Chef Bryan Chunton was born and raised in the restaurant industry and has more than 35 years of experience from opening a Regional Thai concept in Colorado to working with Wolfgang Puck in Denver to opening the critically acclaimed Isan Thai restaurant Zaab Zaab. His latest venture, Zaab Burger is Thai-American, just like him.
NEW YORK CITY
The Beginning
Chef Bryan started cooking at nine years old, helping out in his parents Hells Kitchen restaurant “Reonthep” where he prepared marinades and prepped meat and vegetables for his father. At the time it was the neighborhood’s only Thai-Vietnamese restaurant.
After graduating from Baruch College with a B.B.A. in MARKETING, Chef Bryan opened his first restaurant “KUN PAW” in the West Village. This was the start of his restauranteur adventure, which has included all manner of service, including working as captain at Mr. K’s New York and Matsugen New York . Chef Bryan is self-taught in the art of smashing burgers. He was born in Bangkok but grew up in the U.S. and loves hamburgers as much as he loves Thai food. This passion informs all of his creations at Zaab Burger.
Elmhurst, NY
The Venture
2022
After decades of operating restaurants; Chef Bryan opened Zaab Zaab, a destination showcasing cuisine from Northeastern Thailand in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Little Thailand of Elmhurst, Queens. Since opening in 2022, the restaurant has received numerous accolades, including a 3-star New York Times review; Michelin Bib Gourmand, America’s Best Restaurants in the New York Times, and many other honors.
NEW YORK CITY
The birth of Zaab Burger
2024
On a recent visit to his hometown of Bangkok, Chef Bryan tried several Thai style hamburgers as well as exploring various Thai cuisines. Upon returning to the States, he fell in love with American style smashburgers and the idea for Zaab Burger–a satisfying comfort food that combines Thai culinary tradition with an American classic–was born.
