Drift above the city at SO Sofitel Bangkok’s snazzy rooftop venue, HI-SO.

By Shruti Kothari

Set a stunning 29 floors above Lumphini Park, the multi-storey HI-SO overlooks the entirety of this verdant oasis, separated from the golden horizon by the distant, sparkling skyscrapers of Bangkok. The al fresco ambience is elevated further with gleaming gold and marble geometric surfaces, hanging foliage swaying daintily in the breeze, and bright pink pillows to uplift the glass and chrome fittings. If you would like to opt for an even more intimate setting, ascend the stairs to the 30th floor, a continuation of the bar downstairs. Known for their popular Wednesday ladies’ night, aptly named Good Girls Gone Bad, this location is great for dates or drinks with friends. If you are interested in a buyout for a smaller private event, go further up to the 31st floor, where the secret platform Super HI-SO offers a breathtaking space for your party. Whatever the occasion, the affable, highly approachable team will certainly cater to all your requests.

Food and Drink

The menu is built to offer an exquisite, multicultural sharing experience. The interactivity starts with the napkins, which tell you that ‘You look smart (stay that way)’, and the coasters, which cheekily say, ‘Have a drink on me. Literally.’ Begin with the Mixed sausage platter (B400), which serves spicy Northern Thai sausages, their Bangkok street food style counterparts, and German varieties so authentic they will take you straight back to Munich.

The range of pickles, dips and nuts ensure each bite is different. The BBQ ribs (1/2 rack) (B670) are perfectly caremalised in their smoky marinade and deliver a tender, flavourful bite. The Four cheeses (B490) pizza comes piping hot, the juxtaposed melting crunch providing a sure crowd-pleaser.

As the neighbouring fine dining hotspot Park Society has launched their new à la carte menu, if you desire a less tapas-style entrée, ordering from this gastronomical gem is a fantastic option. The Royal project beetroot salad (B370) presents perfectly seasoned beetroot, sliced like fettuccine, balanced with melt-in-your mouth meringue, quinoa, nuts, and savoury burrata from Puglia. A hint of roselle gives this dish an intriguing lift. Another must-have is the Mushroom risotto (B650), a rich, al dente classic perfumed with French truffles and topped with browned Cremini mushrooms and fine Parmesan slices. As you set your spoon into the dish, golden yolk pours out of the sous vide egg nestled under the rice.

For a sweet finish, HI-SO’s decadent Chocolate lava cake (B350), oozing with bittersweet goodness, comes presented with mixed berries, ice cream and chocolate crumbles for a variety of textures and flavours on the palate. Another favourite is the Crème brulee (B350), a smooth, rich custard topped with a burnt sugar crust for a crisp and creamy mouthful. This is brilliantly offset with biscuit crumbles, zesty fruit and mint for a varied experience.

Innovative mixologist Kishan Rampersad brings the best local ingredients together in sophisticated infusions that delight and surprise the imagination. The Lychee rose martini (B350) brings together the dulcet notes of lychee and the floral roundedness of roses with the light burn of vodka for a sweet tipple with a hidden agenda. If you prefer a more bitter undertone, then the Lumphini’s pride (B350) combines grapefruit syrup, Campari, Martini Rosso and vodka with fresh rosemary for a herby, intriguing drink. Le vivre (B350) is the obvious choice for the gin lover, as it mixes Tanqueray Gin with ginger, cinnamon, apple and lime for a warming, bright concoction that pairs well with the view. No matter your preference, however, do not miss the Frozen coconut mojito (B350): the local twist on this rum classic packs a stunning, full flavour which will remind you of the tropical paradise that Bangkok truly is. We were so completely charmed, that we ordered a second.