Standing behind a scorching flame erupting from an oiled wok is a petite woman in her mid-70s donning a beanie, goggles, bold red lipstick, and an unassuming black apron. A long line of hungry patrons queue up outside the modest eatery Raan Jay Fai in the Phra Nakhon area of Bangkok, Thailand, which is otherwise missable if it weren't for the massive waitlist. They know what they signed up for: A plate of steaming hot food prepared exclusively by Michelin-star restaurateur Supinya Junsuta or "Jay Fai" (the Jay' is a familiar Chinese term for older sister, and 'Fai' is a reference to the mole on her face).
"No Photo Please" reads a single sign printed near the open kitchen. Still, passersby try to steal a glimpse of the food icon or engage her in conversation.
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