2020 was one hell of a year, full of challenges and cautionary tales, but that didn’t stop us from trying out the food—whether we ate in or took out—from a new batch of eateries that have cropped up around the city. We’ve handpicked the 10 best ones for you.
Garima Arora, the chef behind acclaimed restaurant GAA, launched a more stripped-down eatery with a homey concept this year. HERE is stylized as an Indian breakfast canteen that serves breakfast staples commonly eaten in India, like black rice dosa or the Indian ice cream, kulfi.
All the offerings at HERE are, to put it simply, impeccable. They are modernly presented, are all photogenic, have that authentic Indian taste and are reasonably priced.
This new Italian restaurant already has everyone fighting for a table. Giglio has gained popularity among discerning eaters who have fallen head over heels in love with pasta dishes created by Chef Manuelo Pintore, a Florence native who injects the authentic tastes of Tuscany to everything he serves on the table.
Try the Tonno del Chianti (B250) and Pici alla Salsiccia (B380), which, we guarantee, will make you go “ooh” and “aah”.
Relocation can be tricky for a restaurant, but not for Karmakamet Conveyance. After departing Lhong 1919 for Soi Sukhumvit 49, this restaurant, led by Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae, is still going strong and still serving creatively-charged fine-dining fare that never fails to excite.
Karmakamet Conveyance’s signature tasting menu, Appreciation, is a 10-course meal that exudes intriguing modern Asian sensibilities in every dish.
Isaan-Thai restaurant 100 Mahaseth, which has branched out to Soi Ekkamai 21, still stays true to its conviction to bring traditional culinary culture to the city.
The roasted bavette marinated in yanang leaves is a must, alongside dishes that would cause a tingle to run down your spine, like charcoal-burnt bone marrow, and fermented rice noodles with pig’s brain and coconut curry.
Cadence, a recent addition to the roster of Michelin-starred restaurants in Thailand, is run by Korean-American chef Dan Bark, who started his journey in Thailand with Upstairs (which also gained a Michelin star in 2018 and 2019).
At Cadence, the young chef puts forth a 15-course tasting menu (B4,300++) that showcases his visionary cooking techniques and multi-cultural influences.
Situated in the Carlton Hotel Bangkok, this Cantonese restaurant deserves praise for its signature dishes by Chef Lam Kok Weng, who also runs the original branch in Singapore.
Wah Lok’s offerings are exceptional for their exquisite flavors and contemporary looks. The menu includes ubiquitous dim sum bites (try the the Baked Barbecued Pork Bun, B120, or the Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Bamboo Fungus in Truffle Oil, B120), as well as à la carte dishes such as Crispy Prawn with Wasabi Dressing (B580) and Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg Yolk (B250).
Already recognized from her stint in the famous cooking reality TV show Top Chef Thailand, Pichaya “Pam” Utharntham builds up her reputation further with a new venture called The Table by Chef Pam.
This new undertaking highlights a 12-course beef omakase, which comes at the rather shocking price of B9,000++. But it’s absolutely worth it, if only to find out how Chef Pam uses both premium ingredients and expert techniques to transform simple cuts of meat into multifaceted dishes.
At the Michelin-starred Le Du, Chef Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn explored the flexibility of modern Thai cuisine. In Nussara, his most recent endeavor, the prolific chef pays homage to the rich diversity of traditional Thai cuisine and the recipes of his beloved grandma.
Try the 12-course menu (B1,990) and you’ll understand how traditional flavors can go well with creative tweaks.
Leading furniture brand Chanintr invested in the food industry this year—and quite successfully. Cafe Craft is a home-cooking eatery that uses the polished sleekness of Chanintr’s furniture to elevate its food offerings.
But don’t think the food here is lacking. While each dish features a simple, minimalist aesthetic, the flavors in each bite will only make you want more!
This list wouldn’t be complete without a banging Spanish tapas place, and we wholeheartedly nominate Vaso at Velaa Sindhorn Village. The stylish spot is perfect for communing with friends and loved ones, but it’s also a great place to see and be seen.
Vaso’s menu is a tempting list of Spanish staples, easy nibbles and ice-cold drinks, the requirements for lively chats and night-long rendezvous.
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