Thamonwan “Lee” Madchika
Bartender, Stella Bar

Lee, originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, studied Business English before unexpectedly stepping into the world of bartending. Always someone who enjoyed drinking culture, she once wondered whether she would still find it appealing if she worked behind the bar. With little understanding of what bartenders actually did, she decided to try it anyway. Her journey began in Samui, where she worked at a bar that focused mostly on beers and a small selection of cocktails. There, she slowly developed a genuine interest by studying recipes, memorizing techniques and practicing whenever she could.

Once she understood the fundamentals of the craft, Lee moved to Bangkok in search of growth and more professional opportunities. She aimed for a hotel role and was fortunate to find one that welcomed beginners and offered intensive training. It was during this period that she truly became a professional bartender, building confidence, discipline and a solid technical foundation.

Now, with seven years of experience and a year and a half at Stella Bar, Lee has found her style and her stride. She is particularly drawn to tiki-style cocktails and also oversees specialty and seasonal creations for the bar. What she loves most about bartending is the ability to make guests happy, intrigued and inspired with each drink she serves. And she never stops growing, continually attending masterclasses, keeping up with new spirits and pushing herself through bartender competitions.