Exciting new openings, plus two hotels to add to your post-lockdown vacay list.

By Ashima Sethi and Nafisa Singhsachathet

HOLY BURGER

Holy Burger is a 100 percent plant-based burger delivery service now available in Bangkok, with a goal to prevent animal cruelty, promote sustainability, and encourage healthy living. Since its launch earlier this year, the brand have introduced five signature burgers, encompassing the Rooster booster (THB 239), a take on a classic chicken burger and topped with a mustard-style sauce; the Beyond bliss burger (THB 289), which pairs a marinated Beyond Meat patty with bacon mayo, sprouts, crispy fries and a Sriracha sauce; and the Mermaid’s dream (THB 239) that puts a veggie twist on a fish burger with tartare sauce. Although the highlight is definitely their burgers, you can upgrade your order with one of their hearty appetisers for a full meal. Holy Burger is currently available on Lineman, Grab, and WhatsApp. Facebook: @holyburgerbkk

VIA EMILIA

If you’re a fan of authentic Italian flavours, head to Sathorn, home to newly-opened Via Emilia. A joint project between Chef Stefano Merlo (formerly of Sensi) and Andrea Bernadi (former General Manager of Il Bolognese), the restaurant aims to highlight dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Located in the southern part of the North, bordering the Adriatic, it’s many valleys, rivers, and proximity to the ocean means the cuisine is rich in seafood. Highlights from the menu include the L’insalata di pesce alla romagnola (THB 320), a salad of mussels, shrimp, and cuttlefish marinated in a parsley dressing; the Tortellini artusiani (THB 350), where roasted pork tortellini are served in a cheesy sauce; and the Strozzapreti con le canocchie (THB 320) where fresh pasta and the tender meat of mantis shrimps are cooked in a flavourful tomato sauce. To pair with your meal, the restaurant’s wine list also keeps focus on vintages from the region.
Facebook: @viaemiliabangkok

MISS FISH

Sathorn Soi 10 has welcomed yet another tempting restaurant, Miss Fish. Serving fish-based dishes inspired by favourites from around the world in a bright, casually-styled dining room, the restaurant offers plates like the Miss fish royale burger (THB 250), a take on the much-loved Filet-O-Fish that features a fried cod patty, potato bun, and tons of tartare sauce. Equally as delicious, the BFF Burger (THB 250) comprises of crisp buttermilk fried fish, pickles, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a generous dollop of secret sauce. Beyond burgers, the restaurant also has classic fish and chip dishes, healthy rice bowls with your choice of salmon or tuna as a protein, a selection of cocktails and mocktails, and more! You can also order in as they’re now listed on several delivery platforms. Facebook: @missfishbkk

ASOK PI SHOP

Largely focused on flatbreads, ASOK Pi Shop wants to bring the versatile, well-known side dish to the forefront through the use of premium ingredients and bold flavours. With a menu that changes every day (yes, every day!) there’s never knowing what to expect, but previously, some of their delicious options included the Prince of pepperoni (THB 490) that combined pepperoni, mozzarella and tomato sauce; the Reverse nippon
(THB 570), where bread is topped with smoky nduja sausage, straciatella, and honey; and the Samurai mike (THB 550) that has clams, lardo, garlic, EVO, parsley and crispy breadcrumbs (THB 550). Beyond flatbreads, the restaurant also offers an array of dishes on their special menu, such as Grilled langoustine (THB 550), Blue belly shrimp crudo (THB 350), and Uni koji cake (THB 650), where a traditional koji rice cake is topped with silky sea urchin. Facebook: @asok.pishop

PETITS PLATS

Upscale lifestyle complex Velaa Sindhorn Village in Langsuan has welcomed another fi ne dining outlet, Petits Plats. A joint effort from the teams behind Burger & Lobster, Vaso Spanish Tapas Bar, and several other popular restaurants, Petits Plats (which translates to ‘small plates) aims to bring the “best French-Mediterranean cuisine [to] Bangkok.” Like other restaurants in the area, the eatery boasts an elegant dining room styled after a contemporary French bistro complete with pastel booths, high ceilings, marble-topped tables, and lots of beautiful artwork. On the menu, expect classic Mediterranean dishes spanning escargot, duck confit on a bed of butternut squash risotto, baby mussels in white wine, delicate yellowtail carpaccio, truffle toast, bucatini pasta with lobster, gnocchi and cherry tomatoes cooked in a flavourful sauce, and other tempting options. Facebook: @petitsplatsbangkok

AROMKWAN

Promising a truly unique dining experience, Aromkwan is a private dining kitchen that focuses on smoked dishes from the Southeast Asian region. Situated inside the home of former Funky Lam chef, Vishanu ‘Bank’ Prempuk, the restaurant’s generous dine in menu is priced at THB 1,850++ per person and includes smoked delights such as Smoked knuckle biryani, Sriracha honey wings, Fiery quail egg sambal, Smoked goat ribs curry, Charred shallot curry, and much, much more (they can also accommodate food allergies and vegetarian preferences with advanced notice). The meal is served entirely on a bed of banana leaf, with the chef adding each component as he explains the unique flavours. If you’d like a taste of his specialties, the restaurant also offers a limited delivery menu of family-sized dishes served in clay pots and individual servings wrapped in banana leaf. Facebook: @aromkwan

BOMBAY BLUES EKKAMAI

Much-loved desi-inspired drinking hole, Bombay Blues, is making a comeback! Open on the 29th floor of the Mövenpick Residences Ekkamai Bangkok, the bar is adorned with Indian patterned armchairs, wooden tables for groups, intimate lounge-style lighting, and an eye-catching curtain-style chandelier that hangs overhead, a slightly different aesthetic from the Bombay Blues that Bangkokians used to frequent in Khaosan and Thonglor, but exciting nonetheless. The bar also offers a terrace area with cushioned seating lit up by lamps, should you decide to drink and dine al fresco. On the menu are plenty of signature cocktails like the Bombay garden made from gin, berries, and fresh herbs from the onsite garden; the fruity Bombay long island ice tea that packs a punch; and the unique chai-based Old monk. Facebook: @BBEKKAMAI

