Dining in Thailand~*

Le Cafe Siam Restaurant Bangkok

2009-09-01T22:22:00.009+07:00

A gorgeously restored, two-storey old building which exudes home comforts amid a French colonial ambience.

Magnificent French and Thai tastes which go far beyond the usual snails and foie gras emphasised at other French restaurants. Mille feuilles of grilled vegetables, fresh goat cheese and pesto vinaigrette is a great way to begin, and puts lots of eggplant in a very fresh salad. Baked sea bass en papillote, with lemon butter and chopped black olives, delights with a nice, cheesy sauce decked with asparagus and other treats.

Mee krob chao wang displays a deft chef's ability to turn a traditional Thai dish into a delicious, honeyed, crunchy pile of shredded flavour. Ravioli sai pu tom yum is an excellent soup cleverly packed with complex ingredients. Snowfish nam dang, however, overwhelms the fish with a spicy chilli sauce. Dessert becomes sinfully sensational in the form of a chocolate fondant with mango coulis.

Le Cafe Siam Restaurant Bangkok
4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chua Ploeng Rd, Bangkok 10120

Le Bouchon Restaurant Bangkok

2009-08-31T21:02:00.007+07:00

Le Bouchon restaurant is located in the heart of Patpong, the famous entertainment area in Bangkok. It is located in a one floor shop-house with a large bar, small dining room, and an even smaller kitchen and toilet.

The amicable owner, Serge Martiani, is usually at the bar and you may have a chat with him. It has been very popular over the last ten years especially with the French crowd, and the main draw is not the menu but the real bistro feel of the place, it seems that everyone feels comfortable here and I would advise advance booking, due to the popularity and limited seating. You can always eat at the bar, if you can find a spot to squeeze in.

During a recent lunch and after looking at the very extensive blackboard menus, which are propped-up in front of you by the friendly tri-lingual waitresses, I chose to start with what turned out to be a very fresh tomato salad drizzled with vanilla scented, olive oil and sprinkled with pink peppercorns from Madagascar, and my dining companion ordered lentil soup for the first course. I followed with lamb shank with white beans while my friend had duck confit. It was all washed down with a good bottle of red Cahor wine.

This was followed by a couple of eau-de-vie Poire William to finish.

Le Bouchon Restaurant Bangkok
37/17 Patpong soi 2, Surawongse Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel. 02-234-9109

Le Beaulieu Restaurant Bangkok

2009-08-31T19:54:00.007+07:00

Classic French cuisine makes many demands of the chef - adherence to strict rules, an understanding of special methods and techniques, skills acquired after long apprenticeships in the kitchens of great restaurants.

At Le Beaulieu, Chef Herve Frerard knows what a great dish requires. His sauces, the foundation of haute cuisine, are created under the strict, time-consuming rules he has learned in major restaurants in Europe.

Yet French gastronomy today is constantly transforming. Out of tradition, aesthetic sense, and culinary history is evolving a re-interpretation of French haute cuisine into "French Contemporary", where elegance underlies a subtle simplicity, and fine ingredients are presented with a clarity of taste.

All these are elements you'll find at Le Beaulieu, where the 200-year-old French culinary heritage is re-interpreted in a contemporary setting.

Le Beaulieu Restaurant Bangkok
Sofitel Residence, 50 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok

Le Banyan Restaurant Bangkok

2009-08-31T19:39:00.004+07:00

Le Banyan Restaurant Bangkok is a Thai house splashed in yellow and red with a bar on one side and traditional table settings.

For 18 years chef Michel Binaux and partner Bruno Bischoff have continued a legacy that keeps Le Banyan a respected French restaurant. Among the foie gras variations, try deglazing with blackcurrant vinegar and apple galette; pan-fried yet served semi-cooked helps the liver lobe to resonate with a sweet hint.

Hot appetisers such as lobster bisque is aromatised the old-fashioned way with cognac. While Le Banyan is synonymous with Rouennaise-style pressed duck, a traditional French delicacy that uses the juice squeezed from the duck as a sauce, chef Binaux's culinary expertise is also attested by chateaubriand, medium grilled before flambeed with Armagnac and served with red wine sauce and bone marrow croutons. End the meal with calvados and souffle or choux pastry profiteroles with fruit sherbet.

Le Banyan Restaurant Bangkok
59 Sukhumvit Soi 8, Bangkok 10110

D'sens Restaurant Bangkok

2009-08-31T16:01:00.006+07:00

Right at the top of the hotel, D'Sens's full-length glass windows provide breathtaking views of the city.

Michelin-star twin chefs Jacques and Laurent Pourcel have created a menu that is modern French inspired by the Mediterranean influences of their restaurant at Montpellier in the south of France. Specialty ingredients are imported to provide an exceptional dining experience. Each item on the menu is paired with a recommended wine.

Start with Brittany blue lobster terrine, served with mango and baby vegetables, smoked duck breast, snow peas and vanilla-flavoured olive oil. Duck liver ravioli is a speciality that lives up to its reputation. For a main course, duo of pan-fried beef fillet and braised short ribs in red wine with black truffle mousse is strongly recommended. Not to be missed are some divine desserts.

D'sens Restaurant Bangkok
Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama IV Rd, Bangkok 10500

Comtesse Du Barry Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-02T14:43:00.008+07:00

On offer here are minimalist dishes for high prices. Begin with caesar salad for a modest-sized, adequate item adorned with bacon bits and fragments of parmesan cheese. Frog legs is tasty but leaves you wishing for more. Agnolottis ravioli arrives in a standard tomato-based sauce. Duck breast with sauteed potatoes and mushrooms is a large serving of breast with a side of potato and mushroom that is not very special. Grilled Australian rack of lamb in rosemary sauce is two small chops along with potatoes, offering a nice flavour. Lots of foie gras choices, along with snails, oysters and other options are also on the menu. Poached pears is a nice dessert choice.

A narrow, modern cafe with candle-lit tables and pale yellow tablecloths that soften the mood.

Comtesse Du Barry Restaurant Bangkok
Address: 1st fl, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Rajdamri Rd, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 0-2250-7871
Style: French

C'est Bon Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-02T14:00:00.010+07:00

Smooth flavours which may taste bland to some who favour sharper, bolder recipes, this is the place for nice, unchallenging meals. Caesar salad is adequate and very mild, with its romaine lettuce, anchovies, egg, parmesan cheese and croutons free of the pointy piquancy offered in other restaurants. Smoked salmon is fine and is sliced thin so it easily drapes rocket salad and capers, surrounded by squirts of a lemon-dillmustard dressing. Foie gras is prepared as two pan-fried goose liver pieces on a slice of warm pear in raspberry sauce, along with a corn fritter.

Rack of lamb is thick but its roasted Australian chops lack flavour and are not exceptional, despite its bed of ratatouille and rosemary sauce. Grilled tuna steak is more successful and presents two slices on grated beetroot, with welcome dabs of garlic cream sauce. For dessert try creme brulee, a really good custard topped with kiwi and tangerine.

Cosy, romantic and sophisticated. Framed black-and-white photographs adorn the walls of this graceful, well-appointed restaurant which dangles silky gauze between some tables to seclude diners in semi-cocoons amid little pillows, indirect lighting and other flourishes.

Address: PRESIDENT TOWER ARCADE,

975 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 0-2656-1531-2

Zeist Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-02T12:19:00.006+07:00

Some nice dishes are available here. The menu focuses on a small number of choices, which ensures maximum attention to detail. Home-made smoked duck makes a divine starter with sprouts, mushrooms and other meticulously selected ingredients under slices of warm meat. Smoked salmon is wonderful, wrapped around a tasty blob of mascarpone cream cheese mixed with crab meat, alongside a tiny rocket salad. Warmed salad of butternut squash brings cubes tasting similar to pumpkin, sprinkled with garlic, and pieces of sauteed ham, tomatoes and sprouts. Rack of lamb with ratatouille and red wine sauce arrives as five chops with a side of cubed carrots and garlic mashed potatoes. Duck leg confit is crispy, served with mushrooms, squash and a cheese-infused potato gratin. Make space for dessert because tiramisu is very delicious.

Mustard-coloured walls frame a large, sensuous mosaic and a big aquarium, lending a lively ambience to this small, intimate restaurant. Modern, tasteful touches include chocolatecoloured tablecloths and soft ballads playing in the background.

Address: 40/25 Soi Ekamai 12, Sukhumvit soi 63, Bangkok 10110

Tel: 0-2391-9946

Witch's Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-02T12:00:00.005+07:00

Witch's is still renowned for its fresh oysters, and they really are a must-try. But the menu moves on to include fish and seafood dishes, as well as a variety of imported red meats. There are scores of warm and cold appetisers that go with after-work drinks such as deep-fried New Zealand white bait or a seafood platter to share with friends. For the more discerning palate and a nice glass of red wine, imported pan-fried foie gras in plum sauce. Seafood selections such as snowfish meuniere with capers is dazzling in both portion and taste. From the imported meat selection, try braised lamb shank with rosemary and thyme sauce. There are a few English-style selections not found elsewhere in Bangkok such as beef and stilton pie. The dessert menu provides items to placate the sweet tooth as well.

The traditional gentleman's lounge look has been stripped away to reveal an after-work sports bar with 1950s-era signage.

Address: 20/20-21 RUAMRUDEE VILLAGE, SOI RUAMRUDEE, BANGKOK 10330

Tel: 0-2255-5354-5

Style: International

To Die For Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-02T11:32:00.004+07:00

To Die For is considered one of the coolest places in town, whether you come for a drink at the bar or for its cuisine. This modern eatery offers an array of innovative European dishes. A complimentary bread basket with tomato salsa is offered at the beginning. Tempura salad is a perfect choice as an appetiser, the crispy tempura blending well with the light dressing. Main courses offer poultry, meat, fish and vegetarian selections. A meat dish such as veal saltimbocca is worth trying, the veal stuffed with sage, parma ham and melting mozzarella cheese. For those who want a lighter dish, fish roll-over is very unique in its presentation and flavour; it comes with a creamy sauce and is accompanied by spinach and potatoes. A number of pasta dishes are also available here and Yunnan ham carbonara is highly recommended. The dessert menu is limited, but lists fruit tart and homemade cakes, among others.

The outdoor area is the perfect place for a meal with low, shared cushion-seating under candlelight at night. Inside, guests can enjoy house and funk music by DJs nightly when the restaurant opens its bar section after 9pm.

Address:

H1, 998 Soi thonglor, sukhumvit soi 55, Bangkok 10110

Tel: 0-2381-4714-5

Style: European

The Deck By The River

2009-07-02T11:02:00.005+07:00

Adding to its strikingly impressive setting is a delightful menu that ranges from French, Italian to Thai dishes, delicately crafted by executive chef Charoen Wongputhorn. Among the eatery's signature creations for starters is pumpkin soup, served in a generous portion; probably best to share between two people. New Zealand mussels smothered with tomato sauce proves to be a creation of absolute delight, a tribute to the skill of the chef. The mussels are extraordinarily fresh and complement the slightly tangy and aromatic sauce excellently. For mains, one dish not to be missed is pan-grilled rack of lamb served with blanched zucchini. Grilled Australian tenderloin served with foie gras and steamed spinach is another must-try. The meat is beautifully tender and scented with butter and the foie gras is perfectly crispy on the outside but smooth on the inside. Then finish off with guanaja chocolate fondant and pistachio ice cream.

Perfect for those in search of a romantic place to dine, the deck overlooks the Chao Phraya River and offers indoor seating as well as a terrace for al-fresco dining.

The Deck By The River

Address: 36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yung, Maharat Rd, Bangkok 10200

Tel: 0-2221-9158

Style: Thai/European

The Andaman Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T15:20:00.002+07:00

Fondue may be the highlight here, be it the seafood or Bourguignonne variations, but the foie gras, pasta and steak are not to be dismissed either. Baked Alaskan scallops with cheese that slowly melts in the mouth is a delight, or go for leafy rocket salad with fresh balsamic dressing and Italian sausage. Bourguignonne fondue presents chunks of local or imported beef like kobe, while prime rib from Australia also proves a fine choice, diced and served traditionally with a sizzling oil pot, sauces and garlic bread. Another speciality is cheese fondue warmed in a clay pot based on an authentic recipe that perfumes melted Swiss gruyere and emmental with white wine and kirsch. It tastes exceptional. Dessert adaptations include rich chocolate fondue with fresh fruits and butter cake as well as hot chocolate souffle.

