The (long) story of one of the world’s most famous Japanese chefs, Masaharu Morimoto, starts with a baseball injury the Iron Chef sustained while trying to play the sport professionally. This career-ending mishap derailed his dreams of making it to the Major Leagues, but it did pave the way for another dream job, that of a sushi chef, which turned out to be the most fortuitous change. Fast forward to today, Masaharu Morimoto is one of the most successful Japanese chefs in the world, with namesake restaurants in Philadelphia, New York and—now—Bangkok.
Morimoto Bangkok gathers iconic dishes from other branches around the world in a sophisticated yet cozy venue that offers a high-rise view of the Bangkok horizon. Enjoy a wide range of modern Japanese fare touched with Asian and Western flavors, including rock shrimp tempura (B320) that’s served with two types of different sauces: a spicy Kochujan sauce or a rich wasabi aioli, and a tuna pizza (B390) that features sliced, raw tuna served on a crispy taco shell with anchovies, olives and Thai chili. But if you’re looking for something hot and heavy, we recommend the Ishi Yaki Buri Bop (B590), a Korean mixed-rice dish that comes in a hot stone bowl. The seared yellowtail fish that tops the dish gives it a tantalizing aroma and a nice, burnt flavor.
“Making food is like having children—you can’t identify your favorite kid. They are all my children and they all come from my heart,” says Morimoto.
Finish the night off with special cocktails by Japanese mixologist Shingo Gokan who is behind potions such as the Yashinomi (B260), a rum-based cocktail with kaffir lime, coconut, galangal honey and Thai chili.