I always try to get to Southeast Asia through Bangkok. Apart from the fact that I love Thailand (this is actually a special for another post!) I find Bangkok a great getaway to start your journey in Asia.
.
The city has, on top of the most amazing Buddhist temples and royal palaces, an array of top Thai restaurants to choose from. And yes, I LOVE Thai food, from the tasty street food dishes (always carefully selected) to the most gastronomical experiences.
.
For my readers I have selected 3 of my favorite fine restaurants for a gastronomical experience in the city of Siam, either if you are a solo traveller or not.
The Blue Elephant
.
With 4 branches in Europe and 2 in Thailand (Phuket and Bangkok) the restaurant is known for its fantastic gastronomical cooking course – I did it twice and really recommend it even if cooking is not your main hobby. Directed by its owner and Thai chef Nooror, the first restaurant started in Belgium 40 years ago and finally opened in Bangkok in 2002.
.
When I enrolled for the cooking course I was not planning to book a table for lunch but as the course was scheduled for the afternoon I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine a nice lunch with my visit
This is the colonial style villa where the restaurant is located. Photo credit: Fernanda Silva
That’s me in the gastronomic course in the Blue Elephant in Bangkok. Photo credit: Fernanda Silva
I fell in love with these starters. On the left a type of dim-sum and on the right a bite-size salad with grapefruit and edible flowers. Photo credit: Fernanda Silva
The Blue Elephant is set in an authentic colonial-style villa with large windows and lots of vases with orchid arrangements. Authenticity is the best word to define this gastronomical experience as the food is the same you would find in any other traditional Thai restaurant. What is really impressive though is the taste! From fresh tamarind and satay sauces with crunchy Thai-style battered shrimps as starters to the most traditional dishes such as Red Thai Curry, the restaurant is definitely not to be missed.
.
WHERE: In the neighborhood of Sathorn in Bangkok
WHEN: I was there for lunch and I really enjoyed it as the large windows give the authentic villa a natural feel
WHY: if you would like to try authentic Thai food in a gastronomical experience combined with one of the best cooking classes in Bangkok
.
https://www.blueelephant.com/bangkok
.
.
Spirit Jim Thompson
.
If you are not a new visitor to Thailand I suppose you may have heard of Jim Thompson for its fine silk products ranging from silk scarves to sophisticated bags and the beautiful Jim Thompson Museum set in the original house where this late American Thai silk industry entrepreneur lived.
.
I had already tried the restaurant in the museum and it was simply amazing, from the silk napkins and cushion fabrics to the exquisite Thai service of the restaurant, not to mention the tasty aromas of the plates.
Very lush interiors and great design by Boiffils architecture office. Photo Credit: Spirit Jim Thompson
I was curious though about another restaurant of the Thompson group, probably one less visited by the tourists. Spirit Jim Thompson is located in a beautiful upscale residential area of Bangkok and is easily reached by taxi. I had reserved a table for myself and was really impressed by the whole experience. The amazing contemporary restaurant décor was designed by Boiffils Architecture and is set in a lush green area giving a fresh natural welcome to the diners.
Different treats from different parts of Asia. Photo Credit: Spirit Jim Thompson
The Thai menu, signed by chef Montri Virojnvechapant, is complemented with dishes from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. The dishes are beautifully showcased and I was very impressed by my selection of deconstructed appetizers and my café gourmand at the end with some special Southeastern Asian sweet delicacies.
.
WHERE: in the heart of Bangkok in Pathum Wan neighborhood
WHEN: any time in Bangkok
WHY: if you’re looking for a great cuisine experience in a design restaurant where you will see more Bangkok residents than tourists.
.
http://jimthompsonrestaurant.com
.
.
.
Bo.Lan
If a Michelin-star restaurant is what you are looking for with a very authentic cuisine then Bo.Lan is the place to go.
.
Located in the Sukhumvit neighborhood of Bangkok the restaurant has a beautiful herb garden outside where all the fresh herbs come from (there’s nothing more tasty than fresh Thai basil leaves on your plate). The dining room is very natural with natural wooden details and Thai touches everywhere.
The restaurant has a natural design décor. Photo credit: Bo Lan.
Organic and sustainable with a Michelin star. Photo credit: Bo Lan.
Managed by two chefs, Songvisava and Dylan, the one-star Michelin restaurant has a very strong organic and sustainable approach to its cuisine not only in the choice of ingredients but also in the social responsibility of the local community. Great gastronomical experience to indulge yourself in style.
.
WHERE: In Sukhumvit neighborhood in Bangkok
WHEN: I was there for dinner but I think it would be perfect for lunch as well specially to enjoy the garden
WHY: Upscale fine-dining with a strong sustainable attitude and obviously the Michelin star
.
https://www.bolan.co.th
Featured image credit: https://winsignaturerestaurants.com
.