On the outside The Andaman looks like a normal Thai house, but the inside is a brilliant interplay of colour.

The Andaman Restaurant Bangkok

Address: 56/1 Thonglor Soi 5, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110

Tel: 0-2391-1611

Style: European

Tessa Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T14:53:00.004+07:00

The menu reveals that this is no ordinary restaurant and shows a variety of unique dishes. The food is French in origin and comes in very sizable portions. For starters, frog legs salad is delectable: served hot, with a balsamic dressing and fresh garlic, and presented in style. Pan-seared foie gras with grape sauce literally melts away in your mouth. If your expectations of the fare have risen after the starters, the main courses can easily exceed them. Grilled tenderloin pepper steak is a good recommendation, served on a bed of tasty sauteed spinach and mushrooms.Grilled rainbow trout is another, served with capers and steamed vegetables. The accompanying potato-mushroom gratin is delightful. Complete your meal with crepe served with freshly imported strawberries, whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.

A simple yet homely open structure with glass walls.

Tessa Restaurant Bangkok

Address: 20 THONGLOR SOI 23, SUKHUMVIT SOI 55, BANGKOK 10110

Tel: 0-2712-6844

Style: French

Provence Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T14:25:00.003+07:00

Appetisers and salads are superb, entrees less stellar. Chicken liver and bacon in red wine sauce is a trio of tender morsels wrapped by meaty flavourful bacon in an aromatic sauce. Spicy wing bean salad with shrimps is authentically spicy with a nam prik pao dressing that is excellent. Tomato, mozzarella, avocado and dried fruit salad with vinaigrette dressing is a delightfully generous mélange of dates, apricots, currants and prunes. Duck with olives presents a tasty gravy but the meat is dry. Grilled sea bass with rocket and fresh herbs salad with lemon dressing is well executed. Tagliatelle with pork ragout is a combination of delicate pasta and melt-in-the-mouth tender meat. Judging from other tables, Thai dishes reign supreme, especially the house noodle dishes.

The airy sunlit atrium of the Peninsula Plaza is accented by linen umbrellas, dark furniture and colourful quirky sculptures.

Provence Restaurant Bangkok

Address: Peninsula Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Rd, Bangkok 10330

Tel: 0-2652-1399

Style: Thai/European

Monopoly Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T14:07:00.006+07:00

The food served here is modern Euriopean cuisine. Starting off with smoked snow fish salad will definitely perk up one's appetite; the fish is soft and succulent, and is drizzled with a light lemon dressing. Everything in this dish - grapes, salmon roe and oranges, the fish itself - operates in perfect harmony. Lobster bisque and pan-fried duck foie gras are alternative appetisers, both bursting with flavour. For mains, hearty white bean stew complements the pan-grilled red snapper's light meat while yellowin tuna with red wine reduction is a unique dish waiting to satisfy your taste buds with the hint of Eastern influence that can be sensed in the sauce. The bread basket at Monopoly deserves a mention as well; the bread is freshly baked and delicious, and diners can choose from five different styles of butter.

Although the exterior is dark and closed in, the elegant decor inside the restaurant subtly soothes you while smart lighting enhances the dining mood.

Monopoly Restaurant Bangkok

Langsuan Balcony, 99/18-19 Soi Langsuan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: 0-2684-5921

Style: European

The Cup Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T13:53:00.004+07:00

The Cup is comfortable and the menu reflects this. There is Bangkok's perhaps only hydroponic salad bar to start with, which is why The Cup provides a litany of salads from classic caesar, greek and tuna to a smoked duck breast salad with blackberry and port sauce that is a meal in itself. In true English style the menu's main attractions are its roast and meat entrees. Roast pork and lamb are done perfectly and are the reason why so many patrons are loyal to The Cup. Several steak entrees are included in the menu, and each is given the choice of sauces and vegetable to go with it, thus multiplying options. There is little in the way of fish dishes aside from a very filling and fresh grilled salmon with a choice of three different sauces to accompany. Desserts are prepared daily and are totally engrossing.

Smart and upholstered enough to be one of Bangkok's premier English restaurants.

The Cup Restaurant Bangkok

Address: Lake Rachada Office Complex, 193/21-22 Ratchadapisek Rd, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2264-0247

Style: European

Indus Restaurant Bangkok

2009-07-01T13:30:00.006+07:00

Indus serves northern Indian cuisine with a healthy twist and a slight moderation of the spices. The chef's recommended menu changes weekly and there are more than 10 vegetarian dishes available. The complimentary samosa and papadum served in the beginning come with a choice of three delicious sauces: mint, sweet mango with spices and tamarind-tomato. Spinach and cottage cheese curry is highly recommended while lamb curry is tender and aromatic. Be sure to order garlic naan to accompany the curries. Chicken tikka kati roll has just the right amount of aromatic filling and grilled red snapper fillet is not too dry. Kheer is suggested for dessert and finish off with a cup of masala tea.

Tan sandstone walls cut with dark wood and heavy carpeting along with warm lighting and modish furnishings create a romantic ambience.

Indus Restaurant Bangkok

Address: 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2258-4900

Cuisine: Indian

Evergarden Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T11:05:00.003+07:00

In a word: excellent. The restaurant makes its mark with food that is well prepared and presented. One only need look at the well-heeled Chinese and Thai clientele to know that you will get nothing but the best here. Seafood gets top billing on the menu. The menu reserves an entire page each for abalone, crab and scallops dishes. Mexican abalone and bamboo pith in clear soup makes a refreshing start. Follow it with regal scallops with XO sauce; a tasty and surprisingly sweet dish is crab claws with carrot sauce. There is a wide range of duck dishes too; marinated duck tongue and jelly fish nicely combines two completely different flavours with the essence of sesame oil. A wide variety of fish such as gobi, snowfish and garoupa is also available, prepared in both Thai and Chinese styles.

Typical Chinese decor with round tables, elegant place settings, flower, and contemporary Chinese art.

Evergarden Restaurant Bangkok
Evergreen Laurel Hotel,

88 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10500
Tel: 0-2266-9988
Cuisine : Chinese

Crystal Jade Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T10:48:00.003+07:00

Do not expect the renowned Crystal Jade Shanghai cuisine here. At this branch the menu is dominated by Cantonese fare with the exception of shao long bao. The impressive array of Hong Kong-style dim sum on offer at lunch is freshly made and authentic. It also serves the best roast duck with a delicious crispy skin, while the roasted red pork is top notch too. For appetisers, try drunken pork knuckle or smoked pig shank and jelly fish. Also do not miss out on authentic Cantonese double-boiled soup with black chicken and Chinese herbs. The menu offers a large selection of mains from extravagant seafood, lobster and prawn dishes to speciality bird's nest and shark's fin fare. Fans of abalone and sea cucumber will also be delighted with the choices here, and braised fresh abalone with oyster sauce is a must.

Decorated in an upmarket contemporary style, with dark wood and glass panelling, and seating available on two floors.

Crystal Jade Restaurant Bangkok
G fl, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 0-2129 4342-4
Cuisine: Chinese

Chine Chine Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T10:30:00.013+07:00

Chine Chine is possibly one of the very few non-hotel restaurants that possess the ingredients of a hotel outlet. Many of the inhouse recipes are made from scratch. From XO sauce to Shanghai chilli oil, the chefs have mastered the techniques of great restaurants in Hong Kong. For those working in the Sukhumvit area, dim sum lunch is highly recommended. More adventurous fare on the menu includes meaty crispy pigeon and fried duck tongue, with all the right flavours. The menu comprises both conventional Cantonese dishes and modern, more spicy Thai-orientated treats. The star of the house, lobster noodle, is near perfect. Drunken prawns delicately steamed with a touch of Chinese liquor is served with a clear broth, and is tasty. For dessert, sago with cantaloupe is a refreshing treat to end a flavourful meal.

Chic and chi-chi, Chine Chine is a modern Cantonese restaurant on the second floor of the hip haven of Bangkok's young professionals, J Avenue. Stylish Victorian meets with modern Chinese interior decorated with oversized chairs and crafted-tile wall in a modern pattern.

Chine Chine Restaurant Bangkok
2ND FLOOR,J AVENUE,
SOI THONGLOR 15,SUKHUMVIT SOI 55,BANGKOK 10110
Tel: 0-2712-6541-2
Cuisine: Chinese

Beijing 9 Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T10:08:00.003+07:00

The chef specialises in the cuisine of Beijing and Sichuan, but the food here also reflects Mongolian influences long incorporated into Chinese cuisine. The menu isn't large but features impressive varieties, with some quite exotic dishes to palates more accustomed to the flavours of Cantonese cuisine. There are some extraordinary starters including Beijing five-spice beef cold cut, which features tender slices of stewed beef redolent with Chinese spices and Beijing tortilla; fried chicken, cucumber and onion wrapped in lightly toasted pancake and hot-and-sour soup, which is especially flavourful and big enough for two. Meat entrees abound, from the highly popular goat's leg, which comes in a whopping 1-kg size and takes two days to prepare, to Beijing stewed pork ribs, carefully cooked so the meat is flavourful and tender. Seafood is creatively prepared; try prawns coated in egg yolk and stir-fried or garlic-rice wine New Zealand mussels. Finish the meal with red bean mochi or assorted beans in longan syrup.

Located in the basement of an office tower next to the Intercontinental Hotel, the restaurant has a cosy ambience with a mute colour scheme, plush chairs and stone tile floor.

Beijing 9 Restaurant Bangkok
B1,2,3,PRESIDENT TOWER ARCADE,
973 PLOENCHIT ROAD, BANGKOK 10330
Tel: 0-2656-0658
Cuisine: Chinese

Bai Yun Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T09:41:00.003+07:00

Bai Yun's arched, ceiling-high windows yield sweeping panoramas of Bangkok from atop the Banyan Tree. Diners settle into a bright, contemporary east-west decor: tallbacked, curved-arm chairs at tables set with simple brown tablecloths and white china.

Chef Thinarath Chutto, a nine-year veteran in the business, has a justified, quiet pride in his kitchen's offerings. The dim sum menu is extensive and hugely popular at lunch. Clay pot baked fresh abalone in ginseng is Australian abalone seasoned with ginger, ginseng, parsley root and garlic on vermicelli noodles and is exquisite, succulent and tender. Steamed giant crab claw in XO sauce is shellfree, flavoured with red peppers, coriander, spring onions, and is fresh, sweet and light. Meat eaters should try wok-fried kobe beef or rack of lamb with black pepper sauce. There are also several soups, including Sichuan seafood soup and double-boiled fresh fish maw. Sea bass with bell peppers, black beans, scallions, straw mushrooms and flat rice noodles is a hearty dish. Select from a variety of Chinese sweets to close a lovely meal while sipping jasmine tea.

Bai Yun Restaurant Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok,

21/100, South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 0-2679-1200
Dishes: Chinese

Ah Yat Abalone Forum Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T09:13:00.005+07:00

This is a large, functional, non-descript restaurant with circular tables, recessed ceiling lights and wood-panelled columns. The middleclass, utilitarian decor is typical of Chinese restaurants elsewhere.

This is a place to take a break for a meal only if you are in the area. Seafood dominates but other Chinese dishes are also available. Sauteed sliced lotus, water chestnut and bamboo shoots is a delight, with the addition of carrots and other greens, all stir-fried for fresh flavours. Bean curd with bamboo shoots places big rectangles of braised tofu onto a plate heavy with mushrooms, shoots, greens and carrots on a hidden raft of asparagus stalks. Bean curd spring roll presents eight pieces which are crispy and not oily, and packed with munchable vegetables. As its name suggests, abalone is a speciality here and should be tried. If you stray from the extensive seafood list, best is to choose barbequed pork which is nice and slightly sweet. An adequate selection of Chinese desserts plus fruit and ice cream is available.

