Raan Jay Fai (also known as Jay Fai or ร้านเจ๊ไฝ) is one of the most legendary Michelin-starred street food spots in the world — a tiny, no-frills shophouse restaurant in Bangkok's old town (Phra Nakhon district) run single-handedly by the iconic chef Supinya Junsuta, better known as Jay Fai.
As of January 2026, it still holds it's one Michelin star in the latest 2026 Michelin Guide Thailand edition — a title it's proudly maintained since earning it in 2018 as the first street food vendor ever to receive the honor. The guide praises her signature crispy, golden crab omelettes as truly memorable, high-quality cooking worth the hype (and the wait!).
The Legend Behind the Goggles
Jay Fai, now in her late 70s/early 80s, cooks everything herself over intense charcoal woks, wearing her trademark oversized protective goggles to shield from the flames. She sources top-tier fresh seafood (especially massive amounts of crab meat) and prepares each dish to order — which is why everything takes time, but the results are smoky, perfectly executed Thai classics with wok hei (that magical breath of the wok).
Must-try signature dishes:
- Kai Jeow Pu (crab omelette) — the absolute star: fluffy, crispy edges packed with generous fresh crab. It's often described as life changing.
- Drunken noodles (pad kee mao), tom yum with seafood, and other wok-fried specialties.
Here are some mouthwatering close-ups of her famous crab omelette in all its glory:
The Reality Check (Waits, Prices & Drama)
This place is legendarily busy. Expect long queues — people line up hours in advance (waitlist often starts early morning; restaurant opens around 9 AM and closes when ingredients run out, usually by evening). It operates limited days (typically Wed–Sat in recent years), and no reservations are taken anymore — it's first-come, first-served chaos.
Prices are premium for street food (crab omelette often 1,000–1,500+ THB / ~$30–45+ USD per portion), reflecting the quality ingredients and her solo operation. There have been viral controversies, like a 2025 overcharging claim that led to a small fine, but the spot remains open and starred.
And yes, the famous queues are real (and part of the adventure!):
Is It Worth It in 2026?
For many food lovers, absolutely — it's an unforgettable experience of pure skill, history, and that rare "wow" factor. Others find the wait, heat, and cost too much. If you're in Bangkok and love bold Thai seafood, it's a bucket-list must.
Pro tip: Go early, bring patience, and order the crab omelette first!