. Now a hot pit stop for foodies as well as discerning diners and international chefs, this spot attracts anyone and everyone with a curious palate for the starred street food. Michelin Star, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Netflix — Jay Fai has ticked all the boxes. The next time you’re dining at this world-famous street-side food joint, be sure to order these must-try dishes (yes, crab omelette is on the list). These dishes will make growing grey and old while queuing worth it, trust us. One last time for old time’s sake.

Update 29 October 2024: Jay Fai has dispelled rumours surrounding the closure of her restaurant, stating that she had entertained the thought of retiring, but the local news story got blown out of proportion.

What to order at Jay Fai Bangkok: A guide to all the must-try dishes

Crab Omelette (THB 1,400)

Of course, first on the list is the most popular dish of all, the crab omelette. It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and there are delicious chunks of perfectly-cooked crab meat found throughout the dish — one mouthful feels like a foodgasm.

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Thai Stir-fried Rice Noodle (THB 600)

Thai Stir-fried Rice Noodle, locally known as Phad See Ew. Rice noodles are stir-fried with soy sauce and other condiments until they are the golden brown colour they’re known for. The sweet and salty flavours go very well with seafood.

Get drunk off joy eating Jay Fai’s Phad Khee Mao. If you’re looking for a spicy variation of Phad See Ww, this is it. With holy basil and chili, it makes for a very enjoyable dish you can’t stop having, even if it’s burning your tongue off.

Stir-Fried Prawns in Yellow Curry (THB 1,800)

Authentic stir-fried curry is always a treat. You need a good balance between wet and dry ingredients, otherwise it feels awkward in your mouth. We feel Jay Fai has it done right, and the fresh prawns taste great with the curry gravy.

Crab Meat Holy Basil Stir-Fry (special order, THB 1,400)

Cannot really dine at a Thai restaurant and not order krapow, can you? Fresh chunks of crab meat with that hot and spicy chili and basil just hits different. It’s perfect for those who come solo, or prefer to order to share. Order a fried egg because you can’t have krapow without a fried egg.

Stir-fried Crabmeat with Black Pepper Sauce (THB 1,000)

Sugar, spice, and everything nice? This is the dish to order. Crab meat has its own sweetness, and it is complimented very well by the kick from black pepper. It’s not really a spicy dish, either, so everyone in the family can order and enjoy this must-try at Jay Fai.

Dry Congee (THB 600)

If you’re looking for a carb other than plain white rice, Jay Fai’s dry congee is a treat. It’s dryer than your usual Thai-style congee, but you’ll still fully taste the flavourful broth in each bite. It’s perfect for a sharing-style meal so you’ll get to taste the congee with many other dishes. We even recommended Lisa Blackpink to try it when she visited Jay Fai.

Seafood Dry Tom Yum (THB 1,000)

Many are acquainted with Thai cuisine through tom yum. The kick of spice, the sweet and sour notes, the complexity — we can’t get enough of it. Imagine that without the broth, yet with the char from stir-frying the seafood. That’s the signature dry tom yum Jay Fai has.

Jay Fai, 327 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 9.00am-9.00pm. For reservations, email  jayfaibangkok@gmail.com.