BANGKOK – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has started looking into Jay Fai, the Michelin-starred street food spot in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. This follows claims that a customer was charged an extra 2,500 baht for its famous crab omelette.
The inquiry began when a popular influencer, PEACHII, said she paid 4,000 baht for the dish, even though the menu listed it at 1,500 baht.
Udom Srisomsong, the DIT’s deputy director-general, explained that the probe focuses on whether Raan Jay Fai broke Thailand’s Prices of Goods and Services Act.
The YouTuber, with 1.6 million subscribers, said she ordered a standard crab omelette with no upgrades or special options, yet received a bill for 4,000 baht. After her complaint spread quickly online, many began discussing pricing and transparency at the well-known eatery.
If the restaurant is found to have overcharged, it could face a penalty of up to 10,000 baht. There is a further risk of another 10,000 baht fine if prices for premium or special items are not displayed, as required by law.
“We will contact both the complainant and the operator to confirm the details,” said Mr Udom. “The DIT wants to make sure consumers are treated fairly with clear pricing.”
Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta, the 82-year-old chef behind the restaurant, has not commented publicly on the accusation at this time. However, those close to the business believe the higher bill may be due to using premium crab for certain orders.
While not unusual for special requests, Thai law says any extra charges must be made clear to customers. The management has been working with the DIT and has shown paperwork that could explain the price difference.
Sitting on Mahachai Road, Raan Jay Fai has faced the spotlight before. The street food stall earned global fame after years of serving loyal customers willing to queue for a taste of the chef’s signature dishes.
Despite the current issue, many regulars continue to praise Jay Fai’s cooking, saying the unique style and top-quality ingredients are worth the price.
The Success Story of Jay Fai
Known by her nickname, which means “Elder Sister Mole” in Thai, Jay Fai has become a household name in Bangkok and abroad. Born Supinya Junsuta, she started her culinary career over 40 years ago in a small shop in the city’s Old Town. Her commitment to using only fresh ingredients and cooking every meal herself—usually wearing ski goggles to guard against the heat—won her a strong local following long before awards arrived.
Raan Jay Fai made headlines in 2018 when it became Thailand’s first street food stall to win a Michelin star. Jay Fai was celebrated for her crab omelette, a golden, crispy dish stuffed with large pieces of sweet crab meat. Priced between 1,200 and 1,500 baht, the omelette received high praise from critics and celebrities, including Lisa from Blackpink, Ed Sheeran and Jack Ma.
Jay Fai’s path was never smooth. When she earned her Michelin star at age 73, she had already spent decades standing over hot woks for up to 15 hours a day. She never hired extra cooks or kept written recipes, insisting on traditional skills and personal care in every dish. In 2021, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Icon Award recognized her for turning humble street food into something worthy of fine dining.
Though there were rumours about a possible retirement in 2024, Jay Fai, now 82, is still cooking, though she now opens just four days a week (Wednesday to Saturday, 9 am-7:30 pm). “I’m still strong,” she told Khaosod English last year, mentioning both her international travel and love for the kitchen.
A Price that Splits Opinion
The crab omelette at the centre of this row is no ordinary meal. Food vlogger Dasaraj Centhamil Tarun called it “an explosion of sweetness and succulence.” Some diners have happily paid up to 3,500 baht for the dish, praising both the size and flavour, and calling it well worth the cost.
The latest claim of a 4,000 baht bill, though, has led many to question whether the price was explained properly, given that Thai street food is typically cheap and widely accessible.
Critics say that even if the ingredients are high-cost, restaurants should always be upfront about extra charges to avoid upsetting customers. Still, fans argue that Jay Fai’s skills and reputation, along with the effort required for her food, explain the price. One person in line put it simply: “You’re paying for more than a meal, you’re paying for her cooking.”
The DIT is pressing ahead with its probe, and all eyes are on Raan Jay Fai, a symbol of Thai street food culture. This decision could matter for Michelin-starred places across the country, shaping how they match prestige with clear, fair pricing. In the meantime, Jay Fai’s stoves keep burning, and her food keeps drawing crowds despite the trouble.
If you plan a visit, get there early and expect to wait for your turn. Enjoy the chance to try a dish from Bangkok’s most famous chef. Whether the crab omelette costs 1,500 or 4,000 baht, one thing is sure: Jay Fai’s story still has chapters to come.
