The Masala Team keeps you current.
EAT & DRINK
ChomSindh (featured above)
Celebrating traditional Thai recipes, the soon-to-be-launched ChomSindh on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok aims to provide rich Thai flavours of freshwater and seafood delicacies. Passed on through generations, the restaurant’s master chefs display their culinary expertise, crafting dishes from the freshest local produce and bringing the finest Thai ingredients so you can enjoy every morsel. Mimicking the ambience of a welcoming Thai shophouse, the alluring interior and distinctive design choices create a space that embodies the authentic spirit and essence of the Thai seaside culinary experience. Instagram: @chomsindhbkk
Cheesecake Factory
After years of success in service and culinary delights, the Cheesecake Factory finally makes its way to Bangkok at centralwOrld, marking the California-born restaurant’s introduction to Southeast Asia. With over 200 indoor seats and 50 more on the outdoor terrace, the establishment provides an inviting dining experience with an extensive menu; items that are freshly prepared from high-quality ingredients. The menu is comprised of Western, Korean, Indian, and Thai cuisine, and more. Some of the highlights include Glamburgers, seafood, steaks and superfood salads. With over 200 branches worldwide, it is reported the American chain plans to open a total of 18 Cheesecake Factory restaurants across Thailand by 2028. The Thai debutant is located on the first floor in Zone I of centralwOrld. Facebook: @cheesecakefactoryth
Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurants
Yet more haunts to check out in the newly-opened Emsphere mall, Gordan Ramsay, in partnership with Thailand’s Tanachira Group, expands his culinary brand in Asia with two new restaurants. With 12 more eateries planned to open in Thailand in the coming years, the legendary British chef kickstarts his foray into Bangkok with his style and sophistication behind Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, offering Ramsay classics such as beef wellington, fish and chips, mouth-watering sides like macaroni cheese, and the world-famous Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding. Hopping over to Street Pizza, Ramsay brings the urban Britannia flair to pizza, hot wings, fries, craft beverages, cocktails and more. The former is located on the mall’s ground floor, while the latter sits comfortably on the first. Instagram: @breadstreetkitchenthailand and @gordonramsayrestaurants
F*nkytown
From the brilliant minds of Sarnies comes F*nkytown, a new cocktail bar hidden at the top of the Sukhumvit Soi 37 branch of the bakery and café. Decked out with velvet curtains, 70s vintage-inspired aesthetics, and swanky décor, with a dimly-lit interior, the bar is filled with melodies from the secluded DJ booth, playing from a list of R&B, soul, funk, and disco. In a food-driven venue, the owners aimed to balance the essential elements of a bar and an enticing food menu, each item complementing the next. Next to the bar itself is an open kitchen, giving guests the chance to watch and salivate over fresh culinary creations led by head chef Luqman Hakim, while the bar is supervised by Sarnies beverage manager Pae Ketumarn. Instagram: @fnkytown.bar
Eastern Elixir
At the Indian-owned Valia Hotel Bangkok, there is a new speakeasy bar ready to take you on a unique journey. Eastern Elixir Social Lounge & Bar is the newest bar in town, with grand doors, an oriental-inspired design, and opulent art pieces. Every cocktail features a secret ingredient called Essentials Elixir which is a highlight of the bar. The lack of sugar or sweeteners makes sure all your drinks taste fresh and enhanced by natural flavours. Instagram: @lunabyclara
Bianca
Lovers of Italian food are sure to enjoy Bianca, a new casual Italian restaurant located in Emsphere. Their menu features generous sharing dishes based on time-tested Italian recipes. From their creamy Caprese buratta to their Mama’s beef lasagna, Bianca offers a wide range of cold cuts, pasta, and pizza. With all their pasta and pizza dough being made in-house, to the homemade dolci delivered every morning, Bianca has gone above and beyond to bring the authentic tastes of Italy close to home. Instagram: @bianca.bangkok
LUNA by Clara
LUNA by Clara, which originally opened in Koh Samui, finds a new home in Bangkok. Located in Sathorn, this pop-up sustainable restaurant offers a peaceful escape from the busy city, with Chefs Simone Scarparo and Christian Martena at the helm. The menu draws inspiration from a modernist culinary style, and Chef Simone’s own travels and influences. The LUNA tasting menu features 8 courses and costs THB 2,800++ per person. The restaurant also held an exclusive wine dinner, as well as a collaboration menu with Chef Deepanker Khosla from HAOMA on 4th December. Instagram: @easternelixir
