The story
At Boo Raan in Knokke-Heist, the name says it all. “Boo Raan” translates to “tradition,” and this is the guiding principle behind every dish. Chef Dokkoon Kapueak and her team are dedicated to serving Thai food as it is meant to be enjoyed: based on thousand-year-old recipes and cooked with love. This approach earned the restaurant a Michelin star in 2021, a recognition that surprised the team, who work not for accolades but for the joy of seeing guests smile.
The kitchen uses only fresh Thai herbs, grinding curry pastes by hand and making coconut milk the way grandmother taught. There are no artistic plates here; the focus is squarely on flavor. Meals are served family-style, with all dishes arriving in the center of the table to be shared. This reflects the true Thai food culture, where there is no starter or main course, and diners eat with a fork and spoon.
The menu offers several discovery options, including the Isaan set, which features authentic recipes from Dokkoon’s grandmother. These dishes come from the northeastern region of Thailand, a poor rural area known for its love of chili peppers and sticky rice. The cuisine is a proud representation of the chefs’ own heritage. Every dish, from the wok to the grill, is cooked à la minute, ensuring freshness and vibrancy in every bite.
Boo Raan also supports a small school in rural Thailand, Baan Som Rong, through a doggy-bag formula, allowing guests to contribute with each visit. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic Thai cuisine is unwavering, offering a genuine taste of Thailand in the heart of Knokke.
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