A look at the city’s refined culinary scene.
As the most-visited city in Southeast Asia, Bangkok undeniably holds a certain charm that bedazzles travellers into visiting again and again. The city is a wondrous cacophony of traditional cultural heritage and values, vibrant city scenes, luxury lifestyle destinations and most importantly, an endless selection of delicious cuisine. More and more people visit Bangkok for the sole reason of exploring the culinary scene.
These days, Bangkok’s gastro-scene is not just about the vivacious street food. Lavish dining is taking over the city, with alluring and intriguing dining programmes on offer, such as trendy rooftop bars and dinner cruises – both offering great views over fantastic food.
Just late last year, the world’s most sought-after hotel and restaurant reference guide, the Michelin Guide, launched its first Bangkok edition in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Outstanding restaurants with household-name chefs are honoured with the prestigious star-rating system, while noteworthy smaller F&B establishments received Michelin’s The Plate and Bib Gourmand badges. This further highlights the city as a gastronomic destination, where numerous travellers spend their entire holiday touring the Michelin-approved restaurants and cafes. The list is quite expansive, and while all the places are worth trying, we’ve chosen some of the best ones that caught our attention.
Paste Bangkok is where you need to go if you want to experience age-old Thai flavours on your palate. Located in the heart of Ratchaprasong district, Paste Bangkok is helmed by Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun, who has a penchant for rediscovering authentic flavours of traditional Thai cuisine and bringing them to a refined, elevated level. This passion was first ignited by her family-heirloom cookbooks, in addition to her commitment to using the best Thai produce.
Meanwhile in the busy area of Pathumwan, at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok to be exact, is Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, which was first conceptualised by internationally renowned Chef Henrik Yde Andersen from the success of one Michelin-starred Kiin Kiin restaurant in Copenhagen. Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin shines under the leadership of Head Chef Chayawee “Berm” Sutcharitchan.
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin gained well-deserved recognition for its boldness and creativity in combining original Thai ingredients and recipes with international techniques and innovatively modern touches. The familiar flavours of traditional Thai cuisine are vibrant and similar to the originals, but the presentation is out of this world – definitely not your regular home-style cooking.
Imagine curry served with an ice cream texture and temperature, or impressive bites of lobster wrapped inside gelatinous pearls that melt in your mouth revealing Tom Yam broth. The restaurant takes pride in making everything from scratch, from fish sauce to prawn crackers. With Chayawee’s eagerness to work hard and have fun with his creations, it’s not a surprise that Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin is one of the most buzzing restaurants in Bangkok.
For the third highlight, we’re going to steer away from Thai cuisine and visit J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain – a culinary wonder originating from the Lorain family hotel and restaurant business. These days, the fourth generation of the Lorain family, Marine, is in charge at J’AIME in Bangkok, working together with Executive Chef Amerigo Sesti. The restaurant is raved about as the best French dining destination in Bangkok, thanks to its commitment to using the best ingredients and incorporating finesse and flair in every dish. Plus, its combination of lavish classic setup and unique upside-down interior design concept makes J’AIME unforgettable.
The aforementioned three dining destinations are just the tip of the wonderfully appetising iceberg. All in all, Bangkok is a city that will grab your heart and make you long to come back again – mostly through your appetite.
Tourism Authority of Thailand
wisatathailand.com
