Restaurants have been reopening all across Bangkok. But what are the new developments chefs have been cooking up that we should know about?
Lockdown measures are easing up and allowing us to enjoy dining in restaurants again so that things are starting to feel normal. With that, some chefs from MICHELIN-Starred restaurants are breathing new life into Thailand’s culinary scene by opening up new eateries. Let’s look at three chefs with MICHELIN pedigrees who have opened or are getting ready to open their latest gourmet ventures.
Andreas Caminada with his IGNIV team in Bangkok; Chef David Hartwig and Sous Chef Arne Reihn. (© IGNIV Bangkok by Andreas Caminada)
IGNIV Bangkok by Andreas Caminada
Address: 159 Rajadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok (1st flr, The St. Regis Bangkok)The famous IGNIV restaurant from Switzerland is coming to Thailand with a branch preparing to open in Bangkok at The St. Regis Bangkok hotel at Ratchaprasong. This is the latest outing for Chef Andreas Caminada, Swiss cuisine superstar of Three MICHELIN Starred Schloss Schauenstein as well as of IGNIV in Bad Ragaz and St. Moritz, which received Two MICHELIN Stars in the MICHELIN Guide Switzerland 2020. Furthermore, Chef Andreas received the distinguished MICHELIN Mentor Award, recognising him as an exceptional teacher, guide, and supporter of promoting new culinary concepts. This unique ability to identify and foster talent can best be seen through his three students who went on to achieve MICHELIN Stars of their own.
IGNIV (from the ancient Rhaeto-Romanic meaning “bird’s nest”) is renowned for its fine dining with shared dishes. Featuring seasonal ingredients from Thailand and abroad, this restaurant offers an escape from the outside world while celebrating Thai flavours at the same time.
For its Bangkok branch, Chef David Hartwig takes up the mantle as head chef to showcase his skills from Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland and New York to bring the IGNIV experience to diners at IGNIV Bangkok by Andreas Caminada, opening soon on the first floor of The St. Regis Bangkok. Find out more here.
The new restaurant opened by the chef from Le Du (One MICHELIN Star) and Baan (MICHELIN Plate), both listed in MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2020. (© Pruepat Songtieng / MICHELIN Guide Thailand)
Nusara
Address: 22 Soi Tha Thian, Phra Nakhon, BangkokChef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn from Le Du (One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2020) and Baan (MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2020) continues his dedication to Thai flavours by expanding further with a new Thai restaurant serving in an historic location from the reign of King Rama V. Joining the phad thai eatery and organic wine bar Mayrai on the second floor of this 200-year-old building is Nusara. Named after their late grandmother, Chef Ton and his brother Chaisiri “Tam” Tassanakajohn established this restaurant as a tribute to the modern Thai lady who helped raise them.
Nusara is a fine dining restaurant serving classic Thai food, with a twist. Reinterpreting the kaiseki concept, full of decorative and colourful touches, the 12 courses present answers to the question: how would Thai people of eras past cook if they had modern kitchen equipment and techniques? Chef Ton developed this concept with Nusara’s head chef, Chef Nithit “Leng” Nithikamphol. Chef Ton’s brother joins in to welcome guests and recommend wines, but if neither brother is available, the restaurant is closed. This is because Chef Ton wants someone in the family to welcome and take care of diners as if they were entering his family home. The restaurant can accommodate 6 to 10 people, and enquiries can be made through Mayrai.
Chef Dan Bark and his team are ready to welcome to to their new restaurant. (© Facebook/ Cadence by Dan Bark)
Cadence by Dan Bark
Address: 225 Pridi Banomyong 25 Alley, Vadhana, BangkokAfter Upstairs, Chef Dan Bark’s progressive American restaurant that received One MICHELIN Star in three consecutive years, 2019 and 2020, announced it was closing, Chef Dan moved on to his twin project, Cadence and Caper. Replacing Upstairs on Ekamai, Cadence embraces his progressive fine dining identity and expands the experience with a 15-course tasting menu with pairings and specialty cocktails to enhance every dish. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tasting Korean flavours. Find out more here.
Caper by Dan Bark. (© Facebook/ Caper by Dan Bark)
Caper by Dan Bark
Address: 225 Pridi Banomyong 25 Alley, Vadhana, BangkokThe twin of Cadence by Dan Bark, the chef behind the acclaimed Upstairs, is Caper, which takes a different path. Caper focuses on casual dining with a modern take on the familiar flavours of American comfort food, perfect for sharing. Fans of Chef Dan can find out more here.
Written by Sansern Khriengprinyakich and Pruepat "Maprang" Songtieng
Hero photo: © IGNIV Bangkok by Andreas Caminada
