Stories is proud to announce the appointment of Kullanat ‘Kya’ Arrunnapaporn as Head Chef of KARLA!
Just in time for International Women’s Day on 8 March, Kya’s promotion marks a first for Stories and Nokturnl, the hospitality operator behind Stories, becoming the group’s first female Head Chef.
Leading One of Perth’s Most Awarded Restaurants
Kya steps into the role at the helm of KARLA, one of Perth’s most awarded new restaurants, recently crowned Best Restaurant at the 2025 AHA WA Awards for Excellence, Best New Restaurant at the 2025 WA Gold Plate Awards, and awarded a Gold Star in the 2026 WA Good Food Guide.
Having been part of the Stories opening team, Kya now leads the very kitchen she helped build.
From Thailand to the KARLA Kitchen
Her journey began on her family’s chicken farms in Thailand, where she learned the foundations of cooking from her mother – pounding curry pastes by hand and developing a deep respect for ingredients and hard work.
After moving to Australia to complete a Master’s degree in Teaching, Kya followed her passion into professional kitchens in Melbourne. She spent seven years at Chin Chin, worked within the Lucas Restaurants group and was part of the opening team at Yakimono.
When Stories opened in Perth, Kya joined KARLA as Sous Chef, quickly earning a reputation for her precision and pastry expertise.
A New Chapter for KARLA at Stories
Now, almost two years on, she steps into the role of Head Chef as her husband, and former Head Chef, Ben Pienprasop transitions to Executive Chef across the Stories precinct, overseen by Sundoo Kim.
Beyond the kitchen, Kya is known for her calm leadership and mentorship of young chefs – drawing on both her industry experience and teaching background to build a strong, disciplined team culture.
“Stepping into the role of Nokturnl’s first female Head Chef is an honour I don’t take lightly,” says Kya.
“I grew up learning that great food begins with respect – for ingredients, for people and for hard work. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead the KARLA kitchen and continue building on what we’ve created at Stories.”
Kya’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for KARLA and the Stories precinct, as the restaurant continues to evolve as one of Perth’s most exciting dining destinations.
KARLA Opening Hours
Mon + Tues | 5.30pm – 10pm
Weds – Fri | 11.45am – late
Sat + Sun | 11am – late
