Masterchef finalist, Andy Oliver, specialises in authentic, regional Thai food. He is head chef and co-owner at renowned Thai restaurant som saa in Shoreditch, London.

Andy spent years living and working in Thailand, pursuing his love for Thai food, flavours and ingredients. His journey began working in the kitchen at the legendary Thai restaurant Nahm in London, alongside Thai food hero, David Thompson. Andy then moved to Bangkok to work at the high end Thai restaurant Bo.lan (currently ranked number 19 in Asia’s top 50 in 2019).

Andy, now joined by Tom George and Mark Dobbie, went on to develop som saa through various pop-ups, takeovers and a sell-out residency at Climpson’s Arch in Hackney. A successful crowdfunding campaign followed and som saa opened as a permanent restaurant in Spitalfields in April 2016.

Andy takes weekly Thai language lessons and continues to travel regularly to Thailand – to further his knowledge of the cuisine, culture and traditions.