Sam is a self-taught Thai cook who blends authenticity with creativity. Born in Thailand and now living in Swindon with his partner, Danny, he grew up learning to cook in challenging circumstances, where being inventive with ingredients was a daily necessity. His earliest memories include cooking rice over an open fire, helping his mum and grandma prepare meals, and winning a school cooking competition as a team of three. Those lessons – resourcefulness, flavour and family – shape everything Sam cooks today. His style is rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but he also loves experimenting with fusion inspired by the places he has travelled. From the heat of fresh chillies to the comfort of perfect jasmine rice, Sam builds dishes with ingredients that mean something to him. Entering MasterChef was a way to push himself outside his comfort zone after years of quietly perfecting his craft at home. Since reaching the finals, he has continued sharing his passion through events, pop-ups and a dream of one day writing a cookbook celebrating Thailand and his own food journey.

Fiona, Janet and Lauren will be hosting the evening, welcoming guests, supporting the flow of the event and making sure everything feels relaxed, warm and completely unpretentious, the way all good food experiences should be.