Bangkok has no end of “hidden gems” tucked away within its vast dining scene, which gourmet guides like Michelin and Asia’s 50 Best have only scratched the surface of. This week our trio of restaurant recommendations includes one fine dining spot that’s just new on the scene, one that has been around for a considerable number of years, and one that quietly opened its doors about a year ago.
(Hero image: Puffed rice with spiced yoghurt foam and beetroot reduction at Rang Mahal)
Marie Guimar’s Khao Chae promotion on until the end of May
Named after a pioneering woman from 17th-century Siam, Marie Guimar restaurant puts the spotlight on Thai traditional fine dining and regional cuisine. This hidden gem of a restaurant opened its doors last summer, and is located on the 28th floor of the Wyndham Bangkok Queen Convention Center residence building. From now until May 31st, lunch and dinner diners can enjoy a special seasonal Khao Chae promotion (starting from THB 590), featuring organically farmed jasmine rice soaked in aromatic, jasmine-infused water, with the added perfume of ylang-ylang and bread flower. This classic summer dish can be enjoyed with various side dishes, such as steamed bell peppers stuffed with minced pork and shrimp and wrapped in an egg net, stir-fried pickled turnip, wonderfully sweet, stir-fried spotted eagle ray, tasty deep-fried catfish pellets, and a selection of crunchy summer green mango, young fingerroot (ginger), cucumber, and spring onion. And since the real-life Marie Guimar was known for her outstanding desserts, it’s no surprise the menu here lists such tasty treats as Khanom Tan, Woon Tan Tanod, and Chef Tana “Joe” Thaweethawornswad’s impressive Mor Gaeng.
For more information and reservations, visit Marie Guimar.
Don’t miss Rang Mahal’s brand-new six-course tasting menu
For more than two decades, Rang Mahal has maintained its enviable position as of one of Bangkok’s most revered and acclaimed Indian restaurants. With its sweeping city views – from the 26th floor of the Rembrandt Sukhumvit hotel – and a vast menu of Indian specialties, representing a broad spectrum of that country’s diverse cooking styles, it’s small wonder that it has remained a foodie favourite for so long. Recently, the restaurant launched an exciting new 6-course dinnertime tasting menu concept (THB 1,999++), which is available from Thursday to Sunday. Each elaborately plated course is ingeniously named in such a way as to reflect its main ingredient or cooking style – Street, Ferment, Sea, Moilee, Land, and Sweet – and some of the mouthwatering highlights include: puffed rice with spiced yoghurt foam and beetroot reduction; king prawn with coconut gravy and milagai podi rice; snow fish with mustard and cucumber salad; rack of lamb with baby potato and mash; and a heavenly milk cake with saffron for dessert.
For more information and reservations, visit Rang Mahal.
New in town: Ruen Noppagao offers an array of authentic Thai delicacies
New on Sathorn Soi 6 is Ruen Noppagao, a Thai fine dining spot whose name translates as “the house of nine gems” referring to the nine precious stones – each associated with a unique benefit or blessing – that feature in the insignia of the Kingdom’s highest order, established by King Rama IV. No surprise then that this restaurant is all about tradition; shining a spotlight on royal recipes previously enjoyed only by noble families, as well as classic, authentic dishes from across the nation. Helming the kitchen is Chef-Manager Kanin Sinpan, a two-time winner of Thailand’s International Culinary Cup. His menu is extensive, but the opening page lists nine of his most signature creations, so choosing one (or all) is a good place to start. Highlights include: Kanom Bueng Sukhothai (pancake filled cucumbers and shallots); Mee Grob (crispy noodles with diced prawn and chicken); and a spicy prawn curry, here served with nine different vegetables. Ruen Noppagao is part of the BAC (Bangkok Air Catering) group of companies, and is one of their ‘Gourmet House’ restaurants – a trio that also includes Brasserie 9, located right next door.
For more information and reservations, visit Ruen Noppagao.
