Dhanapol Marprasert
Kam Rai Thai
Dhanapol Marprasert ( Chef Oak) was born in Washington, D.C. to a Thai army attaché family and moved to Bangkok in 1994, where his passion for cooking Thai food began. A self-taught chef, he worked his way up from pot washer to professional cook. In 2014, he relocated to Tennessee and later founded his first... READ MORE
Dhanapol Marprasert ( Chef Oak) was born in Washington, D.C. to a Thai army attaché family and moved to Bangkok in 1994, where his passion for cooking Thai food began. A self-taught chef, he worked his way up from pot washer to professional cook. In 2014, he relocated to Tennessee and later founded his first restaurant, Makin, in Middle Village, New York, focusing on affordable Thai dishes. His second venture, KAM RAI THAI, emphasizes contemporary Thai cuisine, blending techniques from various cultures to showcase the diversity of Thai flavors. Marprasert believes that authentic taste is subjective and aims to present the rich variety of Thai cuisine.
Awards and Recognitions:
- 2024: Winner, Rapid Fire Competition – The Great New York Steak-Off at the International Restaurant and Food Expo, Javits Center
- 2024: Five Star Award, Brisket King at Pig Beach Island, Astoria
- 2023: Metro NYC Start-Up “Duane Joseph” Award (tie) for Kam Rai Thai restaurant sauces
- 2023: Runner-Up, Best International – Sauces Made in NYC
- 2023: PigIsland NYC Friends of Firefighters People’s Choice Award
- 2023: Runner-Up, Best in Show – Thai BBQ Pork
