ISSARA x POTONG
We are proud to share a project that has been close to our hearts: ISSARA x POTONG
After more than two years of collaboration and preparation, Restaurant POTONG and Issara Estates Winery officially launched this special project in 2023—a culmination of shared values: belief, craftsmanship, and community.
From the very beginning, we worked closely with Khunpol Issara, a leading figure in Thai viticulture and the legacy behind Issara Estates. With generations of winemaking in his roots, Khunpol guided the meticulous selection and development of this unfiltered Chenin Blanc, capturing the purity and expression of Issara’s finest vineyard plots.
The wine’s label, created by Kiattiwat Srichanwanpen of Play Art House, visually expresses both the natural beauty of Issara’s vineyard and POTONG’s Five Elements Philosophy, through his distinctive abstract style.
Produced in a limited run of fewer than 2,000 bottles annually, this wine is available exclusively at Restaurant POTONG. It is presented by our Head Sommelier, Phuengthum Khathipphathee, as part of “The New Experience”—our ongoing exploration of boutique and artisanal wines from 26 countries.
Our dedication to meaningful wine curation has been recognized with:
– Asia’s Best Organic Wine List – The World of Fine Wine
– Pairing of the Year – Koktail Magazine
ISSARA x POTONG is more than a collaboration—it reflects a shared dedication to craft, heritage, and the future of Thai gastronomy. As part of the Songwat community, we remain committed to supporting local artisans, honoring terroir, and creating impactful experiences through food and wine.
“WOMEN FOR WOMEN” SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Scholarships to empower young chefs for qualified female students.
Grants by: AWC Thailand & Golden Gate Cuisine Co., Ltd. (Restaurant POTONG)
Program Director: Chef “PAM” Pichaya Soontornyanakij
Program Advisor: American Women’s Club of Thailand (AWC)
We are thrilled to announce a scholarship program for young female chefs under “WOMEN-FOR-WOMEN” 1-Year internship with Restaurant POTONG, 1-Michelin-starred restaurant and “Opening of the Year” award from Michelin Guide led by Chef “Pam” Pichaya Soontornyanakij. Chef Pam, owner and executive chef of Restaurant POTONG, has collaborated with The American Women’s Club of Thailand (AWC) to create a program that provides a career jumpstart for young women. Aspiring young female chefs from Thailand’s rural areas who possess a passion for the culinary arts will acquire the experience and training necessary to contribute to Thailand’s culinary landscape.
We believe this internship program will “begin” to address the gender imbalance in the culinary industry. Women are often underrepresented in the kitchen, particularly in high-end restaurants and culinary schools. This unique opportunity will empower talented female student chefs to succeed in our much-loved culinary world.
“Scholarships and Internships to inspire and empower young female students in financial need, to become uniquely qualified and talented chefs” - Chef “PAM” Pichaya Soontornyanakij
POTONG’S TIME CAPSULE
Did you know that the restaurant industry is one of the largest consumers of tin globally? According to a report by Grand View Research, the global food and beverage metal can market size was valued at USD 19.96 billion in 2019, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2020 to 2027. This means that restaurants around the world, including those in Thailand, rely heavily on tin for packaging and storage of food and beverages.
What if we can be part of the help to increase focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness
Recycling tin is one way to achieve this, and Thailand is making strides in this area. In fact, according to a report by the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the country recycled 46% of its total tin waste in 2019, up from just 25% in 2014. This shows that the if we, as the restaurant industry, in Thailand are taking steps towards sustainability and are committed to reducing waste and protecting the environment, we can truly make it happen.
At POTONG, we take pride in offering our guests a unique dining experience that is both unforgettable and sustainable. As a testament to our commitment to the environment, we have partnered with O MAX, a local can supplier that shares our vision of eco-consciousness.
Our bespoke time capsule, made of recycled tin, is a tribute to the memories that we aim to create for our guests. Inside, you will find a copy of the menu from your dining experience, the music that filled the air that night, and a collection of unforgettable moments that capture the essence of your time with us. This exquisite can is also designed to be reusable, and as part of our sustainability initiative, we will ensure that it is sent back to O MAX to be repurposed. Through the use of their RTO machinery, we are able to destroy volatile organic compounds in our exhaust air before it pollutes the environment. It is our great pleasure to offer you a dining experience that is as kind to the environment as it is memorable.