Now that restaurants can serve alcohol till 11pm again – fingers crossed that doesn’t change – the city’s vibrant dining scene can return (somewhat) to normal. And this weekend, along with checking out new places or visiting old favourites, remember that Chinese New Year is upon us so consider one of Bangkok’s many Chinese fine dining spots.
As always, should you need some inspiration when it comes to choosing where to dine, here’s this week’s trio of top-tier recommendations.
(Hero Image: The Peninsula Bangkok)
The Peninsula’s Ultra-Exclusive Chinese New Year Feast
At The Peninsula Bangkok, Chinese New Year 2022 kicks off on February 1 with festive decorations and lanterns, workshops in traditional arts like Chinese calligraphy, and more. But even before that, this riverside hotel’s restaurants are celebrating the upcoming Year of the Tiger in fine style, starting with the River Café & Terrace, where guests can savour an authentic Cantonese Dim Sum Brunch (THB 1,288++ per person) from January 29 to February 1, from noon to 2:30pm. But for true extravagance, make a reservation at Mei Jiang, the property’s well-known Chinese fine dining restaurant, for the ‘Mei Jiang Exclusive’. This exquisite, plant-based, Cantonese culinary journey (THB 9,888 net per person) is available from January onwards, but is limited to only one party of up to four guests each night. A wonderful wine-pairing option (THB 3,200 net), including exceptional reserve labels, can also be part of this experience. In addition, The Peninsula’s ‘Prosperity Hamper’ (THB 8,888 net), and ‘Wealth Hamper’ (THB 6,888 net), are both available for gift-giving, and each comes filled with traditional holiday delicacies.
For more information and reservations, visit The Peninsula Bangkok.
Mouth-watering Menu Updates at Caper By Dan Bark
On Soi Pridi Banomyong, in the upper reaches of Ekkamai Road, is where you’ll find the restaurant and bar known as Caper By Dan Bark. The kitchen here is helmed by the award-winning Korean-American chef Dan Bark, who is also the powerhouse behind Cadence – located right next door – which has been awarded one-Michelin-star for two years running. The chef’s wildly inventive interpretations of “modern American comfort cuisine” are perfect for sharing, while the bar’s always carefully curated cocktails – and wine selections put together by the restaurant’s experienced sommelier – are designed to perfectly match the mood of the food. Caper’s current updated dining menu contains a mouth-watering selection to choose from, starting with appetisers such as the jalapeno cheddar biscuit, and the foie gras torchon served with truffle vinaigrette, orange marmalade, and toasted brioche bread. From the mains, don’t miss the Angus ribeye steak, served with scallion kimchee and beef jus, or the sea bass served with burnt parsnip purée, roasted beet, and chimichurri. For dessert, how does banana bread with bacon ice cream and rum maple syrup sound?
For more information and reservations, visit Caper By Dan Bark.
Tasty New À La Carte Options at Jhol Indian Restaurant
Since opening its doors on Sukhumvit Soi 18 back in early 2020, Jhol has been consistently dazzling diners with the ‘Coastal Indian Cuisine’ of world-class chef, restaurateur, and author Hari Nayak. The Bangkok team who bring the famed chef’s recipes to life have recently introduced some mouth-watering new additions to the already wonderful à la carte menu, with both veg and non-veg options. Must-try highlights include: succulent babyback injipuli pork ribs with a ginger tamarind jaggery glaze; pollichathu mushroom (fried in banana leaf) with sautéed edamame poriyal and lemon rice; Bengali-style chingri malaikari tiger prawn curry; Alleppey fish curry with tempered taro and matta rice; Nilgiri chicken kurma with baby eggplant; Chettinad lamb shank with black pepper, stone flower and crispy potatoes; and Chang Mai tomato dal with red chili tempered oil and crispy garlic. In addition, if you need something cool to complement the sometimes fiery fare, Jhol’s talented bartenders are known for whipping up a pretty eye-popping array of cocktails and mocktails. Word has it that a set tasting menu is also in the works, which is definitely something to look forward to.
For more information and reservations, visit Jhol Restaurant.