Kam Rai
About us
This restaurant, which has its roots in a profound respect for Thai cuisine, combines beloved customs with a modern viewpoint. One of the most recent additions to the local culinary scene, it invites guests to discover the depth of Southeast Asia’s culinary heritage with a menu that alternates between traditional recipes and inventive interpretations. Every dish is made with premium, fresh ingredients that showcase well-balanced seasoning and layered scents. A full bar, a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, thoughtful details, and attentive service create an experience that makes people want to return.
Dhanapol Marprasert was born in Washington, D.C. to a Thai army attaché family. His family moved to Bangkok in 1994, where he spent the rest of his childhood and developed an interest in cooking. As a self-taught chef, Marprasert began his career as a pot washer before becoming a professional cook. In 2014, he moved to the United States to challenge himself in Tennessee.
By 2020, he opened his first restaurant, Makin, in Middle Village, New York, built around the idea of accessible, thoughtfully prepared dishes. At KAM RAI, his second restaurant, he explores contemporary interpretations of regional cooking, presenting cuisine as a reflection of culture and evolving traditions.
He blends techniques from different culinary backgrounds to shape dishes that feel both rooted and current. Taste, he believes, is personal and constantly changing. His goal is simple: to share what people across Thailand truly enjoy eating and leave you with one feeling-''Aroi!''