Kin Dee

What began as a two-week takeover of Dóttir Restaurant by self-taught chef Dalad Kambhu and her mentor, artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, quickly grew into a permanent establishment. Situated in Berlin's still-evolving Potsdamer Strasse neighborhood, the restaurant found its home in the space of the former legendary Thai eatery, EDD’s. The project involved a thoughtful renovation, blending modern functionality with the charm of the original space. Key updates included increasing seating capacity, optimizing the flow of the space, and a full refurbishment of the back-of-house and kitchen facilities to support Dalad’s contemporary and focused culinary approach.

As co-owner, the focus was on creating a supportive framework to realize Dalad’s vision. Beyond overseeing the renovation, responsibilities included managing the business operations as managing director, covering key restaurant shifts during the opening phase, and leading areas such as human resources, city permits, supplier relations, and collaborations with local contractors. Menus and wine lists were curated in collaboration with the chef and an extensive network, while media relations were handled to effectively communicate Dalad’s vision to journalists and regulars. Kin Dee introduced authentic Thai flavors and culture to Berlin’s gastronomic scene, using primarily seasonal and regional ingredients sourced from small local farmers with a strong emphasis on sustainability and organic practices. By elevating Thai cuisine beyond quick takeout curries, the restaurant showcased its sophistication and earned a Michelin Star— the first awarded to a Thai restaurant in Germany and one of only three led by a female chef, Dalad Kambhu.