Thai Star

In the ultra-innovative culinary world of Copenhagen, Kiin Kiin stands out for its modern take on heritage Thai cooking. Head chef Dak Laddaporn shares with Destin Tay how they’ve retained their Michelin star for over a decade.

Picture this scenario: you’ve been invited to a blind tasting at one of Copenhagen’s many Michelin starred restaurants. Being in the capital of New Nordic cuisine (spearheaded by heavyweights such as Noma and Geranium), you’d be inclined to think that you would be served dishes like René Redzepi’s Reindeer Moss and Cep and Celeriac Shawarma, or Rasmus Kofoed’s Edible Razor Clam and Salted Hake.

Instead, you are presented with frozen langoustine curry and an aereated Tom Ka soup.

Launched in 2006, Kiin Kiin is a stalwart of elevated Thai cuisine. Owner Henrik Yde-Anderson started the restaurant out of his passion for Thai food. The then 17-year-old Dak Laddaporn chanced upon an article about Yde-Anderson’s restaurant and quickly reserved a seat for herself. She was blown away by the authentic flavours that were served at her dinner and more intrigued by the fact that it was a Danish national who was leading the kitchen. It kickstarted a passion for cooking within Laddaporn, and after graduating from the culinary school at Silkeborg Technical School, she joined Kiin Kiin in 2013.

The now 32-year-old has been head chef of Kiin Kiin for the past seven years and her Isaan heritage has her doubling down on the restaurant’s focus on Isaan dishes. Even when she uses seasonal Scandinavian produce to replace hard-to-find Thai ingredients, the food at Kiin Kiin retains its culinary integrity.

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