Ah Yat Abalone Forum Restaurant Bangkok
MENAM RIVERSIDE HOTEL,
2074 CHAROENKRUNG ROAD, BANGKOK 10120
Tel: 0-2291-7781-2
Dishes: Chinese/Seafood

Bourbon Street Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T07:51:00.004+07:00

Bourbon Street offers a Western alternative of spicy food. With a scrumptious spectrum encompassing cajun, creole, American and Mexican fare, and even pizza. There is bound to be an option for everyone. Start your feast with gumbo, a cajun speciality; a thick and delicious stew, the shrimp and crabmeat version is a healthy and tasty choice. Nachos, or tortilla chips topped with shredded beef and melted cheese, and buffalo wings are also popular appetisers. Dusted with spicy cajun seasoning, the blackened boneless chicken breast is one of the house's signature dishes, delivering a taste that is truly authentic. Close your dinner with traditional pecan pie, served with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The only place in town to find cajun/creole cuisine, Bourbon Street with its rattan furniture, decorative New Orleans memorabilia and orange-washed walls conveys a Louisianan flair.

Bourbon Street Restaurant Bangkok
Washington Square, 29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 0-2259-0328-9

Dishes: Mexican/Creole/Cajun

Fogo Vivo Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T07:37:00.008+07:00

Grilled meat, sliced and de-skewered at your table, arrives throughout the meal and allows diners to nibble or devour as much as they like. Tender choice cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken exude a deliciously earthy, smokey taste, especially the delectable beef. Sausage fans will be pleased by some very good links. Salad and appetiser buffets add to this avalanche of food, and balance things nicely. The salad section is fairly standard and includes all the favourite dressings. The appetiser buffet is very generous and displays some pleasing combinations built with cheese, vegetables and other ingredients. This restaurant is best for hungry people who want a wonderful, huge meal with elaborate and clever flourishes, including seafood side dishes. Save room for desserts, because they are great.

White walls and a cement floor reflect colourful electric lights, offering a bold, modern look devoid of frills.

Fogo Vivo Restaurant Bangkok
Levels G & B, President Tower Arcade, 973 Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 0-2656-0384

Dishes: Brazilian

Ishq Restaurant Bangkok

2009-05-22T07:19:00.007+07:00

ISHQ's menu is inspired by cuisines from across Asia and presented with fervently worded descriptions. Plates are well presented and food comes in generous portions. Recommended appetiser bo la lot, six brochettes of marinated beef or pork wrapped in greens is tasty but somewhat oily, while ISHQ summer roll, succulent pieces of roast duck and vegetables wrapped in rice paper, is surprisingly fresh though the dip is not spicy as advertised. A range of salads and soups is worth a look. For mains, signature duck confit Indochina style is a leg of duck baked in its fat until succulent and moist; delicately seasoned it is a good choice. Also go for spicy giant river prawns tom cang kho, a Vietnamese favourite. Complete the meal with cantaloupe balls in juicy coconut milk or rice dumplings in coconut milk.

Set in an old colonial-style house with a terrace, wooden floors, white tablecloths, upholstered seats and grand chandeliers.

Ishq Restaurant Bangkok
142 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10500
Tel: 0-2634-5398

Dishes: Asian

Patty's Fiesta, Mexican Cantina

2009-05-05T16:17:00.005+07:00

Sitting at the corner of Patpong and Silom Road, you'll often find Patty on hand. She is as colorful a personality as the restaurant's interior array of Mexican decorations. The raised floor gives an extra dimension to the downstairs while there is a romantic corner in the back of the room for that perfect intimate moment. A stairway leads to what appears to be the third floor and a nice vantage point to look down at the bar area of the restaurant.

The menu offers most of the typical Mexican favorites. For the main course with the Chicken Fajitas which is available in either beef, chicken, pork or shrimp. Included are flour tortillas that you can pile high with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, fried rice, red beans & salad. The flour tortillas wee definitely not made in-house as they had the taste of the packaged "El Paso" type tortillas and the quacamole wasn't much either. I looked forward to ordering a nice big beef enchilada, only to find out this most common staple of a Mexican meal is not available.

The Blueberry Chimichanga dessert, a mexican-style egg roll filled with blueberries (obviously frozen, but ok) and served with ice-cream. There are house specialties, such as; Fried Snapper or Salmon prepared with garlic & chili sauce, a selection of 8 Thai dishes, a few varieties of spaghetti and even a T-bone steak in mushroom sauce that I wouldn't recommend.

All the traditional cocktail favorites are offered. Unfortunately, there are only a few mediocre wines ...French, Australian, & Argentinan, but fortunately there is a good choice of beer, including Corona, eventhough many seem to order the regular, blue or strawberry Margaritas.

Located on Silom Road at the entrance of Patpong, you'll find the prices are more expensive than most other Mexican spots around town. (I guess becasue the location caters mostly to foreigners and it is an accepted practice for that part of town to hike the prices).

Patty's Fiesta, Mexican Cantina
09-111 Patpong - Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (66-2) 632 7898
Cuisine: Mexican Food
Open: 11:00AM - 2:00AM

SENOR PICO

2009-05-05T16:09:00.006+07:00

The Senor Pico bar and restaurant seats 88 and has been decorated with Mexican style hats and clay pots creating a genuine Mexican atmosphere ideal for special celebration parties. There is daily live entertainment (except Mondays) provided by a vibrant South American band, complete with romantic boleros singing exciting songs that even include the Bamba!

A picture-filled menu offers more than the standard Mexican dishes. Southwestern Caesar Salad has veggies in a creamy dressing set in a edible basket made of cheese. The Enchiladas are served with either Chicken, Beef or Salmon. Quesedilla, either grilled or fried, has melted cheese while the Chicken Fajita is marinated in lemon and herbs and is accompanied by stir-fried onions, bell peppers, corns, asparagus and condiments. The Sea Bass Fillet is baked in a banana leaf with tomatoes, cilantro, and red onions. For dessert, try the Pina Colada Ice Cream or the Kahlua Pie.

SENOR PICO
Mexican Restaurant
Rembrandt Hotel, 1st Flr
19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66-2) 261 7100
Cuisine: Mexican
Open: Dinner: 5PM - 1AM

Neil's Tavern

2009-05-05T15:29:00.003+07:00

Named after the American astronaut, Neil Armstrong, the restaurant is probably best known for their quality steaks and seafood. Soi Ruamrudee is set in old-world, tavern style with red brick, dark wood beams, and romantic lighting, while Neil's Tavern at Asoke features the same menu, it is set in a brighter atmosphere with cream-colored furniture. While the Soi Ruamrudee location seats 200 persons, the Asoke branch restaurant is smaller with just around 80 seats.

Opening the menu introduces guests to an extensive list of starters and its hard to select just one.

if you like Escargot, it is served French-style, with garlic and clove and the list doesn't stop there. Baked sea scallops, oysters, along with shrimp, lobster and seafood cocktails are on the list with about 15 more choices.

If you’re a fan of soups, then you will be in heaven as there are at least a half-dozen choices of creamy seafood-type chowders and an equal amount of creamy vegetable choices. There is even Garian goulash and Ox-tail soup.

One of the highlights of the menu are the steaks and the best way to describe them is just to give you a list of the succulent choices. Charcoal-broiled USDA prime steaks include a New York Steak, boneless Rib-Eye, Prime Rib, and T-bone not to be over shadowed by the Kobe New York Steak, charcoal broiled Kobe beef from Japan. There is also Rack of Lamb and Australian Lamb Chops topped with blue cheese, along with Foie Gras Steak, Australian Beef Short Ribs, and Chateaubrian for one. That selection should satisfy any beef lover but carnivores can also select from a choice of about six styles of Pork Loin, an absolutely delicious duck confit with cranberry sauce and about six more styles of Chicken.

This is a menu filled with excellent quality dishes and the wine is equally impressive as it is carefully selected for the food and offers a nice choice of old and new world wines covering the affordable to the indulgent.

Neil's Tavern
58/4 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd, Bkk
Tel: (66-2) 256 6874
Steaks / Seafood

Hamilton's Steakhouse

2009-05-05T15:25:00.002+07:00

Sitting in the upper lobby of the Dusit Thani Hotel, Ha milton's is well known by carnivore lovers, since it was the first steakhouse in Bangkok. A recent renovation now offers a 1920's atmosphere with dark parquet floors and tables dressed with crisp white linen and silver cutlery. Black & white photos adorn the walls with pictures of Bangkok's past. The restaurant offers views of an inner garden with a cascading waterfall.

The menu is quite small, but accommodating to the style of cuisine, with a good balance of meat, poultry and seafood. From the interesting array of appetizers. The appetizer of choice; the Prawn and Lobster Cocktail, offers a generous serving of succulent lobster pieces on a bed of salad, dressed with slices of creamy avocado and prawns clutching to the rim of the glass. Spicy with a tomato flavor, Dusit’s own seafood dip accompanies the cocktail, and is a tasty alternative to the typical cocktail sauce.

Entrees are centered around beef, with US Black Angus cuts of tenderloin, sirloin, rib-eye or T-bone. There is also Australian beef at prices considerably lower while you may also choose the Japanese Matsuzaka steak, higher in quality (and price) than Kobe Beef. They offer the traditional whole roast US Prime Rib carved at your tableside, rack of New Zealand Lamb (in a mustard herb crust), marinated Roast Pork, and free-range Chicken. If you'd rather enjoy seafood, there is Phuket Lobster, Norwegian Salmon Steak and Snowfish.

There are more than 16 wines available by the glass while desserts all sound delectable, whether you select chocolate sin cake, the apple crumble, or the cheesecake.

Hamilton's Steakhouse
Dusit Thani Hotel
946 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangkok, 10500
Tel: (66-2) 236 9999
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Open:
Lunch: 11:30AM - 2:30PM Mon - Fri.
Dinner: 6:30PM - 10:30PM Daily

RR and B (Rib Room and Bar)

2009-05-05T15:22:00.002+07:00

From its new contemporary design to the very modern table settings and incredible sweeping views of Bangkok from the top (31st) floor to its cutting edge open kitchen and grill serving the best steaks and gourmet French cuisine, the Rib Room & Bar has it all.

The selection of appetizers include Boston lobster bisque, ragout of escargot and frog legs served in an onion compote atop a thin puff pastry. Steaks include a choice of Australian grain-fed, US and Wagyu beef cuts that can be charcoal grilled, spit roasted or cooked in a wood-fire oven. For those less inclined to eat beef, there is a good choice of fish, pork, and lamb dishes. For dessert, try the apple tart with green apple and cinnamon and caramel apple caviar on a thin pastry base.

The wine list is extensive and well thought out with vairieties from around the world with some labels not available anywhere else in Bangkok. Most of the waitstaff are ladies wearing designer outfits that complement the new ambiance. They are both knowledgeable and eager to assist guests.

RR & B (Rib Room & Bar)
The Landmark Bangkok,
138 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66-2) 254-0404 ext 3100
Cuisine: Steakhouse / French
Open:
Sunday - Thursday: 6PM - 11PM
Friday & Saturday: 6PM - 12 Midnight

Tenderloins sports bar & steak house

2009-05-05T14:48:00.002+07:00

Not difficult to get to this Sports Bar & Steak House. The BTS at Phrom Phong station is about a 5 minute walk to Sukhumvit Soi 33 and Tenderloin's sits only a 2 minute walk down the Soi on the left side. The exterior is rather indescript, no fancy blinking lights or huge neon signs, and upon entering patrons find a casual atmosphere with wide-screen monitors hanging on the walls. As a matter of fact, I don't think there is a spot in the whole place where you can't view at least a couple sporting events. A pool table and lots of tables are generously spaced apart for customers to relax while enjoying a beer and some football or for diners selecting from the choice of some fantastic steaks and menu menu items that are not only fresh and well prepared but also presented nicely. The steaks are top-notch, chilled - not frozen, and flown in each week & picked up upon arrival by staff at the airport.

