Best new restaurants in February

Step into the vibrant world of Canton Disco, where traditional dim sum and Cantonese favourites receive a trendy makeover. Among the glow of red neon lights and captivating Hong Kong-inspired decor, savour small bites such as iconic siu long bao (soup-filled pork dumplings, B168). Spice up your experience with the fiery flavours of wasabi prawns with Sichuan spices (B258) and zesty chilli-fried salt and pepper squid (B258). Seafood lovers shouldn't miss steamed scallops with garlic (B398). Save room for the main courses - black pepper Wagyu beef cubes with potatoes (B468), and sweet and sour pork with pineapples (B328) pay tribute to authentic Hong Kong Dai Pai Dong cuisine. Pair your meal with signature Cantonvardier (B348), an Oolong-infused bourbon with a splash of Vermont. Alternatively, sip on a custom mocktail as you groove to the disco beats. 

P23 Building, 11/2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana. 098-088-8952. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Hat Yai fried chicken is an iconic easy eat from the south of the country. Luckily one doesn’t have to take an eleven-hour trip to enjoy it, because Haroy has just opened a new location at Chula Soi 14 in the foodie enclave around Ban Tad Thong. Sticky rice is the perfect companion to local fried chicken, making the fried chicken wrap (B119) – a delicious combination of both – a convenient and satisfying meal for those on the move. On the other hand, if you are settling in for a party with mates, go big with the classic Hat Yai fried chicken set (B419). The flavours of the deep south are also in evidence in a selection of Thai teas.   

Chula Soi 14, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan. 082-330-2266. Open daily 11am-11pm

This brunch spot near the Lumphini MRT station brings the rich culinary heritage of Normandy to life. French chefs craft delightful breakfast creations, including a square pocket crepe filled with a fried egg, cheese, and ham (B350). For something heartier, steak and eggs (B850) features a tender wagyu beef cut, paired with two sunny-side-up eggs and a vibrant salsa verde. Before exploring the trendy Ngam Duphli area, indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert like the salty caramel soft serve (B200) or the salty butter cane sugar crepe (B140) – perfect for a quick energy boost. 

34/1 Sribumphen Soi, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 062-298-4555. Open Tue-Sun 9am-4pm. Closed Mon

Despite Myanmar being a neighbour, Burmese food is actually quite thin on the ground in Bangkok. So, all the more reason to welcome Namsu, a new hidden gem from the wild and hilly Shan State. The name means ‘vinegar’ in the main Shan language and the outlet in Chinatown’s Ban Trok Tua Ngork is helmed by internationally trained Shan chef Honey Zeyang. The flavours here aspire to authenticity, but the presentation is – like so many new openings in Bangkok – izakaya-style, complete with an extensive sake list. Don’t miss sour brain pate (B280), it’s the bestseller to date.  

314 Santiphap Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai. 097-109-4699. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm. Closed Mon

In collaboration with specialty coffee spot Hey Beanstro, this latest branch of a local pasta favourite is located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. It offers a laid-back setting in which to enjoy local iterations of pasta dishes such as spaghetti with pesto and prawns (B249) and spaghetti with cream sauce and truffle oil (B289). Try one with a grilled prawn and avocado salad (B279), the ideal summer side dish. Vegans are very welcome and will love spaghetti triple cheese (B199) starring the trio of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan.    

S-Oasis, 199 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Chom Phon, Chatuchak. 082-297-9288. Open daily 7am-11pm

A new contender has entered the world of Thai cuisine. As casual fine dining grows in popularity, chefs Pak Yamoo, Chalee Kader and Num Weerawat bring traditional dishes to life with eclectic flavours, seasonal ingredients and great presentation. Do try their rich and unctuous beef masaman curry (B680), which is packed with morsels of tender meat and pieces of sweet potato. Seafood fans will also take delight in a grilled spicy river prawn salad (B770) of generous proportions.

Siam Patumwan House, 414 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan. 095-372-2644. Open Mon-Sat 5.30pm-11pm. Closed Sun