What pops up first when you think of Latin American food? No doubt, the spice-heavy fare of Mexico immediately comes to mind.
There’s no denying that Mexican food is pretty awesome—there’s nothing like a crispy taco or a fat burrito—but there is more to discover, culinary-wise, from the rest of Central and South America. And the good thing is, you don’t need to travel all the way to this fascinating region to sample its diverse cuisines. You just need to make your way to Guilty Bangkok.
Part of Anantara Siam Bangkok’s glorious F&B catalog, this restaurant brings the many tastes and flavors of Peruvian and Latin American fare to downtown Bangkok with the help of Venezuelan native Chef Carlos Rodriguez.
The food offerings at Guilty Bangkok are actually close to our hearts (and palates). The cuisine from the South Americas is, in many ways, similar to what we have in Thailand— mainly, flavor profiles that range from spicy, to sour, to salty. Japanese influences likewise permeate the region’s many dishes. The immigration of Nihonjin to Latin America, beginning in the late 19th century, led to the creation of Nikkei fare, where Japanese ingredients are cooked using Latin American techniques or vice versa. In a nutshell, you won’t feel that Guilty Bangkok is serving something too unfamiliar.
The Holy Guacamole! (B550), for one, is your good ol’ classic smashed guac but given a surprise twist. Meanwhile, Toda la Vida Ceviche (B800) sees thick slices of fresh hamachi served with the citrusy Peruvian-style sauce called tiger’s milk. And then there’s Torched Tuna Tataki (B550), a spicy dish with strong jalapeno flavors.
Hats off to other small dishes like the crispy quinoa-breaded Plancha Grilled Hokkaido Scallops (B1,050), the flaming Pescado a la Plancha (B700), and the decadent Croquetas de Cangrejo (B600).
Beef lovers will be obsessed with the Wagyu Grade 9 Picanha (B1,800 for 200 grams)—the Brazil-imported meat is grilled to perfection and served with yellow Aji Limo chili sauce, corn lollipops, and feta cheese. A pork belly option (B800) is also available.
But if there’s one dish we’d come back for, it’s Cartagenera Rice (B250), a Peruvian-style fried rice that has hints of both paella and risotto, but has more umami flavor from fish stock.
Enjoy all these delightful food in a colorful and casual setting that’s perfect for gatherings with friends and family.