The selection of wines include about 15 choices, with about half from Australia and the rest from France, South Africa, and New Zealand. An obvious thing was the fact that wines are very reasonably priced between 1,000 and 2,000 baht.

The menu includes some bbq kebabs and offers about 13 all-day favorites, each more mouth-smacking than the next, such as, sausage wrapped in an oversized bun with chopped onion, tomatoes and accompanied by fries, or the Works Burger, a thick patty of 100% choice beef with caramelized onion, tomato, cheese, crispy bacon, fried egg and BBQ sauce. Main dishes include chops, chicken, salmon, bbq fish and Australian 500g T-bone, Rib-eye, and the Australian Angus Tenderloin to name a few.

Kid's aren't left out here as choice include ice cream and soft drink. Set meals are available Monday to Friday but the biggest secret is the fantastic Sunday BBQ Buffet with choices like turkey, lamb, rump steak, roast beef, pork chops, chicken breast, sausages, kebabs, salad, corn, fries, and the list goes on for only 395 baht. Very reasonable, right?

Tenderloins sports bar & steak house
9 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Klongton-Nua, Bangkok
Tel: (66-2) 258 4529
Open: 10AM - 1AM Daily

Amapola Bar & Steakhouse

2009-05-05T14:42:00.003+07:00

Only about 12 minutes from the Thong Lor BTS station, this former residence has been recreated to reflect a tropical-style atmosphere with pool bar and garden bar. Seating is offered al fresco or indoors. There are 2 private dining rooms as well as seating up to 10 people overlooking the pool and deck. Amapola means a South American flower and also a very famous old-fashion song in Cuba. What significance this has with the restaurant and its cuisine is anybodys guess, except for the fact, Cuban music is played in the background.

The menu begins with about a dozen starters that include tortilla chips & salsa and spicy chicken wings that were not really up to par with the rest of the menu so we moved on to the soups and salads and the stand out item is the Smoked Salmon Salad with fresh salmon atop a small mixed salad. The main attraction is, of course, the Kobe Beef steaks which are all served only as sirloin cuts. Each are served in a set with soup, green salad, the steak (which comes in about 6 varieties each 100g to 250g), rice and dessert with most dishes including appetizers. There are also a couple Australian steaks, a lamb chop and a couple seafood selections along with about six optional side dishes.

Amapola Bar & Steakhouse
72/1 Sukhumvit 51,
Tel: (66-2) 258 7077
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Open: Daily 6PM - 12 Midnight

Madison

2009-05-05T14:09:00.003+07:00

This is a stylish restaurant that exudes a sophisticated yet cozy feeling. Earth tones are prevalent with full length windows while lights in hanging frosted glass cylinders set the modernistic mood amongst the chic decor.

The menu is not grand in size, yet the grillled items, such as, Kobe and wagyu steaks are perfectly prepared and take the stage with the US rib eye and the Australian double lamb chops with mint sauce being standout choices. As in any good steakhouse, fresh fish and seafood are excellent options. Worth more than a mention are the Belon oysters, fresh lobster and king prawns. Presentation of each dish is meticulous and ingredients are second to none. The appetiser of roasted foie gras with onion compote is definitely not to be missed. The side dishes accompanying the grilled items include creamy garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus and roasted mushrooms. Desserts are inviting, with the warm banana tart with macadamian ice cream hard to resist.

As would be expected in a five star hotel, the wine list is expansive and includes varietals from affordable to very expensive.

Madison
Four Seasons Bangkok
155 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (66-2) 250 1000
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Open:
Lunch: 11:30AM - 2:30PM
Dinner: 6:00PM - 10:30PM

New York Steakhouse

2009-05-05T14:06:00.003+07:00

This restaurant sits at the JW Marriott in a rather small and limited space, allowing for a private and cozy atmosphere in a dark and plush setting with clean lines and highly finished surfaces completing its contemporary theme.

The attention, of course, is devoted to beef entrees on the menu. Each is high quality cuts of fresh chilled meat cooked to order. Steaks and fillets arrive on their plate with minimal adornment, however, sauce can be added and a number of sides are available. Prior to selecting your main entree, there are a number of appetizers, such as, salads and escargot. Entrees include standard steaks and fillets plus red meat-based dishes, such as, beef tournedos that comes topped with a piece of fatted goose liver and the taste of balsamic vinegar. Besides the beef selections, there is also lamb.

New York Steakhouse
JW Marriott Bangkok
4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (66-2) 656 7700
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Open:
Lunch: Closed
Dinner: 6PM - 11PM

The Nest

2009-04-24T14:13:00.003+07:00

The Nest located on top the Le fenix Hotel Sukhumvit soi 11, surrounded by famous night clubs such as Bed Supper Club, Q Bar, etc. Upon arrival to the open air bar and restaurant, we can see

why this place is being so much talked about, it's the ambience. From the Panoramic view of Sukhumvit 11 to comfortable sofas to the relaxed beds on sand to the classic pop music carefully selected from the DJs, the Nest turns out to be a unique place different from the surrounding bars.

You can come here to have a classic cocktail supervised by Mr. Johan Davidsson, Food & Beverage Manager or a romantic dinner created by Khun Krairit Krairavee, The Executive Chef. The food served here is mostly international with an asian twist.

We tried “Prawns Mousse Spring roll in nest” which is comprised of prawns wrapped in a little pancake, and fried accompanied by a sweet orange sauce. This is more like a Chinese dish, the chef was playful in the little details of the decoration and he replaced the Chinese plum sauce with a nice homemade orange sauce. We were looking for something light that night the “Tofu Charcoal grilled with miso blue cheese sauce” was recommended, which is combination of Japanese and Western ingredients. At first bite, the blue cheese was obvious, then the taste of miso blend in with chewy tofu crust. This is the dish we'll have again on our next visit.

“Lebanese Wrap” consisting of various kinds of vegetable wrapped with creamy nutty sauce. And the last one is one of the popular dishes here the “Steak Sanga” which is a sandwich inside is beef from New Zealand grilled. If you're looking for light healthy vegetarian this is the place we'd like to recommend.

The Nest

Address:

Rooftop LeFenix Hotel,

33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Klongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 2654 6935, +66 (0) 2654 6935

Je Ngor's Kitchen

2009-04-24T10:21:00.004+07:00

Where is Je Ngor's Kitchen? If this is your question, then you're not a big fan of Chinese food or you've just been in Bangkok. If you have an appointment with anyone at Je Ngor, be sure to emphasize on the location because there are 5 branches. Je Ngor is a Chinese name, Je(big sister) Ngor(owner's nick name) is located on 11th floor of the YWCA Building at Sathon Road.

On arrival Je Ngor and Khun Linda, her daughter and another owner of the restaurant, amiably welcomes us by themselves. The setting of the restaurant was simple and clean. Being on the 11th floor in a centrally location as in Sathon the bird eye view of Bangkok is an advantage. For those who like privacy, the restaurant provides VIP rooms for large and small groups.

The main attraction of the restaurant is the Food. Well, I've got to say my tongue was spoiled so much here. The menu offers a wide variety of selections, Mainly Chinese, seafood and Thai, some menus are Thai dishes influence by Chinese cooking (Somtam Kung Maenam and "Somtam Pu Kai Dong"). Since main food here is seafood, so the price of each dish mostly depends on weight.

The service here is quite good. The waiter and waitress can speak English and some can speak Chinese. Also there's no service charge for alcohol. You can take wine or other alcohol to the restaurant.

There's no need to say how successful Je Ngor's kitchen is. You can see it from that Je Ngor has got five branches since she started the first branch at Chareon Krung four years ago.

Address:

Sathorn Branch: 11th fl, Bangkok Insurance YWCA Building,

25 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120

Tel: +66 (0) 2677 3927 Fax: +66 (0) 2677 3958

Other branches

1. Chareonkrung Branch: 541/9 Soi Chareonkrung 39 Mahanakhorn Tadmai Rd.(between Si Phraya Rd. and Surawong Rd.), Bangrak, Bkk. 10500

Tel: +66 (0) 2235 8537, +66 (0) 2234 8275

2. Rama II Branch: 24/2 Rama II Rd., Bangmod, Chomthong, Bkk. 10150 Tel: +66 (0) 24274936, +66 (0) 24271583

3. Narathiwat Branch: 2150 Narathiwat Bakharin Rd., Chong Nontri, Yannawa, Bkk 10120

Tel: +66 (0) 2678 3182-3

4. Wiphawadi Branch: the 11thFloor, Sun Tower A Building, 123 Wiphawai Rangsit Rd., Chatuchak, Bkk 10900

Tel: +66 (0) 2617 6422-3

Crepes and Co

2009-04-24T09:55:00.012+07:00

Hidden in a peaceful residential street, Soi Sukhumvit 12, Crepes & Co is a cute and cool cafe & restaurant. Eight years ago, the Bruttin Brothers launched this restaurant with their desire to live in Thailand. At first the restaurant cooked crepes mainly with a few items in the menu and the menu expanded to a 350 items.

Setting looks easy and homey in an Thai wooden house with a luscious tropical garden. The Restaurant is divided into three sections. Those who like fresh outdoor atmosphere shouldn't miss garden area. The lounge, the welcome center, a good waiting place when the tables are full, you can order drinks and relax with lots of local and international magazines, also, kids can enjoy comics and toy corner. The main dining area, which can accommodate up to 70 persons for personal parties. There is an open kitchen, so the customers can see how the food is perpared.

Crepes & Co
18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 (0) 2653 3990-1, Fax: +66 (0) 2653 3992

Petchsaichon Restaurant

2009-04-23T23:06:00.005+07:00

With cool atmosphere mingled with smell of the earth and splashing stream amidst lush greeneries, nature lovers can enjoy a variety of food at Petsaichon Restaurant.

The restaurant’s entrance might not be eye-catching, but you will be fascinated by stunning natural surroundings inside. Petsaichon is the restaurant built on the area of 18-rai property on foot hill near stream branch from Lam Takhong Dam in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Besides the restaurant itself, in the same area are featured banquet room, accommodating up to 1,000 people, private karaoke rooms and lodgings surrounded by refreshing natural environment.

At wooden table under the shady Longan tree, our appertizing meal is started with “Yam Pedsaichon”, spicy salad served in fried-taro Kratong. Next, taste “Gaeng Som Cha-Om Choob Khai Tod”, sour curry with fried egg-dipped cha-om (Acacia Pennata), and “Pla Tabtim Goey Had”, specially selected Tabtim fish with luscious toppings. Finally, finish our fresh delicious dinner with “Tod Man Pla Grai”, mouth-watering fried fish cakes made from Grai fish meat.

Address:

360 Mittrapharp Rd. Pakchong District,Nakornratchasima Province 30130

Tel: +(66) 044-311778 , 313936 , 313023

Style: Thai

Supatra River House

2009-04-23T22:51:00.004+07:00

Where can one find a relax dining place to enjoy Thai culinary and the kingdom’s riverside sceneries in an open air terrace? As a reviewer, I would recommend Supatra River House. It certainly meets all interest, the Grand Palace is in sight, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not so far off, and the renowned pagoda of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) next door. This is an exotic Thai and seafood restaurant on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

A traditional Thai style house is the former home of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, who was a successful business lady in leading advocate of women’s rights in Thai society. She also was the founder of the famous Chao Phraya River ferry company. Yes all the express boats we use to commute on the Chao Phraya. Supatra River House was converted to this magnificent restaurant after many years of closure following her death. Her eldest daughter khun Supapan has started this a restaurant in 1998.

