— Chef Patrons
Two chefs, one direction.
Asian culinary heritage defines the direction of the cuisine. European technique provides the tools, the methods, the execution. These are the two voices behind Mia.
Top Russell · Chef Patron
— Chef Patron
Pongcharn “Top” Russell
The first Thai chef to be awarded a MICHELIN Star for Western cuisine.
Born into a fishing family in Nakorn Si Thammarat and raised on the tranquil shores of Phuket, Top Russell's journey to culinary stardom began far from home. His passion for hospitality and fine dining was ignited after moving to the U.K. at the age of 15, where a part-time job at the 3 Rosette Priory Bay Hotel inspired him to forgo university and fully commit to the kitchen.
Top's commitment to his craft took him to some of the world's most prestigious kitchens. His early career includes working at Roussillon in Chelsea and receiving a coveted invitation to join Chef Alexis Gauthier in opening Gauthier Soho, which earned a MICHELIN Star within just six months. He later sharpened his skills at The Pearl with MICHELIN-starred Jun Tanaka, and at the renowned three-MICHELIN-starred Sketch Lecture Room & Library under the legendary Pierre Gagnaire and Romain Chapel.
In 2014, Top moved to Singapore to work with Jason Atherton at Pollen, where he rose rapidly through the ranks to become Senior Sous Chef. His dream of returning to Thailand came true in 2016 when, at just 26, he became the Executive Chef at Freebird in Bangkok, launching a new chapter in his already remarkable career.
He has been recognized by prominent publications, including Thailand Tatler Gen T, Koktail's Future 100 list, and the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. In 2018, he was awarded the Top Tables Best Young Chef title.
Outside the kitchen, Top remains connected to his island roots — the ocean, nature, a good Americano or espresso martini.
— Chef Patron
Michelle Goh
The youngest female Malaysian chef ever to receive a MICHELIN Star — and the first Sarawakian to achieve this distinguished honor.
Born in Kuching, on the lush island of Borneo, Michelle Goh has quickly risen to international acclaim. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, where she earned dual Certificates in Commercial Cookery and Patisserie, Michelle's culinary journey has taken her through some of the world's most esteemed kitchens.
She began her career in Australia at Neil Perry's Eleven Bridge before moving to Singapore's Pollen under the guidance of Jason Atherton. But it was in Bangkok where her talents truly flourished. At just 23, Michelle was entrusted with leading the pastry section at the acclaimed two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant Sühring, playing a pivotal role in the restaurant's ascent to its first and second stars.
Today, Michelle is the chef-owner of Mia in Bangkok, where her imaginative and artfully executed dishes continue to turn heads. Under her leadership, Mia has been recognized with multiple accolades, including “Best Dessert Menu” by BK Top Tables, while Michelle herself was named “Young Chef of the Year” — an honor that cements her status as one of Asia's most exciting culinary voices.
Away from the stove, Michelle is an avid reader, a devoted crocheter, a yoga enthusiast, and a self-declared cat whisperer. Her current side quest: convincing her husband to adopt another cat.
Michelle Goh · Chef Patron
— Together
A dialogue between Asia and Europe.
Bold in flavour. Precise in technique.
Deeply personal in spirit.
Top and Michelle's combined journey through Pierre Gagnaire's Sketch, Pollen, Sühring, Eleven Bridge, Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, and Bangkok's most demanding kitchens has shaped a cuisine where Asian heritage and European craft meet on equal terms.
What Mia expresses today is the natural synthesis of two voices: the cultural traditions that shaped their palate, articulated through the technical language of their training.