Because Bangkok is a city of so much diversity, describing her food scene is probably best done in two themes – trendy dining catered for the urbane crowd and just good wholesome local fare for everyone. The first post will start with her trendy dining outlets. These are 5 of my best experiences.

• The Blue Elephant – Food was wonderful- panaeng tofu, seafood pad thai and grilled seabass was so delicious and showed us what is extraordinarily prepared Thai food all about. Service was also wonderful, staff was so professional, pro-active, friendly and went the extra mile for us. Deco and ambience gorgeous always. About600-800 thb for the main seafood dishes. It’s an oldie but a goodie. Closest BTS is Sarusak.

 

• Salt Aree – This is a lovely place to dine with friends or with your significant other. Ambience is relaxed yet chic, and food is good and varied. Pizzas are freshly made, the tuna wasabi is excellent though be prepared to tear a little, and the starter of oysters are just perfect and simple. I would recommend it for a Friday evening as a place to unwind, enjoy different kinds of cuisine, and be in the open air. We’ve had many lovely evenings here either together or with friends. Price is mid-range. Closest BTS is Ari.

 

• Author’s Lounge, Mandarin Oriental – Colonial, historical, aesthetically divine and peaceful by the river. It’s a serene slice of Bangkok that conjures the nostalgia of another century. Pastel shutters, lattice overlay and huge French windows. It’s frightfully expensive, more than the Okura or Peninsula, especially if you want to sit in the centre and the food is not the limelight (wasn’t bad but not special) but the ambience is exquisite. For a special occasion, for gorgeous photos and lovely memories.

 

 

• Above Eleven: This was like a less grand version than Vertigo Banyan Tree but in a positive cozy way. Food was gorgeous- a group of 5 ordered tuna tartare, snowfish, a mushroom dish, lamb shank, avocado salad and a japanese seafood type nibbles, with various types of drinks and it came up to about usd200++ which is definitely less expensive than Vertigo or even Blue Elephant- but no less delicious. Would really recommend the snowfish. You get a good view but not soo stratospheric high you get giddy. Great place for ladies night, or for romantic couples and conveniently in Soi 11, closest BTS Nana.

 

 

• Vertigo Moon Bar, Banyan Tree: A panoramic view of Bangkok, good service and delicious food. I don’t know if it’s Michelin quality, but it definitely satisfied my tastebuds. There were various vegetarian options for the main course, and seafood was also delectable. The sinful chocolate cake and pavlova with mascarpone was a fine end to the dinner. Freebies came in good quality bread, chocolate and a pudding type desert. It was on the expensive side for us, about 1200 baht minimum for the main course with fish and 900 baht for vegetarian dishes, but a lovely treat once in awhile. To go with your partner, or with a small group of close friends. Just on a side-note, Vertigo Banyan Tree in Bangkok is far superior than the one in KL, so if you have experienced it in Bangkok, you may be a little disappointed with the KL version. Closest BTS is Saladaend.