About Moon

Chef-Artist Nongyao “Moon” Krapugthong is a visionary whose work is best expressed in her Manayunk restaurants, Chabaa Thai and MangoMoon.  In these places of culinary invention and artistic innovation, Moon creates an experience that transcends satisfying hunger.  She has selected every single detail in order to enchant each of the five senses.  Chabaa Thai captures the best of Thai cuisine and culture, with stunning artwork that makes diners feel transported to the heart of Bangkok.  MangoMoon rejuvenates the soul by treating tastebuds to an undeniable flavor explosion.  Moon’s passion for food as a medium to express love shines brightly in these exquisite escapes from the real world.

  Inspired by her upbringing in Bangkok, Thailand, Moon grew up helping her father prepare exotic, robust dishes with fresh ingredients from the morning market. She learned at a young age the value of preparing quality food from the most wholesome, untouched sources.  This is the secret to Moon’s success as a chef.  Learning from her father’s dedication to providing nourishing meals to the workers on her family’s farm, she understands the power of food to show love and respect to people. 

Moon originally studied business, earning a Bachelor’s in Economics from Thammasat University and an M.B.A. from North Park University.  It was when she was working on an installation for her M.F.A. thesis in photography at R.I.T. that she

discovered her true passion: cooking as an art form.  She found herself in Philadelphia and, with the support of her husband, family, and close friends, opened Chabbaa Thai.  Here, Moon’s lifelong dream of bringing something small but beautiful to the world has finally come to fruition.  Loved by food critics, community members, and visitors, Chabaa Thai was named Best of Philly in 2007 and was voted Best Thai in Philadelphia by Zagat in 2009.  MangoMoon, a unique tapas-style approach to dining, takes special care to experiment with new taste combinations that surprise and excite patrons day after day.  In her other cooking endeavors, Moon won a Pennsylvania cooking competition in 2008 and became a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) in 2009.

Moon is happy to have found her calling to provide nourishment to the world around her through inviting people to step into a sacred space and revel in a complete dining out experience.