Izakaya restaurants are nothing new in Bangkok’s food scene—you’ll find a fair share in the extensive stretches of Sathorn and Sukhumvit. But a newly opened restaurant at ultra-luxurious Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok proves that not all izakayas are made from the same mold.
Ki Izakaya, located on the ninth floor of the Langsuan establishment, injects a breath of fresh air to the casual Japanese dining experience. Ki means either “mood” in Nihongo, which makes sense as the venue aims to provide the “best mood that make guests want to stay and drink”.
Good vibes greet guests upon their very first step into the restaurant. The presence of floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to panoramic city views, modern furniture and quirky Japanese art distinguish Ki from most izakaya places, which are usually characterized by cramped spaces, dim lighting and non-descript decor.
But you come here to enjoy the food. Chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama, who has logged in stints at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris and several restaurants in Australia and Vietnam, injects creative fusion twists to izakaya staples.
“I’m kind of used to working in France, so I use a lot of western techniques and ingredients like confit and truffle.” Though the food he serves isn’t entirely traditional, the chef firmly believes that eating at Ki still evokes the same experience as if you’re in an izakaya in Japan. “I want people to enjoy [izakaya culture] with beers and sake, and serve quality fare, which we make using only the best ingredients.”
Leading the bunch is Wasabi Shake (B180), which introduces confit salmon to the intense flavors of wasabi, ikura and shiso. You won’t usually find burrata cheese (B250) in a Japanese restaurant, but Ki Izakaya justifies its place on the menu by preparing it with bonito flakes and dashi.
Get your fill of scrumptious meaty bites such as Chicken Yakitori (B130/skewer) and A5 Wagyu Negi Shio (B750/skewer), or satisfy your craving for sashimi with Hotate Kani Otoro Don (B520).
It won’t be a complete izakaya experience without drinks to accompany the food, and Ki Izakaya doesn’t disappoint on this front. The restaurant serves a broad range of beverages, including beer on tap, cocktails, premium Japanese gin and whisky, and various craft sake. Order any of these as long as you pair the drink with the charcoal-grilled stingray fin Eihire Aburi (B150).
Wrap up your meal with lip-smacking desserts such as Matcha Sponge Cake (B110) or Iced Yuzu & Chilli ice cream (B110).
Ki Izakaya is currently in its first phase of opening, but there are still a good number of menu items to choose from. More dishes will be launched very soon.