Chef Jimmy Ophorst, Executive Chef of PRU in Phuket is honored to receive the prestigious “Best Dutch Chef Abroad” award at the Gault & Millau ceremony on 10th February in the Netherlands. Chef Jimmy stands out as the only chef in Thailand, and conceivably the broader region, to have garnered an award in the esteemed Gault & Millau Awards. Last year, the award went to a Dutch chef at the renowned Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, a Two MICHELIN Star restaurant in New York. This achievement places him among a notable history of winners primarily from America, Europe and the United Arab Emirates, which includes renowned establishments such as BOCA, Row on 45, and Atlantis Dubai.
Gault & Millau, established in 1972, is a renowned French restaurant guide known for its rigorous and independent evaluations. Receiving an award from Gault & Millau is a testament to a chef’s exceptional skill and dedication to the culinary arts.
Reflecting on this recognition, Chef Jimmy shared, “Since leaving the Netherlands at the age of 22, I have not focused much on awards. Building a home in Phuket, away from the direct spotlight, makes being recognized by Gault & Millau even more humbling. Few people in the Netherlands or that part of the world know me or PRU, so receiving this honor is truly inspiring, especially given the distance between Thailand and Europe.”
In addition to Gault & Millau, PRU stands out as Phuket’s exclusive Michelin-starred dining destination, holding the distinction of being the only restaurant outside Bangkok to maintain both its prestigious One MICHELIN Star and the esteemed MICHELIN Green Star. Adding to its accolades, PRU has also been honoured as one of Thailand’s best restaurants in the esteemed Travel+Leisure Tastemakers 2024 list. Chef Jimmy expressed his vision for the future: “Looking ahead to 2025, it’s challenging to outline a grand plan, but our primary focus is on creating stability at PRU and refining the small details. We aim to constantly grow and improve. Despite facing some challenging times in recent years, we are committed to building a strong community and fulfilling our goal of establishing Phuket as a renowned culinary destination worldwide.”
Embracing a “community-to-fork” philosophy, PRU’s open theater kitchen not only grants diners a firsthand insight into the culinary craftsmanship in action, enabling them to observe the metamorphosis of rare Thai ingredients into exquisite dishes that enchant the senses, but also delivers an immersive dining venture enhanced by a committed team, breathtaking panoramas, and innovative utilization of Thai flavors. This amalgamation culminates in a culinary expedition that transcends boundaries, beckoning guests from across the globe to relish the finest offerings of Thailand. PRU’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement shines through its incorporation of local produce and goods. By championing these creations, PRU upholds its principles of sustainability and local advocacy, introducing a community-to-fork encounter that resonates deeply with its ethos.
