He booked a one-way ticket to Thailand the day after finishing high school. Now he’s a top Bangkok chef
Nilas Corneliussen thrives on minimal sleep. The 32-year-old Swedish-born executive head chef at Villa Frantzen, a Nordic-Asian fusion restaurant in Bangkok, finds a quiet city at night unsettling. “I’m both a night owl and an early riser,” he says. “I prefer vibrant cities that never sleep, and Bangkok delivers that energy.”
Despite his early fascination with Thailand, Corneliussen didn’t initially envision a career in cooking. Instead, he was captivated by Muay Thai, the traditional Thai boxing art known for its powerful strikes and rapid kicks. The immediate feedback of success in the ring drew him in, and he even traveled solo to Thailand during high school breaks for Muay Thai training camps. “During those trips, I fell in love with the country,” he tells CNN Travel.
However, after injuring his hand, Corneliussen had to step away from Muay Thai, though his fascination with Thailand endured. The day after graduating high school, he flew to Bangkok and applied for a study visa, opting to study economics as a means to stay in the country. “That’s how I ended up studying economics, to get the visa,” he admits with a grin.
Halfway through his studies from 2010-2014, Corneliussen was inspired by a friend who ran local Thai eateries. The atmosphere in the kitchen fascinated him, and he felt a strong pull towards cooking. Although he initially believed he needed to return to Europe to understand his culinary roots, he now believes every cooking style holds equal value. “The broad spectrum of global cuisines enriches a chef’s skill set and creativity,” he says.
Starting in a Stockholm trattoria, Corneliussen honed his craft and eventually earned a place at Noma in Copenhagen, a Michelin-starred restaurant frequently ranked as the world’s best. In 2019, he won silver at the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious international cooking competition. Despite these achievements, he longed to return to Asia to pursue his culinary passion.
In 2022, Corneliussen joined Villa Frantzen, which opened that year, bringing Nordic cuisine with Asian influences to Bangkok. “In Thailand, I feel a deep connection to the people, food, and culture,” he reflects. “It feels like living in paradise every day. I hate cold weather!”
Villa Frantzen, part of the Frantzen Group owned by renowned chef Björn Frantzen, is located on Bangkok’s Sathorn Road. The restaurant’s Nordic-style villa, with its open kitchen and surrounding garden, inspires Corneliussen’s creativity. He crafts rich, flavorful dishes like amber beef consommé and creamy foie gras wontons, and experiments with unique versions of classic dishes, such as oysters cooked at 63.4 degrees Celsius for an hour.
Corneliussen’s creative process involves extensive experimentation. “If I find something I like, I can spend days perfecting it,” he says. “I don’t need much sleep; I go to bed late, wake up refreshed.”
Even off the clock, he explores Bangkok rather than resting. “I’m an introverted extrovert—outgoing with people I know, but reserved in larger groups. In the kitchen, I have to be assertive,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Corneliussen is optimistic about Bangkok’s dining scene. “It will continue to thrive,” he predicts. “With big names entering the market and young chefs opening new places, restaurants will need to stay sharp and relevant.”
Reflecting on his unconventional journey from studying economics to becoming a chef, Corneliussen acknowledges the challenges. “The transition was risky and demanding,” he says. “The last decade has been filled with hard work and dedication to perfecting my culinary skills.” Despite it all, he appreciates his daily summer in Bangkok. “It’s a blessing to have summer every day,” he laughs.
Nilas Corneliussen thrives on minimal sleep. The 32-year-old Swedish-born executive head chef at Villa Frantzen, a Nordic-Asian fusion restaurant in Bangkok, finds a quiet city at night unsettling. “I’m both a night owl and an early riser,” he says. “I prefer vibrant cities that never sleep, and Bangkok delivers that energy.” Despite his early fascination…