Check out our list of Thailand’s newest openings.
By Muskan Shah and Nafisa Singhsachathet
EAT & DRINK
STRANGER & SONS
Arriving in Bangkok soon, Goan gin Stranger & Sons was founded by three friends and ambitious entrepreneurs, Sakshi Saigal, Rahul Mehra and Vidur Gupta, who decided to produce their own version of the spirit after they realised the market lacked a truly ethnic Indian gin. Rather than relying on imported gins, they wanted to create one that was authentic and perfumed with smells of home. The gin is an amalgamation of juniper, pepper, nutmeg, mace, coriander and angelica seed, cassia, liquorice and various citrus peels, all freshly sourced from the distillery’s backyards and crafted by artisans in the local communities. Stranger & Sons’ unique avours are based on a mysterious legend about a two-tailed, three-eyed creature who discovered juicy juniper berries deep in the jungles of India, as it’s these berries that create the foundation for the luscious libation. The bottle itself depicts their version of the unique mythical animal. Instagram: @strangerandsons
SKYDELI BY GOURMET PRIMO
Travelling might not be an option right now but to satisfy your cravings for the experience of flying, Bangkok Air Catering have launched Sky Deli by Gourmet Primo in Sala Daeng. The cosy store specialises in affordable dishes inspired by international flight meal-boxes that are available in a grab-and-go format, perfect for those working around the area who are looking to munch for cheap prices. True to their slogan “Take a journey to deli-delights,” dishes are available as individual boxes or combo sets priced between THB 149 and THB 199 and include hot meals, desserts, and drinks. Some of their most popular options include the Chicken tom yum fried rice (THB 99), Japanese-inspired Curry rice with pork katsu (THB 169), the classic Indian dish of Chicken biryani (THB 199), and a duo bowl of Butter chicken and korma chicken (THB 109) served with naan. Facebook: @skydelishop
CAFÉ CRAFT BY CHANINTR
Located inside the Chanintr compound, and a fitting reflection of the furniture brand’s ethos of finding elegance in minimalism, the newly opened Café Craft by Chanintr is the perfect spot for all-day dining, dishing up comforting home-style meals, desserts, and drinks made from high quality organic ingredients. The interiors of the bright and airy café comprise of wood and bamboo furniture that’s surrounded by towering verdure, making the whole café a picturesque oasis that’s fitting for all the Instagram nature shots your heart desires. With a selection of Thai and Western dishes on the menu, Café Craft prides itself in being ‘a home away from home’ for diners. Recommended dishes include Homemade crunchy granola (THB 290) and the mouth-watering Salmon olio pepperoncino (THB 290) that pairs well with any of their non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Facebook: @cafecraftbychanintr
BARTELS
A Scandinavian-inspired bakery, Bartels first opened its doors back in October 2020 and has been a crowd-pleaser ever since thanks to their tantalising pastries and freshly baked bread. Run by husband and wife team Nicolai and Eva Bartel, the bakery was launched with the hope to provide breads and juices made from the freshest ingredients. Conveniently located between Thonglor and Phrom Phong, Bartels acts as a heavenly escape from the busy city with its airy interiors, lounge-like seating, and minimal aesthetic that’s pleasing to the eyes. You can pop in for a quick breakfast of Blue Heaven (THB 250), a creamy smoothie bowl packed with nutrients, or opt for a satiating snack after work like the Sweet ham and brie baguette (THB 200) paired with any of their delicious brewed coffees or squeezed juices. The bakery also boasts many vegan and vegetarian options spanning freshly baked rolls and sandwiches.
