Bangkok, Thailand, August 8, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d’Yves (3rd from left), Ambassador of H.M. the King of the Belgians to Thailand, graciously bestowed the “Officer of the Order of Leopold” Royal Decoration, the highest of the three national orders of Belgium, upon Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (3rd from right), founder of the world renowned Blue Elephant Group, and her husband Mr. Karl Steppe (4th from right) at a cocktail reception at the Ambassador’s residence recently. Amongst the many distinguished guests in attendance was Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt (2nd from right), Bangkok Governor.

The “Officer of the Order of Leopold” honour has been conferred upon Master Chef Nooror and Mr. Karl Steppe for their over 40 years of meritorious service to the Belgian state and society and for Master Chef Nooror’s spreading the soft power of Thai cuisine and Thai culture across the globe from Belgium to Thailand since the opening of the first Blue Elephant Restaurant in Brussels in 1980.

Named in honour of its founder King Leopold 1, The Order of Leopold, Belgium’s oldest and highest honorary order of knighthood, was established on 11th July 1832.

Pictured from left are: Mr. Kim Steppe, CEO of Blue Elephant Group; Ms. Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director of Blue Spice Co., Ltd.; H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d’Yves; Mr. Karl Steppe; Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe; Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt; and Mr. Thaviseuth Phouthavong, Vice President of Blue Elephant Group.

About Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant’s story began with the passion of Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founding Chef and Director, who opened the first restaurant in Brussels in 1980. Since then, Blue Elephant has been a torchbearer of Thai cuisine globally, emphasizing health-conscious recipes using premium, locally sourced ingredients. Master Chef Nooror’s dedication has made Blue Elephant a significant cultural ambassador, promoting Thai cuisine worldwide. The Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant in Bangkok opened in 2002 and in Phuket in 2010, continuing to celebrate and evolve Thai culinary traditions. In 2006, Blue Spice Company Limited was established to manufacture and export Premium Thai Products, curry pastes and sauces amongst others under the Blue Elephant brand for retail and food service.