RARE

For a top notch fine dining experience, head over to Rare BKK to indulge in a night of delicious food. A casual chef’s table led by Thanachot Dolchalaikorn, who wants the restaurant to feel as if you’ve been invited to dine in his home, Rare puts focus on premium ingredients such as winter truffles, lobster, and A5 wagyu, each crafted into innovative dishes with meticulous precision. Boasting only 10 seats in an intimate setting, diners can watch the chefs in action thanks to the open kitchen. In addition to à la carte options, the restaurant is currently offering a 10-course French fine tasting menu priced at THB 2,800++ per person, which features delicacies like truffle soup, farm seabass in consomme, jade tiger abalone in herb butter, six-hour sous vide Hokkaido scallops, and more. As the restaurant is small, reservations are required. Facebook: @Rarebkk

SUSHIRO

Popular Japanese sushi chain Sushiro has arrived in Bangkok as of last month. Having first opened its doors in Osaka in 1984, the chain has expanded to Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and now, the seventh floor of CentralWorld. Best known for its fresh, affordable conveyor belt sushi, plates start at only THB 40 with hundreds of delicacies to choose from, ranging from classics like tuna, salmon, and mackerel nigiri to red sea bream, premium grilled eel, and shrimp and avocado rolls. Beyond sushi, diners can also tuck into fried dishes like tempura and yuzu shrimp, various miso soups, bowls of udon noodles, and different kinds of ramen, salads, and desserts. All you need to do is pick a booth, sit down, and order via a screen, it doesn’t get easier than that! Facebook: @SushiroThailand

TICHUCA ROOFTOP BAR

Located on the 46th floor of the T-One Building attached to Thong Lo BTS Station via a walkway, Tichuca Rooftop Bar is undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s most exciting new nightlife spots. The impressive three-storey bar follows a jungle theme, decorated with Tiki bar-styled accents, rattan stools, wicker chairs, wooden tables and benches, and at its centre sits a towering tree lit up with changing colours (if you’ve ever seen James Cameron’s Avatar (2009), the tree looks a lot like the one central to the film). Beyond the unique décor, on the menu are plenty of tropical-inspired mocktails and cocktails, aperitifs, local and imported beers, wine, and more. Open for sunset until late, the bar also invites some of the city’s leading house and electro DJs to add to the fun ambience. Facebook: @tichuca.bkk

NAAM BANGKOK

Located next to the CAT Tower on the Chao Phraya River, directly across from ICONSIAM, NAAM Bangkok is a new nightlife concept that takes the shape of a floating bar. Inspired by hot spots in Bali, the very Instagrammable NAAM is decorated with plenty of bamboo accents and wooden furniture spanning group benches, booths, and high tables, all with sunset views. Moreover, the bar is lit up in hues of fuchsia and yellow to emphasise the tropical feel. To eat, the bar offers simple Thai-style mains as well as bar snacks like Chicken wings (THB 180) and Roast pork with chilli (THB 180) in case you feel peckish. To drink, signature cocktails take centre stage, but local brews, beers, wine, are all available too. Facebook: @naam.bangkok

THE WINE MERCHANT SHOP @ THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

The duo behind La Casa Nostra, Aman Sachdev and Nan Pittara, have launched a new wine store inside of luxury hotel, The Mandarin Oriental. Running as part of The Wine Merchant, a fine wine distribution company that works closely with top winemakers from Europe, The Wine Merchant flagship store is stocked with bottles of red, white, sparkling, and more from over 100 wineries from around the world, many of which are priced at less than THB 1,000 (wine lovers assemble!). Prices of bottles are also the same as what you’d find on the company’s designated phone app, Virtual Wine Cellar. In addition to stellar prices and selection, the store also boasts a concierge service, where professionals can guide you through the selection process, as well as a sommelier table that you can book for private tasting sessions of up to eight people.
www.thewinemerchant-thailand.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NORTH PATTAYA

Set to open mid this year, Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya is situated only a few minutes away from the shorelines of North Pattaya’s Naklua, as well as attractions like Terminal 21 Pattaya, Central Festival, Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, and the Sanctuary of Truth, a spectacular temple-style museum built entirely of
teak. In addition to its convenient location, the modern hotel boasts comfortable accommodations ranging from standard rooms to club rooms and suites with executive lounge access, drinking and dining options spanning all-day restaurant Café 22, the Surf Bar at the lobby for light bites and refreshments, and the rooftop pool bar for delightful cocktails. Moreover, the hotel will also house a Kids’ Club, Fitness Center, rooftop pool, and versatile event facilities totalling 280sqm of space.
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pyxnp-courtyard-north-pattaya

SALA BANG PA-IN

SALA Hospitality Group, best known for their minimalist-inspired approach to hotel design and luxury boutique properties across Thailand, will be launching their ninth property next month, Sala Bang Pa-In. Located in Ayutthaya, the resort sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, only 28km away from Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel houses 24 spacious guestrooms and pool villas, all with stunning river views, the biggest being the 484sqm Three Bedroom Pool Villa that’s perfect for groups of friends and families. The hotel’s signature restaurant will be Sala Bang Pa-In Eatery and Bar, a riverside restaurant serving international cuisine crafted from ingredients grown in the onsite garden, as well as global wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails. It will also feature a multi-purpose meeting room and 240sqm river-facing lawn for intimate parties and weddings.
www.salahospitality.com/bang-pa-in