In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the vibrant street food scene reigns supreme, there exists a hidden culinary gem that transports diners to the far reaches of the Nordic region. Villa Frantzén, the brainchild of acclaimed Chef Björn Frantzén, has carved a niche for itself in the Thai capital’s gastronomic landscape, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
by Rizky Adityo
Photos by Paul Divina for Villa Frantzén
Villa Frantzén is a celebration of Nordic cuisine, a departure from the traditional Thai flavours that dominate the city’s food scene. Nestled discreetly in a lush garden setting, this award-winning restaurant combines the timeless elegance of a former residential villa with the avant-garde creativity of its culinary team. The result? A harmonious fusion of nature and gastronomy.
What truly sets Villa Frantzén apart is its unwavering commitment to sourcing only the finest seasonal ingredients from around the world. Chef Frantzén, with his team, carefully selects ingredients based on what is at its peak of freshness and flavour, ensuring that each dish bursts with a symphony of taste. From the freshest truffles to the succulent seafood of the Pacific, diners embark on a culinary journey that takes them across continents and seasons.
The restaurant offers a six-course menu with two dishes to choose from each course. This new formula was created by the group to ensure diners have a different experience on each visit. Each dish is a work of art, an intricate dance of ingredients that pay homage to both Nordic heritage and Asian influences. Included in the tasting menu are snacks like Swedish white beer and dark rye kavring bread with Bordier butter and rapeseed oil. Furthermore, the supplement servings include signatures such as Oyster 63.4C, served with smoked cream, spicy pumpkin condiment and sea buckthorn oil.
The restaurant’s intimate setting in the main dining room overlooking the open kitchen ensures that diners receive personalised attention from the highly trained staff. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Villa Frantzén, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Guests are invited to interact with the chefs, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each plate.
One of the standout features of Villa Frantzén is its wine pairing programme. The restaurant’s sommelier, Jochen Sandkuhl, curates an extensive wine list that complements the Nordic flavours, with a focus on natural and biodynamic wines as well as classic labels. Each glass enhances the dining journey, elevating the meal to a true sensory experience.
In addition to the stunning restaurant, there’s also Villa Frantzén Cocktail Bar, the group’s first standalone bar project that is located in a separate building. Under the direction of Bar Manager Gabriel Valdés, this modern Nordic cocktail bar offers specialities that reflect Scandinavia with unusual ingredients like fermented blueberries, pickled rhubarb, cream cheese or whey. He also refrains from using citrus for acidity, and instead, most of the drinks feature the use of vinegar for tartness.
In a city renowned for its street food, Villa Frantzén offers an alternative, a culinary haven for those seeking a taste of the Nordics in the heart of Bangkok. It’s a testament to Chef Björn Frantzén’s passion for his craft and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what fine dining can be.
Exquisite Taste Volume 41
Villa Frantzén
7 Yen Akat Soi 3, Chongnonsi
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
T: (+66) 873448222
E: reservations@villafrantzen.com
IG: @villafrantzen
