His Excellency Piyawat Niyomreks, the Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia launched the 'Taste of Thai' featuring two Thai culinary experts, Chef Phiranat Phraiwan and Somchai Chayapueksapong recently at Café Serena Brasserie, Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur. Other guests who were present for the launch were Michael Borostyan, General Manager of Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr. Klissida Ratanapruk and the hotel's top corporate supports.

Guests had the opportunity to savour vast choices of spicy yet flavourful dishes such as Satay Talay (Skewers with Spicy Sauce), Nam Prik Ong (Minced Chicken with Tomato Chili Dip), Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles), Nam Prik Ong (Minced Chicken with Tomato Chili Dip). Entertainment for the night was a medley of cultural Thai dances.

Chef Phiranat began his career as a Junior Cook in 1985 before moving on to Arnoma Swissotel Bangkok as a Demi Chef in 1990. In 1993, he expanded his culinary horizon and worked in the Floating Hotel, Cambodia asHead Chef, before his attachment with T-Thong Hotel, Thailand. Cuurently, Chef Phiranat owns Nat's Steak House restaurant in Bangkok and teaches at Thai-Swiss Culinary Education, Thailand.

Chef Somchai Chayapueksapong started as a Commis II in 1985 before moving to U-Thong Inn Hotel Ayutthaya, Thailand as a Demi Chef. Currently, Somchai is a culinary instructor for the established Thai Culinary Consultancy.