Bo.lan
Featured on Netflix’s hit culinary show Chef’s Table (2015- ), Bo.lan is a Thai fine dining restaurant which is the brainchild of celebrity chef couple, Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones. After shuttering its doors for 10 months, the restaurant is back in Sukhumvit Soi 53 with a soft opening in October 2023 and an official reopening in December 2023 with a focus on sustainable food. Having won numerous accolades, including a Michelin-star, an award from the World Restaurant Awards, and placing on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, gourmands the world over will be pleased to darken the doors of this restaurant once more. Instagram:@bo.lan_essentially_thai
BHC
Fans of fried chicken are eating well in the city, as yet another entrant in the scene has found its way to Bangkok. South Korea’s sensational chicken chain BHC is opening their first branch in Bangkok in January 2024. Boasting authentic Korean flavors and using a healthier sunflower oil for frying, BHC is sure to come out the gates swinging and bringing joy to lovers of fried chicken. Instagram: @bhc_chicken_th
Mimi’s
On the rooftop of the recently-opened dusitD2 Samyan, Bangkok, Mimi’s is a new rooftop gem that aims to channel the vibrant lifestyle and cuisine of Miami. Featuring comfortable and eye-catching furnishings; American comfort food, including classics such as their BBQ pork hot dog and their Cheese burger with bacon; and stunning views where you can see Bangkok’s unparalleled sunsets beyond the cityscape; Mimi’s is sure to be a convivial night out with friends or family. Make sure to order any of their signature cocktails as you listen to pop hits, and keep a lookout for any of their not-to-be-missed promotions and events throughout the year. Facebook: @mimis.bangkok
VISIT
EmSphere
Expanding the Em District, the highly-anticipated launch of EmSphere lives up to the hype; truly a mall where entertainment comes alive! The impressive property houses a vibrant fusion of entertainment, dining, and contemporary shopping worthy of a buzzing metropolis. The mall also boasts the UOB Live arena with a capacity of six thousand; the EM Wonder zone, which is filled with multiple bars and clubs; and various enticing restaurants for foodies looking for a wonderful balance of quality and variety (some open till 3am for night owls). Not to mention, IKEA’s largest-ever city store in the world. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are more exciting experiences to be had here!
Facebook: Emsphere at EM District
Alo
Hailing from Los Angeles, activewear brand Alo has come to Asia to the first time with its inaugural branch in the M Floor of EmQuartier. With a vision of “spreading mindful movement, inspiring wellness, and creating community beyond the studio,” the brand’s ethos focuses on sustainability and fair trade, and all their products are WRAP certified, sweatshop-free, and eco-aware. Known for their comfortable yet still fashionable items, the brand has been supported by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift, and has items for both men and women to enjoy. With the launch of competitor Lululemon earlier this year, Bangkokians are spoiled for choice if they’re looking for high-quality, comfortable atheleisure wear. Instagram: @alo_thailand
Loro Piana
The epitome of #iykyk (if you know you know), Loro Piana is a couture fashion brand known among the ‘quiet luxury’ crowd for its understated, high-quality items that are sure to stand the test of time. Devoid of flashy logos or contrived designs, all of the brand’s items have comfort and luxury in mind, featuring cashmere winterwear, premium leather accessories, and intricate embroideries par excellence. Of course, the brand’s prices are just as elevated as their items, but if you’re interested in an investment piece, visit their first-ever store in Thailand, on the M Floor of Siam Paragon.
Instagram: @loropiana
STAY
Moxy Bangkok Ratchaphrasong
Boasting the distinctions of the first Moxy Hotel in Thailand and the largest in the Asia Pacific region, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong encourages guests to utilise its space to be as productive or as playful as they want. With stylishly-designed rooms, six separate accommodation options, and amenities that include walk-in showers, premium baths, and comfortable bedding, the hotel is strategically placed in the heart of Bangkok’s action. Just steps away from the Chit Lom BTS station, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaphrasong houses 504 chic rooms, a top-notch fitness centre, a bustling Moxy Bar and Restaurant, and communal spaces that turn up the fun and stylish quotient.
Instagram: @moxybangkok
