MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace and a gaggle of former contestants attended the grand opening of 2023 winner Chariya Khattiyot’s Khao Soi restaurant in Alton last Friday night.
Guests were treated to Champagne and canapés before a three-course meal showcasing some of the dishes that won Chariya the MasterChef trophy.
Wallace posed for photos with past contestants, including 2016 winner Jane Devonshire, in Cross and Pillory Lane before hitting Khao Soi’s gong to bestow good luck on the restaurant.
He also joked with the kitchen staff, calling out familiar MasterChef lines including “five minutes to go” and “stop cooking!”
Chariya, better known locally as Cherry and as the owner of Coffee Cherry in Normandy Street, revealed she has already taken 2,000 bookings for her debut restaurant, with the first paying diners welcomed on Saturday.
Chariya’s culinary style blends traditional Asian ingredients and techniques with modern culinary trends, resulting in a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
At the launch event, guests were treated to a trio of starters: a savoury mini bao bun filled with barbecue Korean chicken, a refreshing pomelo and prawn salad served in a delicate tuile cup, and a unique pad Thai takoyaki.
This was followed by Chariya’s hallmark offering, the ‘Khao Soi’ noodle curry, featuring hand-crafted egg noodles crowned with succulent grilled chicken and traditional garnishes.
For dessert there was a choice of Thai tea tiramisu or a yuzu mascarpone cheesecake.
Khao Soi is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm. It closes Sunday and Monday.
Book a table at: https://khaosoibychariya.com/