Pleasant scenery with cool river breezes are the great assesses of restaurant. To make this an elegant and extravaganza dining, you may arrive in dusk by ferry service from Maharaj ferry pier at Maharaj Road or the hotel pier. Upon reaching the restaurant, hundreds of red candlelights and classical Thai melody will make your arrival unforgettable. Moreover, every Friday and Saturday night is devoted to The Patravadi Dinner Theatre. The theater performs Thai-contemporary style performances created by khun Patravadi Mejudhon, the famous stage performer, screenwriter, theatre director and the younger sister of khun Supatra

This restaurant has three main parts for dining: the Terrace, the open air place overlooking the riverside for your cool breeze evening. Baan Thai, two-storey house with air condition for your fine dining and also Baan Khun Ying, a good choice for good occasion where you can enjoy your meal and conversation privately.

For the pleasure on you dining table, Supatra River House offers fresh food with best qualities, especially the prawn menu. The chefs personalize the dishes to suit individual taste whether this is hot and spicy, sour, or sweet. If you ask me for the recommended menus, I would prefer Fried River Prawn with Tamarind sauce, a fresh prawn dish with savory and sweet taste of tamarind sauce, Red roasted duck curry, a little bit spicy tender duck curry but delicious and don’t forget to try Fried Chicken with cashew nuts.

Address :

266 Soi Wat Rakhang Arunamarin Road Siriraj Bangkoknoi Bangkok 10700

Tel : +662 4110305, +662 4110874, +662 4111449

Aubergine Restaurant

2009-03-12T21:08:00.003+07:00

The Restaurant set in an 80-year-old house, it features an indoor bar and an al fresco terrace.

Food are the Mediterranean-inspired menu covers a broad geographic swathe from Spanish tapas to Italian pizzas and pastas, homey French bistro dishes and fine French cuisine. Specials such as frog legs with garlic butter, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon are well received. Popular starters include tuna tartar with salsa of cucumber and pink peppercorns and a light lobster bisque with grilled scallops. Try the superb off-menu combination of grilled Australian angus beef tenderloin with pan-fried foie gras. Pan-fried snowfish with lobster sauce yields a perfectly cooked thick slab with a crisp golden exterior and a snowy soft interior. Round off the meal with tropical fruit gratin topped with strawberry ice cream or decadent chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. http://www.aubergine.in.th/

ADDRESS: 71/1 Saladaeng Soi 1/1, Silom Rd, Bangkok 10500

Tel: 0-2234-2226

Auberge Dab Restaurant

2009-03-12T20:50:00.005+07:00

It has some of the traditional feel of a French auberge but without the presence of a French family owner. A very accomplished Filipino duo croons ballads every evening. Located at the Mercury Tower near the Ploenchit skytrain station.

Even with the absence of a French chef, Auberge Dab serves very fine food. Although frequented mostly by a Thai clientele the food is prepared to a traditional French style. Specialities include pan-fried duck liver with peach sauce that, like many of the dishes, is somewhat heavy in preparation but succulent in taste, and a fine roasted scallop presented cappuccino style. French onion soup served with a pastry cover is rich in taste and one of the best in town. Roasted duck leg confit, like many of the meats on offer, is flown in from France and is cooked to crispy perfection on the outside and juicy on the inside. Do leave room for desserts as soft bitter chocolate cake is a stand out.

STYLE: French

Dress code: Jacket and Tie required
ADDRESS: MERCURY TOWER,540 PLOENCHIT ROAD, BANGKOK 10330

Tel: 0-2658-6222-3

Gourmet Gallery Restaurant

2009-02-17T18:48:00.002+07:00

STYLE: European
Dress code: Smart/casual
Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: 6/1 SOI PROMSRI 1, SUKHUMVIT SOI 39, BANGKOK 10110 Tel: 0-2260-0603

SETTING: Elegant and blissful, this white-onwhite restaurant is a sanctuary similar to the fine cafes attached to European museums. Classical music and sofas with pillows provide a modern living room comfort beneath artistic posters, including photographs by Mapplethorpe.

FOOD: An exact deliciousness, refined to extremely pleasing specifications, defines each choice — emphasised by not including any distracting accessory items. Caesar salad is mostly just lettuce and grated cheese, but the flavour is precise. Grilled eggplant salad with roasted garlic is dazzling and brightened by mint leaves, tomatoes and string beans. Duck cassis is also fabulous, with dark meat accompanied by a peach slice alongside some carrots and peas. Delicate, boneless sole comes with small, pale mushroom slices and a creamy champagne sauce, creating a lighter-than-light essence. Soups, gourmet pizza, baked clams, sandwiches, pasta and salads round out the array of offers. The cakes here are divine and New York cheesecake is a must for a superb dessert.

Fondooz Restaurant

2009-02-17T18:12:00.003+07:00

STYLE: European
Dress code: Casual
Reservations: Recommended for dinner
ADDRESS: 7th Fl, Central World, Rajdamri Rd, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0-2613-1382

SETTING: Modern and trendy, this high-ceilinged restaurant offers diners indoor seating and a terrace for an al-fresco experience.

FOOD: As the name suggests, fondooz specialises in Swiss fondue, but also offers an extensive list of other European cuisines. The highlight among the appetisers is rocket salad served with seared US scallops that prove to be marvellously fresh. Balsamic dressing adds a zesty tang to the molluscs, although the portion size is small. Other specials include oven-baked spinach cannello and salmon tartar. Lamb capuns (think Swiss dim sum) comes in a light cream sauce or gravy. for mains, mixed seafood them rmidor served with rice should be considered: squid, shrimp and salmon mingle in a creamy mustard-cheese sauce. Further tasty offerings include Australian meltique sirloin steak and traditional fondue cheese warmed in a small pot. Diners should leave room to taste a dessert adaptation such as chocolate fondue with a variety of fresh fruits. fruits.

Fireplace Grill Restaurant

2009-02-17T17:03:00.005+07:00

STYLE: Steakhouse
ADDRESS: Intercontinental Bangkok, 973 Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0-2656-0444

Fireplace Grill offers an open interior decorated with dark wood, stone accents and dim lighting.

As one of the original steakhouses in town, Fireplace Grill has the experience and reputation to jump back easily into Bangkok's dining scene after being closed during the renovation of the hotel in which it is located. The food here is second to none in taste and the chef keeps things lovely but simple in terms of presentation. Rocket salad with pan-fried French duck liver is straightforward but unforgettable, while lobster bisque is rich and tasty. Needless to say, the grill menu at this restaurant is one of the best in Bangkok. Try Australian angus beef sirloin, or roasted prime rib of beef from the trolley cut thick in a traditional way will make you come back for more.

Bei Otto Restaurant

2009-02-17T15:45:00.002+07:00

STYLE: German/European
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: 1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2262-0892, 0-2260-0869

SETTING:
In its 22nd year, Bei Otto continues to be one of Bangkok's favourite German eating-houses with a genuine Black Forest feel to it.

FOOD:
The extensive menu features over 70 dishes with various seasonal specialities on offer. Hearty pea soup filled with chunky bits of ham or Hungarian goulash are warming starters, likewise deep-fried mozzarella cheese with sesame and linseed and served on garlic bread. But the main courses here are what really sets the tone with a choice of over 10 different types of sausage served with potatoes prepared in a variety of ways. Also try pig knuckle either grilled or boiled, or perhaps wiener schnitzel served hunter style covered in a creamy mushroom sauce and served with home-made Swabian pasta. Try to leave room for rote grutze mit vanille sosse (red berry grits), packed with red currants, raspberries, strawberries, cherries soaked in red wine and topped with vanilla sauce.

A Garden Restaurant

2009-02-17T15:36:00.003+07:00

STYLE: European
Dress code: Casual
Reservations: Recommended for dinner
ADDRESS: 64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2260-4992

SETTING:
A house decked out in Victorian style fronted by a lush garden for al fresco dining.

FOOD:
Instead of specialising in one cuisine, A Garden presents cuisines from several regions of Europe with a dash of originality from owner/chef Ayupat Jirayus. Begin with shrimp salad featuring a mould of avocado guacamole with balsamic dressing; its zesty tang makes for a reinvigorating appetiser. Showing that A Garden emphasises presentation as much as taste is tenderly grilled lamb chop with aromatic rosemary jus, vegetable ratatouille and potatoes in a serving enough to satisfy two. Cajun-seasoned salmon with rocket salad is an adventurous pick, but rewarding because of the mango relishes which reduce the cajun spices to a sweet nuance with its fruity succulence. The food's light nature should leave room for desserts such as hot chocolate soft cake.

Crepes & Co Restaurant

2009-02-17T15:16:00.004+07:00

STYLE: Mediterranean/Crepes
Dress code: No Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: 18/1 Sukhmvit Soi 12, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2653-3990-1

SETTING:
An old house surrounded by a lush garden filled with big green cuttings, photos and charm.

FOOD:
The sophisticated, varied menu reflects owner Serge Bruttin's eclectic Mediterranean and North African roots, wrapped in the cloak of a fun creperie. Create your own or choose from the three dozen crepes, many with surprising, tasty combinations such as crepe Tintin's autumn combo of bacon, mushrooms, tomato and feta or crepe Rocquefort's cheese and apple. Or start with C&C mezze, a gently spiced mix of hummus, babaganoush, tabouleh, falafel and eggplant, or gambas pilpil, prawns deep-fried in olive oil and garlic. For mains, Mediterranean dishes like couscous beldi, a steamy, savoury mix of lentils, lamb, chicken, cardamon and raisins evoke the spices and accents of North Africa and the Paris suburbs. Close with crepe Normandie, filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon and ice cream on the side.

Koi Restaurant

2009-02-17T14:33:00.002+07:00

STYLE: Japanese/Californian
Dress code: Smart casual Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: 26 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2258-1590

SETTING:
A posh atmosphere lit with soft lights and candles that create a romantic and intimate dining ambience. Huge tables and seats are set apart to create a personal space.

FOOD:
Koi's menu is all about bold combinations and a surprising marriage of flavours. Ginger is mixed with plum to make the sauce for duck breast and wasabi-scented sweet potato. Seared tuna sashimi is served with jalapeno chilli and garlic chips. Miso is used as dressing to add an Oriental twist to Western-style salads. Lemongrass is used in many dishes and provides a Southeast Asian blend to the East-West fusion. Top recommendations include fried oysters with daikon salad and spicy ponzu, served Martini style. Another must-try is the wagyu beef; there are quite a few dishes based on wagyu and all are memorable creations.

Harvey Restaurant

2009-02-17T14:27:00.002+07:00

STYLE: Californian
Dress code: Smart casual Reservations: Recommended for dinner
ADDRESS: 129 Thonglor Soi 9, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2712-9911

SETTING:
Harvey's stylish structure incorporates a separate bar area, a dining room and large private rooms in minimalist decor.

FOOD:
Made from the freshest ingredients, with a refreshing blend of herbs and fruits, Harvey's Californian cuisine is an inspired alternative to the usual French and Italian restaurants. As a starter, baby spinach with king prawns is a stimulating opener; the sizeable prawns are extremely fresh and are perfectly complemented by the baby spinach, pine nuts and balsamic sauce. Pan-fried foie gras served with rocket salad is equally good and accented by a raspberry and peach sauce. For mains, select from an eclectic mix of pasta, seafood or meat dishes. Giant scallops with almond and black truffle on crust in lobster sauce is extremely fresh, and has a tantalising aroma. To finish off the meal, Charles' chocolate fondant is a mouthful of dreamy chocolate with warm, melting filling.

Miss Saigon Restaurant

2009-02-17T14:08:00.002+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese
Dress code: Smart casual
ADDRESS: 3RD FL, CENTRALWORLD, RAJDAMRI RD, BANGKOK 10330 Tel: 0-2613-1088

SETTING:
The spiffy, clean, user-friendly layout reflects this restaurant's location in a new shopping mall.

FOOD:
Some great, some OK. Miniature masterpieces - which are also visually stunning - appear as highly recommended fresh salmon spring rolls, steamed and sliced into six bite-sized chunks, each sporting a thin white mushroom in a cluster of mint and lettuce leaves, and wrapped in a finely sliced blanket of cold salmon. Wrapped grilled pork ball is a classic, with thin slices of pineapple and a fan of lettuce. Grilled salmon set lines up four rectangles on skewers made of lemongrass, served with a bowl of soothing shrimp and onion soup, plus three tiny plates of condiments. Purple cabbage roll with shrimp resembles a dark purple painting as it displays four, bold wraps of vegetable and rice noodles, but the flavour is too heavily dominated by the cabbage.

