Oudi Utedpornratanakul
Award-winning executive chef Oudi Utedpornratanakul has not only managed to successfully maneuver across the “cuisine barrier” that many chefs of cultural cuisines find themselves trapped in, but he has become a highly sought consultant to restaurants as well. “Anyone can cook their own favorite foods. The key to succeeding in various regions and satisfying diners is to give them what they like in ways they don’t expect, to stretch them a little at a time. You have to know your clientele.” An experienced cooking instructor with a strong business background, he also knows what spells success, in and out of the kitchen.
A native of Thailand, in 1996 Oudi ventured to the U.S. and introduced Texans to his version of Asian Fusion cuisine. Satisfying local tastes he quickly began receiving invitations to appear in celebrity competitions, and garnered top honors as the Rising Star Chef of Dallas. Soon Oudi began winning medals, and also “gold” medals, at regional and national competitions of the American Culinary Federation. His skills launched the opening of several seafood and pan-Asian restaurants before he began receiving offers to consult on restaurant openings around the country. Oudi received his Food and Hospitality Service degree from El Centro in Dallas Texas, and his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Kasetsart University in Thailand.