Facebook: @bartels.bangkok
PUNJAB GRILL’S SATURDAY BRUNCH
Known for its modern approach to upscale Indian cuisine, Punjab Grill has launched their brand-new Saturday brunch menu that’s full of Western brunch classics given a unique fusion twist. The brunch is a great idea for a morning out with family or friends, and you can expect delights like their take on a classic French toast, the Masala egg French toast (THB 250++) that features a brioche coated in spiced eggs; the tempting Masala egg shakshouka (THB 250++) consisting of baked eggs topped with an onion tomato masala and served with garlic naan. If you’re a fan of pavs, the restaurant recommends tucking into the Anda bhurjee pav and Paneer bhurjee pav (THB 250++), both consisting of spiced Indian scrambled eggs on soft rolls toasted rolls with the addition of cottage cheese in the paneer variety. In addition to these new dishes, their signature à la carte menu is also available. www.punjabgrillbangkok.com
CHIM CHIM
An artsy lounge; a vibrant gallery; or an eclectic diner are a few phrases you could use to describe one of the city’s most exciting newest restaurants, Chim Chim. Nestled inside the unique Siam@Siam Design Hotel, Chim Chim is the perfect spot for a pick-me-up, with the restaurant bathed in colourful hues that sweep across the furniture, food and quirky wall art. With the motto that ‘sharing creates the best moments’, the majority of dishes served at the café are sharing portions, plated artistically with many bright elements that will elevate any meal. Ideal for brunch or even a study session, the art gallery housed within the café features a multitude of up-and-coming local and international artists, rotating each season, creating an area perfect for perusing while you wait for your meal. Recommended dishes include their piquant Chicken & cranberry sando (THB 320), the hearty Five cheeses (THB 270) wood-fired pizza, or treat yourself with the indulgent Chocolate peanut tart (THB 260) coupled with a refreshing Mint mocha frappe (THB 120). Facebook: @ChimChimBangkok
DA NOI RISTORANTE ITALIANO & BAR
Adding to Bangkok’s plethora of Italian restaurants is Da Noi Ristorante Italiano & Bar. Having opened its doors last month, this new eatery explores all of Italy’s diverse produce, from the South’s fresh vegetables to the North’s creamy traditional meals. With acclaimed chef Antonio Maurizo Boffa heading the kitchen, diners can expect a creative twist on all the restaurant’s seasonal menus, with many dish names featuring clever puns that will add even more joy to an already fun selection of plates. Recommended classic dishes include the Fritto misto (THB 590), a platter of light crispy fried seafood, the Rigatoni alla arrabbiata (THB 250) a spicy pasta from central Italy, and the Holy cannoli! (THB 260) a creamy, sweet dessert that has ricotta cheese as its star. In addition to rustic cuisine, the restaurant is also a mecca for wine enthusiasts as they boast a staggering selection of high quality wines that can be paired with every dish. Facebook: @DaNoiBkk
IN THE PINK BY MARTIN BLUNOS
Chef Martin Blunos gained culinary legend status after his restaurant Lettonie was awarded two Michelin stars, first in Bristol and then in Bath. He was then a regular on television screens across the world, with appearances on shows like MasterChef and Iron Chef. In 2017, the celebrated chef arrived in Thailand to establish Blunos by Chef Martin Blunos inside the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, a restaurant that takes his vision for fine dining and makes it accessible for all. Now, the chef has added another facet to his Bangkok-based restaurant with In the Pink @ Blunos by Chef Martin Blunos, a vibrant outdoor café located on the hotel’s 14th floor that serves up health-conscious cuisine encompassing smoothies, smoothie bowls, fruity main dishes, and a small selection of pink-inspired alcoholic drinks like the vodka and white-chocolate based Tickle me pink (THB 240) and The pink panther (THB 240) made using gin, Aperol, peach schnapps, and various juices. www.eastinhotelsresidences.com
SOSHI AT SO/ BANGKOK
SO/ Bangkok has recently added a Japanese robatayaki and sushi bar called SOSHI to their impressive portfolio of outlets. Led by Chef Sornnarin who aims to put a contemporary twist on classic Japanese fare by utilising the nest imported produce from Tajima, the restaurant gives the options of à la carte dining or the recommended all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options, where guests can indulge in hand cut sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, grilled meats and seafood to their hearts content. Available at affordable price points in comparison to many other upscale Japanese restaurants, SOSHI’s buffets start at only THB 1,599 net per person (excluding beverages) and includes fan favourites like the Sake foie gras, a dish of fresh salmon and foie gras topped with teriyaki sauce; Crispy takoyaki, Salmon volcano roll, Rainbow roll sushi, Wagyu beef skewers with sesame soy, and many more. www.so-bangkok.com/wine-dine/soshi
CARROTS
It’s evident that Bangkok is going through a plant-based revolution with the sheer number of vegetarian and vegan- friendly restaurants opening up. One of the newest additions is Carrots, located in Thonglor Soi 55. The restaurant serves 100 per cent plant-based dishes and drinks, is allergen-friendly, and has gluten-free options to appeal to all diners! Examples of some of their healthy cuisine is their Romantic summer rolls (THB 180) that are packed with veggies, tofu, quinoa and lentils, and are best enjoyed with their spicy ginger nut sauce. Equally as tempting is their Oh so buffalo wings (THB 160), crunchy cauliflower coated with a spicy buffalo sauce served with ranch dip. For something light and avourful, opt for their Sunshine Mediterranean salad bowl (THB 260), an amalgamation of falafel, carrots, hummus, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, tahini dressing and homemade pita bread. To encourage being eco-friendly, bring your own cup to receive THB 5 off their drinks menu.
