BANGKOK – The supplier of crab meat to Raan Jay Fai, Bangkok’s Michelin-starred street food spot, has spoken in support of chef Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta, 82, after heated discussion about the price of her famous crab omelette.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Hatsathorn Srisuk, who owns Bird Market, praised Jay Fai’s high standards and explained the reasons behind the cost of her premium crab dishes. He criticized those trying to damage her good name.
The situation began after a Thai influencer based in London, PEACHII, who has 1.6 million followers on YouTube, posted on X on 15 August. She said she had to pay 4,000 baht for a crab omelette that the menu listed at 1,500 baht.
While she accepted that the dish tasted excellent, she said the restaurant did not make it clear that it contained higher-grade crab. Her post quickly gained attention, reaching over 20 million people, starting a public debate and leading to an investigation from Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade.
On 20 August, the authorities fined Raan Jay Fai 2,000 baht for not showing the price for the “special” omelette, which goes against the Prices of Goods and Services Act.
Prized Crab Meat
Hatsathorn, who supplies the prized crab meat, explained that the price reflects the demanding work that goes into sourcing it. He shared that to get one kilogram of lump crab meat, they need to process ten kilograms of fresh crabs.
These crabs are caught daily by small fishing crews in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, who use methods that protect the environment and avoid preservatives.
He said Jay Fai pays extra for her ingredients, supporting both the fishers and the workers who clean and deliver the crab. “She helps our people and the communities by paying fair prices,” he said, noting that prices can change with the seasons and weather.
Hatsathorn expressed his anger at what he considers unfair blame on Jay Fai, who put Thai street food on the international map after winning a Michelin star in 2018. “It’s tough for someone from Thailand to become the face of our food,” he said.
“If people are upset about the price, come to me. I set the crab price.” He also mentioned that Jay Fai accepted her mistake in not listing the extra charge and quickly added both standard (1,500 baht) and premium (4,000 baht) omelette prices to her menu.
Jay Fai Selling Overpriced Food
The argument over pricing has led to calls online for a boycott, with some accusing Jay Fai of selling overpriced food and taking advantage of her fame. Negative posts across X and other social media called her food “overpriced trash” and called for others to avoid her restaurant.
Supporters stepped in, saying these attacks often come from jealousy or a lack of understanding about her focus on top-quality ingredients.
At the same time, many fans, chefs, and celebrities around the world have taken to X to stand behind the 82-year-old chef, whose restaurant on Mahachai Road has become a must-visit spot.
Martha Stewart, who once called Jay Fai the “best cook in Thailand,” wrote on X, “Jay Fai’s crab omelette is worth every baht. Nobody puts more skill or care into their food. Shame on those trying to take her down.”
Other well-known supporters, such as musicians Ed Sheeran and Lisa from Blackpink, have praised her precise cooking before, and those comments are now being shared again as people defend her. Food bloggers and Michelin fans have joined in, with one X user saying, “Jay Fai’s food is art. It’s not fast food. You pay for perfection, not a deal.”
This incident has sparked wider talk about clear pricing rules in Thailand’s high-end dining scene. Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Restaurant Association, told the Bangkok Post that unclear rules confuse both restaurants and diners, calling for a single authority to step in.
Meanwhile, Jay Fai’s daughter, Yuwadee Junsuta, released a message saying the restaurant promises to list all prices openly and continue offering honest, high-quality food to avoid future issues.
Despite the controversy, Raan Jay Fai still attracts crowds who are happy to queue for a chance to try her iconic dishes, including the famous crab omelette, drunken noodles, and yellow curry crab. As Jay Fai stands over her charcoal stoves, wearing her trademark ski goggles, her fans say her reputation as a pioneer who raised street food to Michelin level will outlast this storm.
Related News:
The Rise of Specialty Coffee Lovers in Thailand: A Brewed Awakening