Le Dalat Indochine Restaurant

2009-02-17T10:37:00.003+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese
Dress code: Smart casual Reservations: Recommended for dinner
ADDRESS: 14 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2661-7967-8
SETTING:
A charming Thai house filled with blue and white porcelain pieces and Vietnamese bric-a-brac.
FOOD:
Fresh leafy vegetables with bean sprouts, herbs, chives, chillies, fresh lime and garlic served with a selection of prawn, fish and meat in a do-it-yourself wrap is a fun and tasty way to start any Vietnamese meal. Add chargrilled brochettes of beef in wild betel nut leaves, plus a flute of shrimp and herbs rolled and fried until golden brown, and perhaps one of the assorted selection of spring rolls, either fried or fresh, and all prepared to perfection. Then follow with one of six delicious soups on offer and there is almost no room for any main dishes. Nonetheless try charcoal-grilled pounded pork served with a myriad of condiments or charbroiled spare ribs marinated in a lemongrass seasoning and perhaps sacrifice the desserts if it all becomes too much.

Le Dalat Restaurant

2009-02-17T10:29:00.004+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese

Dress code: Smart/casual Reservations: Recommended for dinner

ADDRESS: 47/1 SUKHUMVIT SOI 23, BANGKOK 10110 Tel: 0-2260-1849, 0-2258-4192

SETTING:
A one-time private home now holds small dining areas as well as outdoor seating amid a garden, making for an intimate, tranquil meal. Le Dalat's sister restaurant, Le Dalat Indochine, is in the same soi, but nearer the top.

FOOD:
Not an adventurous menu as might be found at some of the newer, international-minded Vietnamese restaurants in world capitals, but what is lacking in innovation is made up for in a consistency developed throughout the restaurant's 20 years of operation. Banh yeo, Vietnamesestyle crepe, represents a standard that will not disappoint and perhaps exemplifies the cuisine's successful marriage of Southeast Asian ingredients with French cooking methods. The pork balls of nem nuong cook up a bit fatty, which is typical of this dish, but when wrapped in a rice-paper lined lettuce leaf and further enhanced with the assorted herbs and greens that are a part of most Vietnamese meals the tastes and textures get nicely evened out. For a seafood dish consider cha ca thang long, Hanoi-style fried fish with dill. Desserts will tempt, for example fried bananas in sago.

Gialong Cuisine Restaurant

2009-02-17T00:46:00.005+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese/Thai
Dress code: Smart Casual Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: 6th Fl, Central World, Rajdamri Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2255-9654, 0-2255-9656

SETTING:
Gialong can be rather difficult to find if you are not a frequent shopper at Central World, so make sure you call in advance for the exact location. The decor is in white and green, and contemporary rather than Thai or Vietnamese in style.

FOOD:
The eclectic menu offers both Vietnamese and Thai favourites, but wise diners will look east to the tastes of Saigon and Hanoi. for a Vietnamese dish, try goong pan oi (prawns wrapped around sugarcane), or yum moo your if you feel like something a little more spicy and Thai. And because Vietnamese fare is so light, there should be enough space for grilled chicken and deep-fried sticky rice, grilled beef wrapped in chaplu leaves, not to mention pho, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. A basket of fresh vegetables comes with the dishes, while the sauce is replenished once it runs low. Desserts are limited.

Delices Restaurant

2009-02-17T00:29:00.003+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese
Dress code: Smart Casual Reservations: Not necessary
ADDRESS: 20-20/1 Ruamrudee Village, Soi Ruamrudee, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0-2675-3991

SETTING:
The restaurant is situated at the Ploenchit end of ruamrudee Village but has yet to gain the popularity of some of its neighbours. The style is simple and clean with some bamboo adornments to add a little touch of Vietnamese ambience.

FOOD:
Sesame crackers with sweet and sour sauce and salad leaves with a sweet chili sauceare served to munch over while diners review the menu that shows exactly what to expect with each dish. Start with Vietnamese style tacos, a crispy sesame seed wafer packed with soft cheese, shredded lettuce and processed pork. Vietnamese soup and noodle dishes (pho) with either chicken, beef or shrimp are delightfully tasty and can be spiced to taste from the selection of garnishes and chilli sauces. Tamarind soft-shell crab presented with chives, dried red chillies and fried garlic offers a full-flavoured, soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, experience. The dessert menu is not extensive but given the plentiful presentation of the main dishes, this does not seem to matter.

Dao Vien Restaurant

2009-02-17T00:08:00.003+07:00

STYLE: Vietnamese
Dress code: Casual but no shorts Reservations: Recommended
ADDRESS: Baan Silom, 653 Silom Soi 19, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 0-2266-7812
SETTING:
Dao Vien boasts a modern and spacious layout with high airy ceilings. An open kitchen adds colour to the room.
FOOD:
The overall attention to flavour is higher than many similarly priced Vietnamese restaurants in town. Lotus root salad, a seasonal offering, is a wonderfully refreshing starter combining crunchy sliced raw lotus roots, roasted peanuts and liberal handfuls of herbs with succulent pork slices and fresh shrimps in a clear, tangy dressing. Four Season plate presents fresh spring rolls and prawns on sugar cane alongside outstanding crispy fried spring rolls stuffed with peppery chunks of chicken, bean vermicelli and wood ear fungus, and juicy grilled pork balls. Another incarnation of the hot appetisers as a main course is grilled pork balls, grilled pork and fried spring rolls served atop delicate strands of fermented rice noodles. Dao Vien's only dessert is a lovely flan-like Vietnamese custard with a dark, slightly bitter caramel sauce.

Coffee Beans By Dao Restaurant

2009-01-12T15:47:00.008+07:00

STYLE: Thai/International

Dress code: Casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS:

20/12-15 Ruamrudee Village, Soi Ruamrudee, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0-2254-7780, 0-2254-7117

SETTING:

This Thai-style brasserie located in Ruamrudee Village has a relaxed family dining atmosphere with seating on three floors.

FOOD:

A heavenly selection of Thai and Western dishes is served in large portions perfect for sharing. For appetisers, try the grilled pita bread with garlic and parmesan cheese, one of the house specialities.

Nachos filled with creamed cheese is also highly recommended. The salads here are all excellent for either main courses or sharing as a starter. Particularly good is Japanese seafood salad with a wonderful sesame and soysauce dressing. Freshly grilled salmon salad with balsamic dressing is the perfect main course for those on a low-carb diet. For something Thai, try dry sukiyaki with shrimps, or green curry with beef and served with roti. Coffee Bean's pastries are legendary, and Oreo cheesecake and strawberry cheesecake are the best.

Charm Thai Restaurant

2009-01-12T15:16:00.008+07:00

Charm Thai Restaurant

STYLE: Thai

Dress code: Smart/casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS:

HOLIDAY INN BANGKOK, 971 PLOENCHIT ROAD, BANGKOK 10330 Tel: 0-2656-1555

SETTING:

This contemporary Thai restaurant exudes relaxation from the light-coloured wood furniture. The open kitchen lends a lively feel as chefs dexterously prepare the dishes. Things can get hectic on days when there is a business conference though.

FOOD:

It is a modern-looking Thai restaurant that emphasises traditional Thai food. The menu is extensive with appetisers, Thai salads, meat and seafood, soups, curries, vegetables, rice dishes, noodles and Thai desserts and ice creams. There are pictures of chillies that indicate three levels of spiciness, with vegetarian options available for some dishes. To taste a little bit of everything, try platter of assorted Thai appetisers comprising chicken satay, prawns and enoki mushrooms in rice paper roll, deep-fried shrimp cakes and deep-fried golden bags with chicken and shrimp. A popular dish is fried prawns with lemongrass, with huge and fresh whole prawns so tasty that one piece is not enough. Red coconut curry with duck is also flavourful and meaty, and goes really well with rice. Stir-fried broccoli, black mushrooms and sweet chilli paste is enhanced by the addition of the spicy paste. For a refreshing dessert, try mango and tamarind sorbets, or a traditional Thai sweet.

Celadon Restaurant

2009-01-12T12:40:00.006+07:00

Celadon Restaurant

STYLE: Thai

Dress code: Smart/casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS:

Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120

Tel: 0-2344-8888

SETTING:

Designed by American-based Ed Tuttle, the hotel has won countless awards for its interiors. Following a refurbishment, Celadon exudes a simple yet luxury Thai ambience. Thai salas surrounded by lotus ponds, exotic cutlery and stylishly-outfitted waiters make the place exquisite to dine in.

FOOD:

Once named the Best Restaurant in Bangkok for the finest Thai food by Travel & Leisure magazine, one can surely expect no less than best quality ingredients. A favourite place among foreigners, any orders taken from Thai natives at Celadon will tacitly be made hotter with more chilli in the dish than ones ordered by westerners. For starters, khong waang Celadon provides diners five samplers of exotic Thai delicacies. Poo nim krob yum som-o is a variation of a favourite dish, substituting fried soft-shell crab for shrimp. If you are a curry person, try gaeng phed ped yang; the red duck curry combines both the sweet taste of fruits and spicy flavours of herbs. Highly recommended is pla samlee thod jim samunprai; the fried fish with herb dipping sauce goes superbly with rice. Leave some space for sticky rice with mango, the best dessert to end a Thai meal.

Buritara Restaurant

2009-01-12T12:22:00.008+07:00

Buritara Restaurant

STYLE: Thai/International

Dress code: Smart casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS:

762/2 Rama III Rd, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 0-2682-9457-8

SETTING:

Outdoor and indoor seating on the river in very hip, yet casual surroundings. Great at sundown.

FOOD:

The food is excellent and made to go with friends and drink. And that is what Buritara is really all about. There are of course the usual Thai suspects to be found at any gathering of friends, but there are also some interesting concoctions hard to find anywhere else. Spicy fresh female crab egg salad is not for the tender of palate, but is recommended here. Fresh oysters, New Zealand mussels, prawns and a plethora of Thai and Western fish creations also lend a heavy hand to the menu. There are also stir-fried dishes in the Thai and Chinese style. The huge menu accommodates Western dishes as well. Duck breast with caramelised red onions and marmalade is superb.

Blue Elephant Restaurant

2009-01-12T12:07:00.007+07:00

Blue Elephant Restaurant

STYLE: Thai/Indian

Dress code: Smart casual

Reservations: Recommended for lunch, necessary for dinner

ADDRESS:

233 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 0-2673-9353-8

SETTING:

Housed in a century-old building, visiting Blue Elephant is like a journey back in time.

FOOD:

Traditional Thai cuisine is enhanced with a twist of fusion to suit Western tastes as well as to appeal to local diners. As a starter, house speciality pearl of Blue Elephant is a must-try, comprising a selection of satay, prawns and fish cakes with a selection of sauces. Foie gras with tamarind sauce should not be missed, the coupling of tamarind with seared goose liver indicative of the restaurant's innovative approach to Thai cuisine. Fresh lime sea bass with a whole fresh fish flavoured with lemongrass, fresh lime juice and crushed chilli, or bamboo fish, a sea bass fillet grilled in a bamboo case, stand out in the seafood selection. The more adventurous diner will be rewarded by trying running crocodile, stir-fried spicy crocodile meat with chilli, basil, fresh peppercorns and palm heart.

Basil Restaurant

2009-01-12T11:34:00.004+07:00

Basil Restaurant

STYLE: Thai

Dress code: Casual but no shorts

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS:

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT, 250 SUKHUMVIT ROAD, BANGKOK 10110 Tel: 0-2649-8366

SETTING:

Hip, stylish designing makes this small, modern restaurant the place to unwind amid a colour scheme of white, black and golden. One wall displays Thai lacquerware. Dining tables include hammered-chrome tabletops. Big plants and a wood floor lend simplicity to the ambience.

