Five Minutes with Ittichai “Biggy” Ngamtrairai: Head Chef at Matilda

Ittichai “Biggy” Ngamtrairai, the esteemed head chef at Matilda, has garnered widespread acclaim in the culinary realm for his inventive and delightful creations. With previous experience at Collingwood brewery Molly Rose and under the guidance of Paolo Masciopinto at Sarti, Ngamtrairai brings a wealth of expertise to his current position as head chef at Matilda. In a recent interview, he divulged his career journey, his return to Matilda, and his vision for the restaurant.

Speaking on his foray into the culinary domain, Ngamtrairai shared his deep-seated passion for food and the narratives behind it. Despite initially pursuing a vocation in engineering as per his family’s expectations, he soon realized that his true calling lay in the culinary arts. Following his instincts, Ngamtrairai took a leap of faith and embarked on a career in the restaurant industry, where he honed his craft and cultivated his distinctive culinary style.

His return to Matilda has brought about a sense of responsibility for Ngamtrairai, albeit in a constructive manner. As the head chef, his objective is to cultivate a welcoming and convivial ambience for patrons, enabling them to feel at ease when visiting the restaurant for any occasion. Drawing from his experiences at Molly Rose, where he had to work at a remarkably swift pace to keep up with the production of weekly specials, Ngamtrairai has developed a resolute work ethic and a perceptive understanding of the preferences of guests.

The kitchen at Matilda, equipped with a grill and wood fire, emanates a sense of warmth and lends a distinctive touch to the dishes. Ngamtrairai remarked that the layout and atmosphere of the kitchen play a significant role in sparking his creativity, enabling him to craft dishes that resonate with diners. An example of such a dish that has ignited his enthusiasm is the dry-aged pork chop, a recent addition to the menu that underscores his innovative approach to cooking.

Anticipating the upcoming mushroom season, Ngamtrairai is eager to explore new and inventive methods of incorporating this ingredient into his dishes. With an unwavering devotion to food and a dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience, Ngamtrairai consistently pushes boundaries and develops dishes that leave a lasting impression on patrons.

In the ever-evolving culinary landscape, chefs such as Ngamtrairai play a pivotal role in shaping the industry and enchanting diners with their culinary expertise. With his unwavering dedication and innovative flair, Ngamtrairai is poised to leave an enduring impact at Matilda, further cementing the restaurant’s standing as a premier dining destination.