A small, critically acclaimed Haymarket Thai restaurant is now managing newfound global attention after being prominently featured on the latest season of a popular international food show on Netflix.
From Local Gem to Global Stage
The 30-seat restaurant, Porkfat, was showcased in an episode of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, where host Phil Rosenthal travelled to Sydney and praised the establishment as one of the best Thai venues he had ever visited. Since the episode aired last week, the restaurant has experienced a significant increase in interest from both locals and tourists.
The feature on the show came as a surprise to chef and co-founder Narin “Jack” Kulasai, who first noticed Rosenthal’s name in the booking system during a visit in 2023. The show’s production team later contacted him to arrange filming for the series. Kulasai stated that seeing his small restaurant featured alongside his culinary idols, the chefs of Firedoor and Saint Peter, felt like a dream.
A Taste of Tradition
Porkfat, which opened in 2022, is known for its authentic, family-style Thai cooking. A key element that sets it apart is its use of pork fat instead of commercial cooking oil, a traditional method that inspired the restaurant’s name. This commitment to authentic flavour has earned the restaurant significant praise, including a “One Hat” award from the SMH Good Food Guide.
Chef Kulasai brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen, having previously worked at the renowned Nahm in Bangkok and Long Chim in Sydney. He explained that his goal has always been to recreate the meals his and his partner Tanya Boonprakong’s families grew up eating, focusing on culture and memory as much as food.
Community Impact
The international exposure has brought many new faces to the tiny restaurant, including customers from other Australian cities and overseas. This has made securing a table more challenging, and the team works hard to accommodate as many diners as possible in their limited space.
The restaurant was already a favourite of high-profile food lovers, with celebrity chef Nigella Lawson being a regular visitor. Lawson, who books online like any other customer, has become a friend to the owners and reportedly returns each year for her favourite dish, the pork larb. Kulasai noted that after three years of refining their service and food, the restaurant is running well and he hopes every dish continues to impress customers.
Published Date 07-July-2025
