When Kyra Wang first began her hospitality journey, she wasn't focused on awards, industry recognition or building a portfolio of successful venues. She was driven by a passion for people, a desire to create memorable experiences and a determination to keep learning.

Nearly two decades later, that passion has culminated in national recognition, with her acclaimed Adelaide restaurant, Thai Room, earning three prestigious honours at the 2026 Australian Dining Awards.

For Kyra, however, success has never been about accolades alone.

"It means a lot to me personally, but more than anything, this recognition belongs to my team," she says, reflecting on the significance of the awards after 18 years in hospitality, more than 13 of which as a business owner. What makes the achievement particularly meaningful is earning recognition in South Australia, a market Kyra describes as loyal and rewarding, where trust and reputation are built over time.

The awards recognise the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and continuous improvement. Among the honours, winning Best Dining Experience was particularly significant because it celebrated every aspect of a guests journey - from food and service to atmosphere, presentation and the smallest finishing touch.

Behind every successful hospitality business is a strong foundation. For Kyra, that foundation was established during her studies at Le Cordon Bleu Australia.

While many aspiring hospitality professionals are drawn to the culinary arts, Kyra says her education taught her to look beyond the plate and understand the complete business ecosystem behind every successful venue.

"My education gave me the foundation, but I think the biggest thing it taught me was to look at hospitality as a complete business, not just food and service," she explains.

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At Le Cordon Bleu, I learned about hotel and hospitality management, operations, finance, marketing and how all the different parts of a hospitality business connect.

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Today, those lessons inform every decision she makes. Whether designing a menu, developing a marketing strategy or managing costs, Kyra applies the commercial and operational knowledge she gained through her studies to ensure every element contributes to both the guest experience and business success.

Her story demonstrates the value of a hospitality education that extends beyond technical skills.

Kyra admits there was never a single moment when she realised hospitality would become her career. Instead, success was built through persistence, curiosity and a willingness to continually improve.

"I just kept doing what I loved, learning, improving and building," she says. "It was years of doing the same things over and over again, making mistakes, improving, staying focused and not giving up."

That mindset enabled her to successfully lead multiple venues, including Thai Room and Von Thai, while continuing to grow as both an entrepreneur and industry leader.

A key lesson she learned along the way is the importance of empowering others.

"As the business grows, you need structure and hierarchy, but I don't believe hierarchy should mean treating people differently," she says. "When people feel trusted, heard and responsible for the outcome, they care more."

Among the many lessons Kyra took from her time at Le Cordon Bleu Australia, one principle continues to guide her daily operations: every detail matters.

Whether it's the presentation of a dish, the polish of glassware, the speed of a greeting or anticipating a guest's needs before they're expressed, Kyra believes exceptional hospitality is created through hundreds of small details working together seamlessly.

This philosophy is one she now passes on to her own team.

"Don't only focus on your individual job; look at the whole experience through the customer's eyes," she advises.

That commitment to excellence, attention to detail and guest-centric thinking remains a hallmark of both her business approach and the educational philosophy she experienced as a student.

For prospective students considering a career in hospitality, Kyra's message is both honest and encouraging.

Hospitality, she says, is a demanding industry that requires adaptability, resilience and a genuine desire to serve others. Yet for those who are passionate about creating memorable experiences, it offers limitless opportunities for growth.

Looking back, she encourages new graduates to focus on learning rather than titles.

"Work hard, ask questions and stay curious," she says. "Your qualification gives you a very good foundation, but the real learning starts when you are dealing with real customers, real staff and real problems."

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