Facebook: @carrotsbangkok
BABY BOO & BABY BAR
Ari’s latest hidden gem, Baby Boo is a brunch-style restaurant in the day-time that transforms into Baby Bar after nightfall. An ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the central city thanks to its spacious, garden-like atmosphere, during the day the restaurant serves classic breakfast dishes, coffee, and teas, while at night, the menu changes and guests are introduced to their signature fusion creations, including the Spicy tako salad (THB 320), Lobster salsa (THB 580), Fried gyo with kani miso dip (THB 180) alongside several others. Beyond innovative cuisine, the bar side of the restaurant is most notable for its potent cocktails like the Mama mellow (THB 240) made from rum and Baileys liqueur; the Grumpy daddy (THB 260) that comprises of whisky, amaretto, rum and falernum liqueur; and the aromatic Baby bloom (THB 300) crafted using edible owers, lavender syrup, apple liqueur, grenadine and Irish cream. Facebook: @babybarbkk
WHITE SHUFFLE
Located inside the Novotel Suites Sukhumvit Soi 34, White Shuffle is a strong contender to add to your list of brunch spots. Featuring a lofty indoor dining room decorated in light wood tones with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the restaurant mimics the feeling of dining in a garden despite being indoors. Headed by Chef Yannick Hollenstein who specialises in modern European comfort-food, the restaurant recently introduced an all-day brunch menu that elevates brunch staples like the homemade Foie gras beignets (THB 390), a revamp of the French fritter made with pan-seared foie gras and caramelised figs; the Wagyu beef French toast (THB 420), where Thai beef short rib is served with egg yolk crème and black truffle mayonnaise atop a brioche; and the Shuffle egg benedict (THB 360) that combines waffle croissants with poached eggs, hollandaise, ham, bacon and other toppings. The menu also boasts a section for pasta, noodles and mains to share, such as Carbonara ravioli with truffle foam (THB 320) and Kotbullar (THB 390), kurobuta pork meatballs with potato espuma, mushrooms, lingonberry, and dill cucumber. Facebook: @whiteshufflebkk
STAY
PULLMAN KHAO LAK RESORT:
If you’re looking to indulge in a relaxing tropical escape, check out the newly-opened Pullman Khao Lak Resort, a paradise with sweeping picturesque views of the Andaman Sea and glistening white sand. In addition to panoramic vistas, guests can take full advantage of the resort’s many facilities, ranging from 15 different room, suite, and pool villa types, to four meandering pools, and a Kids’ Club to ensure fun for the whole family. Onsite, the resort houses several different restaurant and bars include Plai Dining Room for all-day dining and Thai specialities, the Hub Pool Bar for nibbles and tipples, Junction for unwinding in the lobby, and Kram Beach Club for fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, and cocktails. Inspired by the Sino-Portuguese architecture of the area, the property’s design is vibrant, incorporating subtle local motifs across the interiors and furniture. The resort boasts over 200 rooms, making it a solid choice for medium-sized events.
Facebook: @Pullmanresortkhaolak
GRAND MERCURE KHAO LAK:
Another new opening on the pristine beaches of Khao Lak, the Grand Mercure Khao Lak is a luxury property that pays tribute to the area’s many riverside villages by incorporating symbols into the décor and the unique canal that meanders through the resort for vacationers to admire. Striving to deliver in comfort and excellent hospitality, the Grand Mercure houses over 195 spacious rooms and suites that overlook the stunning Andaman Sea and Khao Lak’s white-sand beaches. Guests can choose from four styles of accommodation, each embodying the rich heritage of Thailand while still offering the modern luxury amenities you need for a comfortable retreat. The resort also houses several dining outlets, including the beachfront Andaman for international delicacies and seafood and the Andaman Bar, which serves snacks and refreshments, a wellness sanctuary called the Pran Spa, and a 24-hour gym. Facebook: @grandmercurekhaolak
