Chef Dej Kewkacha has been crowned Asia’s Best Pastry Chef for 2025, an honour sponsored by Valrhona. From a self-taught patissier with a big dream to a leading name in Thailand’s dessert world, his journey is a mix of passion, grit, and a whole lot of creativity.

This award celebrates his talent and the bold flavours he brings to the table. Dej’s love for sweets started early, and by 22, he had co-founded Kacha Brothers with his siblings. Fast forward to today, and the group operates more than 50 F&B outlets under seven brands, including Kyo Roll En, Thailand’s favorite Japanese dessert café, which earned the title of “Best Dessert Café” at Bangkok’s Best Restaurants 2019.

Fluent in Japanese and Chinese, Dej didn’t just teach himself the art of pastry—he took it to another level. He refined his skills in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including the two-Michelin-star Ta Vie in Hong Kong. In 2019, he was the only pastry chef invited to cook at the ‘Cook Japan Project’ in Tokyo, sharing the stage with culinary legends like Yannick Alléno, Mauro Colagreco, and Virgilio Martínez.

If you want a taste of his artistry, Kyo Bar is where you need to be. It’s Thailand’s first and only dessert bar offering an ‘omakase’ experience where every dish is a surprise. The menu constantly evolves, inspired by the seasons and crafted with the finest Japanese and Thai ingredients, combined with cutting-edge pastry techniques.

“My desserts have no boundaries,” says Dej Kewkacha. And with each creation, he continues to push the limits of what a dessert can be, making every bite an unforgettable experience.