About the Chef
Chef Chai Chaowasaree ("Chef Chai"), owner and chef of Chef Chai at Pacifica Honolulu, is recognized as one of Hawaii's top Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs. Known for fusing fresh Hawaii ingredients with the exotic flavors of Asia, Chef Chai has created a culinary style that reflects the cultural diversity of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands.
To further strengthen the partnership with Hawaii's local farmers and fishermen, Chef Chai co-founded Hawaii Island Chefs (HIC), the second generation of Hawaii Regional Cuisine Chefs. This group of HIC chefs is on a mission to provide the world with the best of Hawaii's diverse culinary resources — from the culture of the people to the bounty of the land and sea.
In addition to running his two restaurants, Chef Chai was named executive chef of Hawaiian Airlines, for which he manages more than 20 kitchens worldwide. He also hosts the weekly cooking shows "Dining Out with Chai" and "Chai's Choices," and is the author of The Island Bistro Cookbook.
Chef Chai is constantly seeking out new spices and ingredients at Oahu's farmers markets and in Honolulu's Chinatown, which brings back childhood memories of shopping the local markets in Bangkok to find the freshest ingredients for his family's popular restaurant. His mastery at blending flavors shows in many of his signature dishes, including Fresh Ahi Katsu with Tomato Mango Salsa Wasabi Curry Sauce; Kataifi and Macadamia Nut Encrusted Black Tiger Prawn Rainbow Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette; Thai Style Oxtail Soup; and Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce.
Chef Chai was voted the winner of the 2011 Hale ʻAina Chef's Choice Award, selected by Hale ʻAina Award–winning chefs. Chai's restaurants have also been critiqued and recommended by many international magazines, from Bon Appétit, Brides, Sunset, Cooking Light, and Travel & Leisure to Gourmet Magazine and many more.
Awards & Recognition
- Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association Hall of Fame — Inductee (2017)
- Hale ʻAina Chef's Choice Award — Winner (2011), selected by Hale ʻAina Award–winning chefs
- Hale ʻAina Awards — Gold, Best Restaurant That Caters (2021); Silver, Best Restaurant That Caters (2018); Finalist, Best Seafood (2017)
- Zagat — Honolulu's Hottest Restaurants (2015)
- TripAdvisor — Award of Excellence
- The Culture Trip — 10 Best Restaurants in Hawaiʻi
- Hawaii Magazine — Readers' People's Choice Award
- ʻIlima Award — Honolulu Star-Advertiser readers