A new chapter is about to unfold at one of Bangkok’s most storied fine dining institutions, as Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok announces a landmark collaboration with Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most Michelin-starred female chef.
Starting in late Q3 2025, the iconic Le Normandie restaurant will be reimagined under the direction of the acclaimed French chef, marking a pivotal moment in the capital’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. It will be the first Southeast Asian outpost for Pic, whose flagship Maison Pic*** in Valence, France, has held three Michelin stars since 2007 and was recently named the Best Restaurant in the World by Tripadvisor in its 2024 rankings.
The partnership is set to elevate Le Normandie, which has been a benchmark for French fine dining in Thailand since its founding in 1958. In its latest iteration, the restaurant will bear Pic’s distinctive culinary signature—a deeply aromatic, emotion-led style she calls “Suffusion” that aims to create sensory journeys through delicate layering and unexpected pairings.
“I firmly believe that cuisine is a universal language, a space where cultures meet,” Pic said of the announcement. “Opening a new chapter at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, an iconic institution that embodies elegance and refinement, is an adventure that truly excites me. I look forward to creating an experience where French gastronomy engages in a dialogue with the vibrant energy of Thai culture.”
Le Normandie’s transformation will go beyond the plate. The restaurant’s interiors are being redesigned in partnership with acclaimed design duo Humbert & Poyet, with a vision that fuses heritage and modernity. While retaining the spirit of elegance that has defined Le Normandie for decades, the new space will offer a contemporary canvas for Pic’s cuisine—inviting guests into an immersive dining experience that resonates with both tradition and innovation.
Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, described the collaboration as a “defining moment” for the hotel. “Since its inception, Le Normandie has set the standard for culinary excellence in the region. With Anne-Sophie Pic at the helm, we are entering an exciting new era that will continue this legacy while pushing the boundaries of what French fine dining can be in Bangkok.”
Pic’s arrival also signals a broader expansion of her culinary empire. With existing restaurants in Paris, Lausanne, Dubai, and Hong Kong, she has established herself not only as a torchbearer of her family’s gastronomic legacy, but also as a global culinary force. The Pic Group, run in tandem with her husband David Sinapian, employs over 600 people worldwide and is known for its creative ambition and commitment to craftsmanship across cuisine, design, and hospitality.
At the heart of Pic’s approach is the Pic Lab, a hub of culinary innovation where she and her team explore the aromatic potential of ingredients and develop new techniques. It’s this spirit of experimentation—combined with a deep respect for terroir and a strong emotional connection to food—that defines her work.
Beyond accolades and achievements, Pic has become a cultural ambassador for French gastronomy. In 2011, she was named the World’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and her influence has only grown in the years since. Her work at prestigious events like the 2023 State Banquet for King Charles III and the Grand Dîner du Louvre in 2025 further sealed her status as one of the most important figures in haute cuisine today.