The restaurant scene in Bangkok is one of the most varied and interesting in Asia, with cuisines of almost every nation to be found alongside spicy Thai classics and exquisite seafood. Many people will be familiar with the red and green Thai curries that have gained popularity around the world, and the cuisine in Bangkok offers some of the best Thai dishes. As well as Thai cuisine the cosmopolitan city also has a number of restaurants run by internationally renowned chefs deliver excellent food from around the world.
Sirocco
Probably the most famous restaurant to be found in Bangkok is the Sirocco, which serves a combination of international and local Thai dishes. However, the main attraction to visitors to this restaurant is often not the food, but the view and the experience, as it is an open air restaurant at the top of the second highest building in the country. There is also an open air bar on the rooftop, which makes for a stunning place to spend an evening, enjoying the Bangkok skyline as night falls.
The food in Sirocco is not too bad at all, but the sensational open air views do come at a price when you see the final bill. The seafood dishes make great use of the amazing fishing around the coast of the city, and the oysters and caviar take pride of place on the menu.
Royal Dragon Restaurant
Another of the Bangkok restaurants that can boast a gimmick is the Royal Dragon Restaurant, which is the former Guinness Book of Records record holder for the largest restaurant with over 5,000 covers. The restaurant itself combines food with theatre, and there are regular Thai culture shows that can be enjoyed along with the meal.
The food itself is a combination of cuisines from across Asia, and the option to order seafood by weight and to request the manner of cooking is an interesting option. It is generally best to stick with local cuisine to get the best dishes in the restaurant, but the additional gimmick of waiters on roller skates is a little much for our tastes.
Oasis Lounge
Another restaurant that is quickly developing an excellent reputation for top Thai food is the Oasis Lounge, which is located just a short walk away from the famous Patpong Night Market. The emphasis at this restaurant is good Thai food at competitive prices, and while it may not have the refinement of the top restaurants charging the top prices, the Thai food on offer here is second to none. This city centre restaurant is well worth a visit for any visitor to Bangkok.
Vegetarian And Vegan Restaurants
One of the interesting aspects of the dining culture in Bangkok is the sheer number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city, which may have developed because of the popularity of Thailand as an ‘alternative’ holiday destination. The great produce that is available in the country is certainly reflected in the dishes that appear on the table, but the small places such as the Rasayana Raw Food Café and Bonita are among the must visit places for vegetarians and vegans.
International Cuisine
The sheer number of different cuisines that are vying for a place on your taste buds in Bangkok makes it difficult to summarize all the places, but Italian, German and French cuisines all take their place alongside Asian favorites. Up market restaurants such as The Reflexions and Napa on 26 both cater for those looking for a tasty and sophisticated flavor of European cuisine.
As with any major city there are also a number of restaurants to be found inside the major hotels, with Le Normandie at the Mandarin Oriental delivering an authentic taste of French cuisine, while Le Square at the Novotel is another top French restaurant in the city.
No American cuisine in Thailand on your revue? Your commentary on the restaurants you visited is cool though. how windy did it get up in Sirocco? Nothing like the spiciness of Thai food and their condiments, specially the satays.