Dusted in Culinary Sparkle: Meet Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Executive Pastry Chef Yanisa Wiangnon

An indomitable spirit who fought against all odds to scale the rungs of success, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Executive Pastry Chef Yanisa Wiangnon exemplifies resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that “you belong.” From the days when women chefs were a rarity in the culinary world to now, where they form the backbone, Yanisa stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. Her journey through the warmth of oven-kissed confections is one of inspiration. “When I began, I often felt that women in the kitchen were viewed with a different lens,” reflects Yanisa. “But today, I am noted for my artistry and expertise - not my gender.”

Whisked into Destiny

The yeasty aroma of the baked bread greets you like an old friend when stepping into her bakery, making you feel instantly warm and hypnotised. It was this intoxicating air that cast a spell in young Yanisa’s heart. “My uncle owned a bakery, and every time I received a sweet treat, it ignited a longing - a yearning to whisk the cream, knead the dough and dance in those buttery fumes,” she reminisces. It was love at first sight, which turned into more than an indulgence - her destiny. What began as a childlike wonder soon evolved into an insatiable passion. She knew she was leading her path down a lifetime of baking adventures with butter, sugar and endless creativity.

Conquering the Culinary Conundrum

A career in culinary arts, dazzling yet demanding, presented its own trials. But Yanisa embraced these stumbling blocks and viewed them as impending opportunities of growth. “Every hurdle is a lesson that creates a wiser version of us, presenting an opportunity to refine oneself,” she muses. In a profession once dominated by men, she discovered that success didn’t lie in gender, but in skill, positive mindset and an unwavering love for the craft. That's precisely how she tamed temperamental ingredients such as delicate meringues or soufflés that demanded a whisper-light touch. “It’s not about being male or female. It’s about the fire within, the relentless pursuit and the joy of creating something extraordinary,” she declares, adding that her experience at Four Seasons only reinforced this further.

The Fusion of Art and Heart

Every dessert, like a carefully composed melody, tells a heartwarming story. Right from the silken folds of fondant to the gentle waft of cinnamon swirls, each element is steeped in tradition, carrying layers and flavours of culture and memory. Yanisa’s saccharine world finds inspiration in the fabric of local life. “From the land, the people and the flavours that define them, every bite is a tribute to the community I hold dear,” she shares. Fresh fruits kissed by the sun, herbs imbued with nature’s essence, and spices that carry tales of ancient trade - each of them offers new and exquisite possibilities for Yanisa. Those seeking a taste of her signature brilliance, should not miss the Khao Mak Cheesecake - an ethereal fusion of heritage and innovation, crafted with love and reverence. The Sweet Sensation dessert buffet is the pinnacle of her culinary prowess, while the delectable Afternoon Tea at KHAO by Four Seasons demonstrates her skills through seasonal, fresh produce. “I like to bring the local flavour to the table,” she shares, “Whether it is figs, strawberries, chocolate or honey, the true taste of Chiang Mai’s cultivars is in all of them.”

Love Affair with Baking

Yanisa loves navigating through the world of pies and tarts. For her, baking is not merely a profession, it is a never-ending love affair that seeps into every facet of her life. “Be it at home or at work, the joy of baking never wanes. It is a constant source of happiness,” she expresses. From a devoted family to a passionate team, Yanisa is fuelled by love for the craft and the people who share in its magic. And that’s the message she has for aspiring chefs. “Just lose yourself in the moment, savour the process. When you pour love into what you do, the rest will follow naturally.”

Defining Moments, Lasting Legacies

What defines success for a pastry chef? Is it the glistening sheen of a perfectly tempered chocolate glaze, the symphony of textures in a meticulously layered mille-feuille, or the contented sigh of a guest savouring a delicate macaron? For Yanisa, it is all these and more. “When a guest decodes my pastry with a glowing review describing the flakiness of a croissant, the harmony of textures in the delicate crust, that becomes an unforgettable moment, igniting the desire to do something more with the next creation,” she says. But beyond the applause, true fulfillment for Yanisa lies in witnessing her team flourish. “Every milestone they reach is a step taken forward marking victory for all of us,” she beams.

Tribute to Women’s Day

Yanisa’s journey is a reminder of the boundless potential that women have in chasing their dream, charting a delectable path for themselves. “I hope my story serves as a telling example that passion and perseverance define us, and not gender,” she states. Let’s celebrate the phenomenal women who continue to shatter ceilings. Yanisa leaves a simple, yet profound message: “Keep chasing what you love. Trust the journey. The rest will fall in place.”