From MasterChef champion to Pullman ambassador: Nat Thaipun takes hotel dining to the next level

Pullman Hotels & Resorts has named Nat Thaipun, celebrated chef and winner of MasterChef Australia 2024, as its new Food & Beverage Ambassador for Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Chef Thaipun will bring her creative flair and rich cultural influences to a series of curated dining experiences across the Pullman network, inspiring guests with innovative menus and fresh culinary concepts.

Read an Op-Ed from Paul Hadida in AccomNews HERE

The appointment highlights Pullman’s focus on raising the bar for hotel dining across its 52 hotels in the region. This includes flagship destinations such as Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach, Pullman Singapore Hill Street, and Pullman Singapore Orchard.

Pullman said the collaboration reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering memorable food and beverage experiences that resonate with both international travellers and local diners.

From early 2026, guests will be invited to enjoy exclusive pop-ups, restaurant takeovers and a curated selection of Chef Thaipun’s signature creations at Pullman addresses in the Pacific and Asia. Among the highlights will be her reimagined Satay Skewers, featuring a macadamia satay and ash made from leek, onion or garlic skin, paired with house-made pickles. The dish will feature locally sourced variations such as kangaroo and pork, alongside vegetarian options like courgette.

Members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, the group’s lifestyle loyalty programme, will have privileged access to behind-the-scenes encounters with the chef, from intimate chef’s table dinners to immersive cooking workshops.

“Nat Thaipun brings an inspiring mix of creativity, authenticity and modern flair that perfectly complements Pullman’s bold approach to food and beverage,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific.

“Her ability to draw from her Thai heritage and international experience to create dishes that surprise and connect aligns seamlessly with Pullman’s ethos. We are excited to introduce her talent to our guests across the Pacific and Asia.”

An Australian-born Thai chef, Thaipun grew up on the outskirts of Naarm/Melbourne, inspired by the vibrant street food of Thailand and the culinary traditions passed down by her mother and late grandmother.

She has trained in acclaimed kitchens including St. John and Core by Clare Smyth in London, staged pop-ups at Baba’s Place in Sydney and EVETT in Seoul, and is currently part of the award-winning Vue de monde team in Melbourne. She also hosts For Now, a YouTube food travel series, and her first cookbook Thai, Anywhere and Everywhere (Hardie Grant) will be released internationally in October.

“For me, cooking has always been driven by curiosity. Every ingredient and every dish tells a story and evokes feeling,” said Thaipun. “Partnering with Pullman gives me the perfect canvas to create something exciting in a space that reflects authentic hospitality. There’s nothing I love more than immersing myself in the food and culture of a region, and I can’t wait to share that joy with guests.”

Pullman said the partnership will place creativity at the heart of its food and beverage offering, with events designed to highlight local ingredients, reinterpret regional dishes and celebrate the modern, playful spirit of dining that defines the brand.

More F&B news in AccomNews HERE