FOOD:

Delicious and the very best in creative, brilliant preparation. Som tam ruam goong yang is a wonderful salad with lots of nuts and grilled prawns, plus green papaya, banana blossoms, coconut palm hearts and green apples. Yum pak sod is a refreshing bowl of cashews, chilli, wing beans, banana blossoms, acadia shoots, aubergine and pomelo in a piquant mix amid pieces of fried prawns. Poh pia sod anamai is very good and brings fresh spring rolls packing tofu, mushrooms, sprouts and pumpkin next to a small, shredded omelette. Chicken curry is truly fantastic with slices of boneless meat bestowing a nice flavour thanks to a southern-style recipe and a mild, curry sauce. Sliced snow fish curry is equally magnificent and served with cucumber pickles. For dessert, go for kanom ruam which is a plate of mixed sweets for two and includes mango slices, cubes of coconut and pumpkin, plus a wedge of durian cake.

Ban Chiang Restaurant

2009-01-12T11:25:00.004+07:00

Ban Chiang Restaurant

STYLE: Thai

Dress code: Smart/casual

Reservations: Recommended for dinner

ADDRESS:

14 Soi Sriviang, Surasak Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 0-2236-7045, 0-2266-6994

SETTING:

A charming, fading wooden two-storey house from the 50s set in a lush garden. A folksy, cosy room is filled with dusty knick-knacks while the largely western diners appreciatively tuck in at marble-top tables et with elephant-patterned tablecloths. Outdoor dining is also available.

FOOD:

The menu provides a good range of traditional Thai cuisine together with some inspired personal creations with fragrant curries and aroma-rich nods to other Asian cuisines. As Ban Chiang is quite popular among westerners most offerings are mild, so do not be shy about specifying your spice level. Minced chicken wrapped in Chinese kale is a delicious start: the chicken is tasty, the kale fresh, but the presentation is ordinary. Salted prawns with garlic and white pepper is a signature dish, and is tasty and quite original in its preparation. Sauteed crab claws in Madras curry and green onions disappoints, with little curry evident but sundried white fish served with mango dip is delicious, surprisingly light and aromatic. Sauteed salted fish with Chinese kale is quite good, the kale sharp and fresh, and the spicing interesting. Banana fritters with coconut ice cream is a great finish, the batter light, the bananas sweet and tasty, and the ice cream scrumptious and fresh.

Tamarind Restaurant

2009-01-12T11:05:00.002+07:00

Tamarind Restaurant

STYLE: Vegetarian

Dress code: Smart/casual

Reservations: R ecommended

ADDRESS:

27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2663-7421

SETTING:

Tamarind Cafe has been operating for over two years and continues to receive compliments on its stylish interior design and innovative dishes, all of which make this restaurant-cum-gallery a must place to visit.

FOOD:

The restaurant is popular with both vegetarians and meat-eaters. The menu is very creative, stylish and delicious with a combination of east and west cuisine. Sylvie Bruzeau and Luka Wong, the owners, are always around to greet and make recommendations. For starters, try crispy mushroom with a spicy sauce, or bean bean salad, the latter a signature dish of black, red and white beans with fresh coriander in a spicy lime dressing which is healthy and full of fibre. For tofu lovers, highly recommended is Albondigas, balls of tofu, nuts and vegetables coated with sesame seeds and served with a roasted red pepper sauce. For a main course, try the famous dish of creative sushi, a selection of four types of sushi rolls: mango and homemade pesto; cheese,dill and basil; crispy baby corn, mushroom and Thai basil; and miso-grilled vegetables. Another favourite is wild mushroom steak; this dish is topped with pepper sauce and served with garlic brown rice and vegetables. There is a long list of desserts, including yummy banana almond fritters.

Govinda Restaurant

2009-01-05T16:29:00.002+07:00

Govinda Restaurant

Located in: Sukhumvit - Bangkok

STYLE: Vegetarian/Italian

Dress code: Smart casual

Reservations: Recommended for dinner

ADDRESS: 6/5-6/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2663-4970

SETTING:

Soft reds and a gentle white adorn the walls, reflecting the candlelight to create a homey, romantic feeling.

FOOD:

This is an immaculate example of vegetarian food in all its organic, healthy and flavourful splendour, and should feature as a frequent place to eat simply for purity's sake, though the food is a strong attraction no matter what your regular diet. Speciale salad drapes very thin slices of cheese over a bed of dark green rocket, punctuated with cherry tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella and parmesan. Arlecchino salad is equally fine and groups together lettuce, tomato, ricotta cheese, broccoli and olives into a satisfying bowl. Baked eggplant or melanzane parmigiana is delicious and lighly spiced, flashing its bountiful mozzarella. Spinach gnocchi is chewy with a gentle sauce and includes zucchini and artichoke, while providing a very light meal. Plenty of other choices lure, and they also boast egg-free home-made pasta.

Anotai Restaurant

2009-01-05T16:25:00.002+07:00

STYLE: Vegetarian

Dress code: Casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS: 976/17 Soi Rama 9 Hospital, Bangkok 10320 Tel: 0-2641-5366-70

SETTING

Bamboo along the walls and windows provides a tropical feel to this two-storey restaurant.

FOOD

An interesting menu that features wonderful and unique vegetarian dishes brimming with flavour. Nori-wrapped tofu, with wasabi mayo dip, brings a big box of soft cubes wrapped in tiny edible blankets of seaweed with a wasabi and mayonnaise dressing that is tangy, and highly recommended. "Certified organic" vegetable salad with miso dressing offers a fascinating, nutty-flavoured sauce for a salad which also includes apple slices and pine nuts amid rocket and other leaves. Thai green curry with vegetables and tofu is a big bowl with pea eggplant, baby squash, mushroom and tofu. Fried rice with vegetables, chilli and basil presents tofu, string beans, kale and peas in an impressive pile. Go for cold blueberry cheese cake, or orange and pumpkin cake, both of which are very good.

Baan Klang Nam Restaurant

2009-01-05T13:49:00.003+07:00

STYLE: Seafood

Dress code: No

Reservations: Necessary

ADDRESS: 288 Rama III Soi 14, Bangkhlo, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 0-2292-0175, 0-2292-2037

SETTING

An atmospheric, large clapboard house with a wooden pier over the Chao Phraya River offers a relaxed and friendly eating environment for small and large groups alike.

FOOD

The food is authentic and delicious, ideally suited to the mainly al fresco setting right on the river. The menu helpfully includes pictorial representations of the dishes to assist foreign diners with their menu selections. Although the essence of simplicity, the house speciality crispy noodles should not be missed; it is well prepared here. A visit would not be complete without sampling fried crab with black pepper, but be prepared to attack this dish handson, the sense of touch enhancing the taste of crab meat infused with spicy black pepper. Needless to say, fish is in abundance. Try steamed goby with soysauce, perfectly fresh and succulent. Meat lovers will also enjoy fried ostrich with black pepper and baked goose legs with noodles. And for the adventurous, the menu also extends to exotic sounding snakehead fish, duck's tongue soup and goosewebs. A limited dessert menu includes sticky rice with mango.

Baan Khanitha Restaurant

2009-01-03T14:39:00.001+07:00

Located in Sathorn - Bangkok

STYLE: Thai

Dress code: Smart casual

Reservations: Recommended

ADDRESS: 69 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 0-2675-4200-1

SETTING:

Located in a grand, converted Thai house, this restaurant is decorated with antique furniture and numerous paintings.

FOOD:

The extensive menu lists all the popular Thai dishes, as well as a wide selection of seafood, reflecting the diversity of Thai cuisine. Spicy pomelo salad has a refreshing sweetness and is served with prawn and chicken, while wing bean salad is flavoursome though somewhat on the dry side. Another mouth-watering temptation is chicken wrapped in pandanus leaf. Seafood specialities include stir-fried soft-shell crab with tamarind sauce. Grilled cotton fish served with Thai herbs is also an interesting choice; a curry helps to complement this dry dish. Another signature item, stir-fried river prawns with curry powder is also a popular choice. If there is still room, complete the meal with traditional mango and sticky rice or water chestnuts in syrup with coconut milk.

B RESTO Restaurant

2008-12-30T12:09:00.002+07:00

B Resto Restaurant
STYLE: Thai/Italian
Dress code: Smart Casual
ADDRESS: 27/13 Soi Rangnam, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 0-2640-1377, 0-2640-1477

SETTING:
The idea is for patrons to come to B Resto andunwind in a casual environment, which explains why there are no tablecloths or fancy cutlery. the restaurant is part of the Baan Rangnam serviced apartment.

FOOD:
The menu includes both Italian and Thai dishes. The innovative Cordon Bleu- trained chef whips up marvellous Italian dishes such as Norwegian salmon with bearnaise sauce on the side and mussels a la provencale. go for duck confit and rucola salad as a main course. Pizza is a must here since B Resto has a specially built oven; the addition of mexican chilli can make an interesting variation. Banana fritters and ice cream as a dessert is a welcome counterpoint to the main courses. kudos to owner Rawiwan Sukhavat for making it her business to oversee the minutest details. her dedication is without question the force behind the high quality of the food and service.

Another Hound By Greyhound Restaurant

2008-11-02T22:03:00.002+07:00

Another Hound By Greyhound Restaurant

STYLE: Italian/Thai

Dress code: Smart casual

Reservations: Recommended for lunch, necessary for dinner

ADDRESS:

1st fl, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0-2129-4409

SETTING:

Another Hound is a smart eatery divided into two separate rooms. The interior is theatrical and sophisticated.

FOOD:

The menu serves a combination of Italian, contemporary Thai and fusion food. To whet your appetite, try fried salmon spring roll served with black vinegar sauce, a good dish to share amongst friends. Other good appetisers include spicy grilled lamb with spicy Thai sauce, and salmon sashimi in spicy hot sauce. The pasta and rice dishes here are excellent, and liver pate and spinach ravioli with basil leaves, green pepper and chillies is a delicious fusion dish. For entrees, not to be missed is fried pepper steak with green mango sauce; the tender steak balances well with the sharp mango sauce. There are also a good selection of sandwiches, salads and vegetarian dishes, and the desserts here are creative and equally mouth-watering.

Anna's Restaurant

2008-11-02T21:36:00.003+07:00

Anna's Restaurant

Style: International/Thai

Dress code: Casual but no shorts

Reservations: Necessary

Tel: 0-2632-0619

ADDRESS: 118 Soi Saladaeng, Silom, Bangkok 10500

SETTING:

Pale yellow walls, black-and-white photographs of old Bangkok in gilded frames and white tablecloths highlight an airy, light and uplifting restaurant.

FOOD:

Good Thai and international food are on offer here. Marinated salmon salad tossed with lettuce, capers, black olives and dill-mustard sauce includes a nice roll of cold fish with lots of lettuce, onions and baby cherry tomatoes in a mild oil-based dressing. Tao hu tord is tofu lightly fried with chives and a sweet sauce. Grilled salmon fillet with panaeng curry is excellent with its sweet, smooth curry sauce, alongside boiled cauliflower, broccoli and carrot. Stir-fried kale with shiitake mushroom in oyster sauce is nice. The Thai choices are extensive and include attractive curries, noodles and coconut-based recipes combined with chicken, shellfish and other delights, while the international menu is mostly pork and fish dishes.

Bangkok Street Food

2008-10-20T13:50:00.003+07:00

Food stalls on the streets of Bangkok can look a little intimidating to foreigners, but they provide convenient, delicious and cheap meals to the locals. Wherever you go in the city, these food stalls are plentiful and very often you will find a high concentration of them in particularly busy areas. Some street vendors operate in groups, often in local markets, which means you can go to the same place every night and have a different choice of meal. Some even open around the clock. The main attractions usually include a noodles stall, a made-to-order food stall, and 'curry on rice' stall.

Knowing what's what is essential when eating from food stalls. You should be able to figure out what kind of food a particular stall is selling by observing the ingredients in the glass display window and the way they're being prepared. There are many kinds of noodle stalls available; chicken noodles, duck noodles, egg noodles with wonton and 'moo daeng' (red barbequed pork), beef and meat ball noodles, 'yen ta four' (noodles in red soy bean paste with fish ball, squid and morning glory) - the list is endless. The noodles themselves come in different sizes and shapes too.

