Top grew up in a rural town in Thailand and was taught how to cook from a young age by his grandma. Before he knew it, cooking became a career that he is passionate about. Rustic Asian street food represent his pride and roots, and European cuisine is his passion and adventure.
In 2000, Top emigrated to his new home – Aotearoa, where he grew to love and commenced his professional culinary journey. Top gained his formal training from Auckland University of Technology, then got his foot at the door at White Restaurant in Hilton Auckland in 2004 working under renowned chef, Geoff Scott.

He next went on his OE to Sydney, Australia, where he furthered his career at Glass Brasserie at Hilton Sydney working under Michelin-starred chef Luke Mangan; as well as a few other large establishments including 360 Bar and Dining on Sydney Tower.
After travelling a bit around Europe, he returned to Aotearoa and worked as a Sous Chef at Mollies Boutique Hotel in Herne Bay, a Relais & Chateaux hotel. His adventure then continued to well-renowned restaurants like Sails Restaurant and Ostro Brasserie & Bar. He worked as a Senior Sous Chef at Ostro for 3.5 years before joining the team at Beast & Butterflies at M Social Auckland.

Rainer’s hospitality career has taken him across cultures, continents, and a wide range of service environments — from managing high-volume restaurant operations in Dubai with Mafaza Dessert Ostrich Company, to leading dynamic Restaurant & Bar teams in New Zealand. He takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence in every role he has undertaken.

With extensive hands-on management experience, Rainer has developed strong capabilities in leading multicultural teams, optimising operations, and fostering a culture of genuine, heartfelt service. His achievements include elevating service standards, implementing efficient systems that enhanced overall performance, and consistently delivering outstanding guest satisfaction results.

Before beginning his international career, Rainer completed his university studies in the Philippines and refined his passion for hospitality across Southeast Asia — experiences that deepened his appreciation for cultural diversity and different service philosophies.

Rainer thrives in hospitality because it is ever-evolving and endlessly creative. It motivates him to keep learning, connecting, and finding new ways to create meaningful, memorable moments for guests from all walks of life.