A popular Michelin-starred restaurant fell victim to a fake cop who treated himself to a feast before doing a runner.
Jay Fai restaurant, in Bangkok, became a sitting target for the blazen theft after a man pretended to be an on-duty officer and barged his way to the front of the queue. He ordered 1,500 baht (£33.23) worth of food – including the chef’s signature crispy, golden-brown crab meat omelette and Pad Kaprao – but vanished before paying for it.
The food connoisseurs, who appeared in the Netflix documentary ‘Street Food Asia’, were disappointed by the masquerading man’s actions and claimed it was a ‘rare occurrence’ despite a lack of security cameras.
Jay Fai’s daughter described the conman as middle-aged and of modest stature, cunningly exploiting his disguise. The Samranrat Police Station said that they are currently on the lookout for the hoodwinker and confirmed that he has no affiliation with them.
With over three decades of culinary excellence, Jay Fai’s streetside eatery has become a fixture in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, attracting a flurry of patrons. From 2017 to 2022, the restaurant has obtained a Michelin star every year without interruption.
Queues often reach 200 people waiting to be served. The Michelin Guide warns visitors: This is a deservedly popular spot and they don’t take bookings, so be sure to arrive early and be prepared to queue.
Raan Jay Fai is the sole cook, hence the wait to be served being so long. She is known for wearing large protective glasses and a beanie hat, giving off a quirky vibe.
However, despite so many people wanting to try the expert chef’s delicious dinners, others have complained about the pricing. Streetfood in the area normally only costs a few quid, but one of Jay Fai’s dishes can set you back as much as £40 – Putting people like the conman off paying.