Noodles: what to choose from

Deciding what kind of noodles you want can be a daunting task as choices are so plentiful.

Sen Yai (rice river noodle): a wide flat noodle made from white rice flour

Sen Mii (rice vermicelli): a small wiry looking rice flour noodle

Sen Lek: a medium flat rice flour noodle (the same kind used in pad thai)

Bah Mii: an egg and wheat flour noodle (yellow in colour)

Woon Sen (glass noodle): a thin, wiry, transparent soya bean flour noodle

Gieow (wonton): boiled minced pork wrapped in yellow dough

Once you have a favourite kind of noodle in mind, the next step is to make a decision whether to have 'naam' (with soup) with it, or 'haeng' (dry). Now it's time to choose what meat you want in your noodles. Just look at the display and see what is on offer. The price varies from 20 to 50 baht and you can have it 'pi sed' (extra) by adding five more baht.

Now you have a bowl of noodles before you, you can start eating right away or add the condiments to spice it up a little. The condiments, aka the 'four flavours', are sugar, dried ground chili, vinegar with chili, fish sauce and/or ground peanuts. Adding sugar to noodles may be something of a novelty to you, but it's your chance to be experimental. Remember to taste the food before 'four-flavouring' it!

It's not just about rice

As you probably know, rice is to Thais what bread is to Westerners. It's usually eaten with different kinds of side dishes. 'kaao laad kaeng' (curry on rice) stalls are probably the cheapest and quickest place to eat. A wide range of different items on display can be chosen. Here, the ordering process is less tricky than with the noodles, because all you need to do is pointing to whatever you want. The price is also logical; the more items you order, the more you have to pay.

Another good place to eat at is 'made-to-order' food stalls.

Basically, whatever you want, they will cook it for you. Most of these places don't provide a menu (and if they do, it will most likely be in Thai), but they all serve the same kind of food. Some of the most popular dsihes are 'kaao pad' (fried rice), 'pad kaprao' (stir-fried meat with holy basil leaves), 'kai jiaow' (Thai-style omelette) and 'moo kratium prik thai' (stir-fried pork in garlic and pepper).

Other food stalls are also worth checking out. Try 'kaao mun kai' (rice and steamed chicken), 'pad thai' (stir-fried rice noodles), 'hoi todd' (oyster omelette), sweet roti, 'moo satay (grilled pork on a stick) and traditional Thai desserts. The rest is up to you to explore!

Siam Paragon Food Hall

2008-10-20T11:21:00.003+07:00

Siam Paragon Food Hall

Given the fact that Siam Paragon has proclaimed itself as the 'Pride of Bangkok', its Food Hall accordingly lives up to the hype. Covering a good half of the mall's huge ground floor, the Food Hall is divided into three different zones: Food Hall Food Court, Food Hall Gallery, and Food Hall Take Home.

Food Hall Food Court is arranged in a crescent-like fashion with a sizeable aquarium standing in the middle (a sneak preview perhaps of the much larger tank one level down at Siam Ocean World?). Taking a walk around here is an experience in itself, and determining what to have for lunch is nothing less than a daunting task you're faced with.

A quick browse along the bend reveals an astonishing array of nothing else but food and more food. The first joint serves 'Isaan' (Northeastern Thai) food to the soundtrack of mortar and pestle colliding into one another, yielding a pleasant result: a mouth-watering 'som tum' (spicy papaya salad). Don't miss the fragrant 'moo satay' (grilled pork kebab, marinated in a yellow curry sauce and served with peanut sauce). If you want an easy start, try healthy boiled rice along with a variety of toppings. All kinds of noodles - be it Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Italian - are also readily available.

Further away from the Food Court is the Food Hall Gallery, a slightly more up-scale food venue with a chic setting and a cornucopia of culinary delights. The procedure here is just a tad different because, upon entering the venue, you'll be given a card to be used like a credit card. Food Hall Gallery offers only the best of local and international cuisines all in one place.

Cake, anyone?

Nobody would be able to resist the Food Hall Take Home section. You're drawn in by the kaleidoscope of colours, shapes and sizes of cakes on display. Highly recommended is the 'kanom kui chai', steamed paper-thin dough stuffed with Chinese chive, bamboo shoot, and dried shrimps, eaten with tangy black sauce. Fruit smoothies and Italian gelato parlours abound as well as pastry shops, whose irresistible aroma of freshly baked patisseries tantalizes everyone walking by. Favourite Thai desserts like 'look choob' (mung bean paste in miniature fruit shapes) and sticky rice with mango are big favourites. Before you leave, don't forget to visit the promotional area, where food-related events are held regularly. Recently featured were the tastiest 'pad thai' (stir-fried noodle) you'll ever taste, and grilled shellfish straight from Hokkaido, Japan.

Siam Center

2008-10-20T11:02:00.002+07:00

In keeping with the young and sprightly theme of the place, Siam Center has positioned its food hall perfectly likeable to the young and trendy shoppers who flock there en masse. 'Food for Fun' (f) is a funky place that even features it own DJ booth...

Food for Fun

If you want to eat in a clean and cheerful atmosphere, eat well and not pay the earth for it, this is a great option. The bright orange and white interior and casual, spacious seating make this a happy place that fills up quickly. There are stalls selling huge helpings of quality fare at excellent prices. Some of the cuisines represented include Japanese, Korean, Thai, Northeastern (Thai), Chinese and Italian. There are also fresh fruit juices, shakes and smoothies to quench your thirst, and ice-cream, gelato and yoghurt to put the seal of approval on an enjoyable meal.

There's a vegetarian stall with five different cooked meals, as well as a standard menu - all of which reasonably priced. Overall, there is a fantastic array of good, cheap and scrumptious food to choose from, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Throw in a DJ booth from where an in-house radio station broadcasts groovy sounds all day long, and you have the perfect spot to fill up that empty gap during a shopping spree.

MBK Food Court

2008-10-18T23:45:00.003+07:00

MBK Food Court

Bangkok's legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK) has two food courts: Fifth Food Avenue on the fifth floor, and the more frenetic MBK Food Centre on the sixth. One of the most popular shopping malls among locals and tourists, MBK's food halls are geared to keep these hungry shoppers energized at any time of the day or night...

Fifth Food Avenue

Fifth Food Avenue has a great variety of kiosks in a spacious setting, with chefs preparing the foods in open kitchens. Options include Arabic, Vietnamese, Hainese, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Italian. There is also a vegetarian section with a good, all-natural, MSG-free menu, called the Tamarind Cafe. Then there's the 'Signature Dessert' bar, with the most exquisitely presented delicacies. The strawberry pavlova is sensational; two layers of meringue sandwiched with whipped cream, fresh strawberry and kiwi. And so too the trio of vanilla, caramel and dark chocolate crame brulee. This is a good place to have a divinely filling meal in an appetizing environment.

MBK Food Centre

MBK Food Centre on the sixth floor is much cheaper and the food on offer ranges from pre-packaged sushi sets, to deli-style salad and noodle outlets. Here you can either sit down for a quick bite or take home a neatly-wrapped item from the bakery, or something from the fruit or dessert stall. There is a dining area called 'Kou Asian' with an interesting menu, which includes vegetarian fare. It differs from Fifth Food Avenue in that it is right in the hustle and bustle of the main shopping area.

Emporium Food Hall and Food Court

2008-10-18T23:19:00.003+07:00

Emporium Food Hall and Food Court

In this area there are dozens of caf-s, patisserie, bakeries and fast food outlets, as well as a canteen-style eating area. Here you can choose from ice-cream, desserts or mid afternoon (or any time) snacks with a cup of your favourite pick-me-up beverage. This is more the spot to stop by for a break between shopping for designer futons or on your way to the cinema, than a place to spend hours carving your way through a meal.

The take-home section features noodles of any denomination, Japanese teppanyaki, freshly-made sushi and bento boxes, fragrant Thai cuisine, an array of international fare and the most delectable patisserie. There is a selection of restaurants with Japanese, Vietnamese, Western and Asian fusion menus in the food hall area. Drinks bars offer freshly-squeezed juices, smoothies and even alcoholic beverages. In this section, vegetarian options are confined to soups and salads.

Park Food Hall at Emporium

If you've worked up a serious appetite and are in the mood for a top-notch meal, pay a visit to Park Food Hall. A tad more formal than the other places, this is an enclosed area where you are presented with a coupon for 2,000 baht which you pay for afterwards (for whatever you spent). Park Food Hall consists of many food bars with a dining area in a dimly lit atmosphere conducive to a wholesome and fulfilling eating experience.

Choices include gourmet Arabic, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, seafood, Japanese bento, Olive Mediterranean featuring mezze, a pizzeria and even original English grub such as pot pies, fish and chips and mashed potatoes with gravy. This is a good place to visit if you miss all your favourite foods back home.

Covering a total area of 1,500 square metres, Park Food Hall has more than 400 seats, and the stylish interior verges on the glamorous. You can enjoy a 180 degrees landscape-view of Bangkok and the lush greenery of Benjasiri Park while sampling gourmet delights. Park Food Hall also serves as a venue for regular events like product launches, culinary workshops, mini-concerts and art exhibitions.

Central World Food Court

2008-10-16T14:17:00.004+07:00

Where to Eat in Bangkok

There's no shortage of eating options in Bangkok. Eat in a roadside noodle stall and watch the world go by. Savour seafood at a local restaurant perched over the river; enjoy exquisite food from a swish hotel restaurant overlooking the city; or take a quick snack in a shopping mall food court. Whatever you choose, and wherever you are staying, you won't be disappointed.

Central World Food Court:

Unlike the Central Food Hall to which it is annexed - a supermarket offering foods from every far-flung gastronomic corner - the 200-seat C Flavour draws its inspiration from closer to home, serving a broad selection of pan-Asian foods at respectable prices. On the seventh floor of the newly refurbished CentralWorld, its 19 open kitchens grill, steam, boil, fry and sear fresh ingredients for a steady stream of ravenous shoppers - tasty, authentic fare the obvious ambition.

Modern, sleek interiors with comfy, functional furnishings give the bright, open-plan space an agreeable symmetry. Sleek orange chairs and utilitarian tables sit splayed across a wooden floor. A line of red arm chairs and leather sofas by the wide windows are suited to kicking back with friends in addition to just eating. The latter is best, giving you classic city views, temples and malls rubbing up against each other in the distance.

Thai Flavours

A 10-strong rabble of open-kitchens to the right fits under a 'Thai flavour' banner. Expect everything from steaming bowls of 'Kuay-Teow' (noodle soup) to traditional Thai curries, stewed pork legs to pan-fried noodles. There's also an a-la-carte kitchen that fuses Thai gastronomic traits - namely a sweat inducing kick - with international mainstays. Think spaghetti with tuna and hot basil. In the central food island you'll find spa foods, varied kinds of minced pork, satay snacks and, most enjoyably, a kitchen called Khunyai Thalab.

One of the unsung delights of the food court is being able to go eclectic, to indulge tummy temptations without prejudice or glances of disdain from the management. The motley mix allows you to do just that, with kitchens from Daikoku (Japanese), Winner House (Vietnamese), Old Malaya (Malaysian), Blue Light by Seefah (Chinese) and Taaj (Indian). Aside from tasting great, each dish is as elegantly presented as it is economically priced.

Sweet Temptations

If so inclined, round things off with something sweet. If not Bahn Moh's delightful sticky rice with sweet coconut and durian syrup (35 baht), then try a fruity fire extinguisher from Mrs Smoothie. A few slurps of Yo Yellow (peach, pineapple and yoghurt) or Mr Monkey (banana, strawberry and yoghurt) will ably sooth spice-seared mouths. Surfaces are clean, service ruthlessly efficient and a smart culinary credit card (a 1,000 baht license to gorge) politely removes any mention of money until departure. A classy addition to the city's food courts offerings.