Bangkok, which is less than two-hour flight from Singapore, has become a popular weekend holiday getaway.
With gleaming mega-malls, bustling labyrinths of street markets and a buzzy dining scene, coupled with a generally affordable price tag, Bangkok has become the go-to destination for a quick and fuss-free break. Besides shopping and massages, dining slots in popular restaurants are running out faster than you can say 'sawadikap'.
And with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok in December last year, it has become much easier to organise epic epicurean gourmet tours. Sure, you can make a beeline for two-Michelin-starred Gaggan and Le Nomandie, but besides these culinary luminaries, there is a wealth of innovative restaurants in the Land of Smiles to savour cutting-edge culinary creations.
Here are five innovative Michelin-starred restaurants and what our inspectors say about them in the red guide.
Mezzaluna
Two Michelin Stars"Perched on the 65th floor of the Lebua Hotel, Mezzaluna offers sky-high and breathtaking views. Toast to the high life at Sky Bar before settling in for a gastronomic journey. The accomplished chef and his team deliver European delights with Japanese precision in five- and seven-course set menus, along with some surprises. The flavours are balanced and sophisticated, and the food is creative and technically precise. A wine list of substantial proportions and prices accompanies."
Price: More than THB 2,400 per person
Upstairs at Mikkeller
One Michelin Star
"A perennially popular beer bar has this 20-seater restaurant on the second floor that goes well beyond what you'd expect to find. Run by an experienced but young chef who cut his teeth in Chicago, diners come for a 10-course set menu. The décor is decidedly minimalist, allowing the focus to remain on the open kitchen and artful dishes. The menu changes seasonally and has an accompanying beer pairing that includes brews from Denmark, New Zealand and the USA."
Price: More than THB 2,400 per person
Gaa
Michelin Plate"Modern eclectic cuisine that blends traditional cooking and innovative techniques is served here. Locally sourced ingredients are transformed into something unexpected. Diners choose between the 10- and 14-course tasting menus which are changed quarterly to reflect seasonal specialties. Signature items include chicken liver mousse and cauliflower with caramelised whey. Wine and juice pairings are available."
Price: More than THB 2,400 per person
La Table de Tee
Michelin Plate"Journey down a back alley in Silom to find this Franco-Thai inspired restaurant under the guidance of a young Bangkok-born chef. Inside an ambitious and reasonably priced chef's menu awaits - so loosen the reigns and trust that Chef Tee's years of experience in Europe will shine. The fixed five-course menu changes weekly but dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients and are a hybrid of creative French cuisine with Thai touches. Advanced booking recommended."
Price: Between THB 800 to 1,600 per person
The Dining Room at The House on Sathorn
Michelin Plate"It's worth arriving early to wander around the beautiful colonial mansion, which dates from 1889 and was once the embassy of the Soviet Union. The porte-cochère entrance leads to a sumptuous bar and the perfect spot for a cocktail. The food is Asian with a Turkish twist; the combinations are ambitious and the presentation flamboyant—the Turkish chef's travels inform his cuisine. 'Sultan's Message Can't Deliver—is his speciality."
Price: Between THB 1,600 to 2,400 per person
